Manure In The Orchard

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 226, 24 September 1938, Page 18 (Supplement)

Manure In The Orchard

THE manuring of orchards or fruit frees is not given sufficient consideration, with the result that the trees are often not worth the space they occupy.

Vow is the time to apply nitrogenous manures where such manuring is necessary. There is no doubt that many fruit trees benefit with an application of nitrogen, yet precautions are necessary to avoid giving it where not required, or of giving too much. Before using any nitrogen make sure that the potash supply is sufficient to balance any extra stimulation.

The trees themselves will have given an indication as to whether nitrogen is needed; such points as poor growth, or

even no wood growth at all, small leaves of a pale green appearance last season are indications. Several dessert apples are improved in quality by nitrogen. Under ordinary conditions scwt per acre is needed, or if dealing with a few trees give three or four ounces to each.

At the present time sulphate of ammonia is the best to apply. To obtain the best results from the manures, it is essential that even distribution is made over the proper area. In spite of repeated advice, the sowing of manures is still generally of a low standard, the idea seems to be to get rid of the stuff as quickly as possible, and not to care much where it goes. On larpe trees the best practice is to sow between the rows and not just for a small circle around the trunk.