Summary of 1998 On-Farm Trials

David  Granatstein

The overall goal of these trials has been to learn how to grow apple and pear trees to their maximum potential using untested materials or unsubstantiated methods. Some growers want to learn how to grow organically or utilize some of the methods/tools organic growers routinely use. Others want to find alternatives or enhancements to fumigation, having learned their replanted trees lack vigor. Still others desire to find ways to jump-start previously planted trees that have not grown as anticipated. This was the 3 rd year of observation in some of the trials, and it becomes more and more apparent that there are no easy answers or solutions. Getting a fruit tree off to a good start from day one is vital economically. Hopefully we are learning together how to become better stewards and farmers. There are many composts from which to choose. Although differences within and between kinds of compost, i.e. animal waste composts and yard waste composts can be significant, to date we have not determined that significant differences exist in regard to their effect upon tree growth. The kind of compost used by an orchardist will depend upon what he intends the compost to do: fertilize, mulch, or improve physical soil properties. An accurate lab analysis from the compost supplier will be more useful in determining if a particular compost will meet those needs than anything else. Another big variable in comparing the on-farm trials has been soil variability between farms and within the individual blocks. More often than not, the compost trial results have simply provided a means of mapping the soils within an orchard and identifying problem areas. Eleven orchard trials were monitored in 1998: 3 were orchards replanted in 1998, 3 were orchards replanted in 1996 or 1997 and monitored from planting, 1 was a 1997 interplant monitored from planting, 3 were new plantings monitored from planting in 1996, and 1 was an existing orchard monitored from 1996. Treatments within the trials varied, but all included a combination of compost, various soil amendments, and/or root treatments at the time of planting. Tree growth, health, and productivity were measured and tracked. Summaries lnterplant. At one site, new trees were interplanted into a young planting where some trees had failed. Various composts and rates, as well as leonardite were added to the planting holes. Trunk growth increases range from 21-33% the first year and 64-88% the second. No significant treatment differences can be shown.

Summary of 1998 On-Farm Trials

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