1. Training and Pruning Fruit Trees 2. Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers
Chuck Ingels UC Cooperative Extension, Sacramento County
Advanced Master Gardener Training – Riverside April 4, 2014 Fruit Tree Pruning Topics to be Covered
Pruning Ornamental vs. Fruit Trees Post-Planting Pruning Dwarfing Fruiting Structures and Cut Types Summer Pruning Specific Training Methods Odd and Overgrown Trees
Topics to be Covered
Pruning Ornamental vs. Fruit Trees Post-Planting Pruning Dwarfing Fruiting Structures and Cut Types Summer Pruning Specific Training Methods Odd and Overgrown Trees
Reasons for Training Young Fruit Trees
Create light penetration in lower tree Support crop load Create access for ladder work, fruit thinning, harvesting, etc. Ornamental vs. Fruit & Nut Trees Differences
Landscape Trees Fruit & Nut Trees Taller trees Shorter trees Central leader training Many training methods First branch higher First branch lower Mostly winter pruning Winter, summer pruning Few if any heading cuts Some heading cuts Branch spreaders rarely Branch spreaders used common Ornamental vs. Fruit & Nut Trees Similarities
Branches carry heavy load »Length vs. fruit load No narrow branch (crotch) angles Proper pruning cuts for wound closure May require support »Cabling vs. rope or stake Topics to be Covered
Pruning Ornamental vs. Fruit Trees Post-Planting Pruning Dwarfing Fruiting Structures and Cut Types Summer Pruning Specific Training Methods Odd and Overgrown Trees
Post-Planting Care
• Head tree at 18-36 in. (bare root only) • Cut back well-placed laterals to 3-8 in., remove all others • Paint trunk white Interior latex paint & water, 50:50 Entire trunk & 2 in. below soil Prevents sunburn & borers
Pruning a Bare-Root Tree
Branches thinner Branches thicker than 3/16 than 3/16 New Shoots on Branches of Newly Planted Tree Paint Trunks White (Hot Climates, Afternoon Sun on Trunk)
To prevent this Topics to be Covered
Pruning Ornamental vs. Fruit Trees Post-Planting Pruning Dwarfing Fruiting Structures and Cut Types Summer Pruning Specific Training Methods Odd and Overgrown Trees
Semi-Dwarf vs. Genetic Dwarf
• Standard: 20-25+ ft. • Semi-dwarf (dwarfing rootstock): 12-20 ft. Variable dwarfing • Genetic dwarf (std. rootstock): 8-12 ft. Available in apricot, apple, olive, peach, nectarine, pomegranate Selection of varieties is limited Not available in citrus, fig, pear, persimmon, plum/ pluot Genetic Dwarf Peach/Nect. INTERNODE LENGTH Standard Peach Genetic Dwarf Peach Topics to be Covered
Pruning Ornamental vs. Fruit Trees Post-Planting Pruning Dwarfing Fruiting Structures and Cut Types Summer Pruning Specific Training Methods Odd and Overgrown Trees
More Fruit Tree Terms
• Scaffold branch: main structural limb • Spur: short fruiting twig • Shoot: current season elongated growth • Water sprout: vigorous shoot from branch • Sucker: shoot from rootstock or roots Apricot Spurs
Cherry
A. pear Eur. pear Peach Fruiting Branches
Flower buds
Veg. bud Heading Cut
• Removal of part of branch or shoot • Used to promote branch development, especially on young trees • Stimulates growth just below cuts • Can reduce sunlight penetration Thinning Cut
• Removal of entire branch or shoot, or back to a branch >1/3 the thickness of cut branch • Used to prevent crowding and improve sunlight penetration • Defines main branches Topics to be Covered
Pruning Ornamental vs. Fruit Trees Post-Planting Pruning Dwarfing Fruiting Structures and Cut Types Summer Pruning Specific Training Methods Odd and Overgrown Trees
Summer Pruning of Young Trees
• Purpose: promote scaffold branches • Head unwanted shoots to 4-6 in. • Pinch 2 ft. long shoots to promote side branching if necessary • Reduces training time, shortens time to first fruit production Summer Pruning for Training (Open Center)
Before After Summer Pruning of Mature Trees
• Purpose: To increase sunlight & productivity of lower fruiting wood • Remove unwanted vigorous, upright shoots 1-2 times during season • Bring down tree height • Large branches may sunburn if pruning is excessive Summer Pruning (Plum)
Before
After Prune Apricots and Cherries in August to Avoid Branch Diseases Topics to be Covered
Pruning Ornamental vs. Fruit Trees Post-Planting Pruning Dwarfing Fruiting Structures and Cut Types Summer Pruning Specific Training Methods Odd and Overgrown Trees
Tree Shape Determines Light Interception
Sunlight > ~ 1.5 X Sunlight 1 X
Shade
Shade Sunlight Sunlight Shade Improving Light Management
Sunlight > ~ 2 X •More fruit color Sunlight •Strong buds Sunlight Sunlight •Strong flowers •Larger fruit Shade
Shade Specific Fruit & Nut Tree Training Methods
• Open center • Central leader • Modified central leader • Perpendicular “V” • Fruit bush • Espalier Open Center
• Most common method • Stone fruits and almonds; can also use for apples, pears, figs • Select scaffolds during first 2 growing seasons, touch up in dormant season • Keep center open during summer from the start Pruning a One-Year-Old Peach Pruning a Two-Year-Old Peach Pruned Three-Year-Old Peach Pruning a Mature Peach Mature Peach/Nectarine Tying Open Center Peach Tree Removing Old Fruiting Wood
Cut back 2-year- old branches to healthy 1-year- old branches Prune Apricots in August to Avoid Eutypa Dieback Specific Fruit & Nut Tree Training Methods
• Open center • Central leader • Modified central leader • Perpendicular “V” • Fruit bush • Espalier Central Leader Apple (Genetic Dwarf, planted 2000)
2004 2013 Central Leader Training
• Used for apples, pears, Asian pears • Maintain leader, remove at certain height • Tie or stake lateral branches outward • Create 3-4 whorls of branches • Branches offset from those below Central Leader Training Spread Shoots When Young Spread branches, keep leader dominant Persimmon (FOHC) Central Leader Persimmon
Bears laterally on current season’s growth Terminal & first few lateral buds on 1- year-old branches are mixed »Both male & female flowers Persimmon Bearing Habit Persimmon Fruitful Shoots at Tips of 1-Year-Old Branches Training Young Persimmons
Modified central leader 3 - 5 main scaffolds » 1 foot intervals » 1st & 2nd year can pinch shoots to promote branching. » Head branch ends you want to keep growing into scaffolds. Unheaded Branches on Young Trees – Lost Scaffold Branches, Sunburn Pruning Mature Persimmons
Dormant, annual pruning Primarily small cuts Thin out to invigorate and increase fruit size Before Mature Tree – Mod. Central Leader
After Specific Fruit & Nut Tree Training Methods
• Open center • Central leader • Modified central leader • Perpendicular “V” • Fruit bush • Espalier Fruit Bushes Kept at Desired Height
Fruit Bushes Pruning – Years 1 & 2
• At planting, head trees to 18-24 in. • Mid-spring – cut back new growth by half • Mid-summer – cut subsequent growth back by half • Thinning cuts for sunlight penetration • May need to prune 1-2 more times Cutting New Shoots in Half Mid-Summer Fruit Bushes Pruning Mature Trees
• Cut back new growth above selected tree height 2-3 times during growing season • Thinning cuts for sunlight penetration Mature Fruit Bush Maintaining Tree Height
Before After Cherry, Pome Fruits Ideal for Fruit Bush Apricot, Plum/Pluot Fruit Bushes Vigorous Growth – Extra Work Apricot, Plum/Pluot Fruit Bushes Vigorous Growth
Before After Fruit Bushes
• Advantages Tree maintenance without ladder Trees for small spaces Sequential ripening • Disadvantages Less fruit No shade Timing of pruning critical Key Summer Pruning Missed Excess Shading Loss of lower branches Specific Fruit & Nut Tree Training Methods
• Open center • Central leader • Modified central leader • Perpendicular “V” • Fruit bush • Espalier Espalier Angle Shoots Upward Initially Espalier Pruning Growing Season
Source: Pruning and Training (Amer. Hort. Soc.) Dormant Pruning
Before
After Espalier Menorah Shape Citrus Espalier (Mandarin) Espalier Ensure Adequate Sunlight Espalier Peach
Peach Cherry Espalier Peach Row cover (Agribon)
Spring Pruning of Mature Peach Tree Prune to 1 bud all but 2 shoots per branch
After harvest cut branch back to lower shoot Peach Espalier April 3, 2014 Peach Espalier April 3, 2014 Topics to be Covered
Pruning Ornamental vs. Fruit Trees Post-Planting Pruning Dwarfing Fruiting Structures and Cut Types Summer Pruning Specific Training Methods Odd and Overgrown Trees
Peach Apple Fruit bent branches Pear Persimmon Before
Poor scaffold branch structure Persimmon Before After
Stake upright Methods of Reducing Height of Large Trees
1. Cut to desired height in thirds over 3 years Thin upright shoots in summer to provide light for lower fruiting wood Pruning Overgrown Apple
What else can be done? Sunburn from First Topping Methods of Reducing Height of Large Trees
1. Cut to desired height in thirds over 3 years Thin upright shoots in summer to provide light for lower fruiting wood 2. Bring down height in one year Saw off limbs well below desired height Leave one “nurse” limb to feed roots Thin new shoots, train tree as desired Paint exposed limbs white Pruning Overgrown Apple – One Year
1999 1999 2012
2012 Fertilization Topics to be Covered
Cation Exchange Capacity Plant Nutrients Fertilizers Fertilizing Specific Plant Types Organic Matter and Organic Fertilizers Synthetic vs. Organic Fertilizers Topics to be Covered
Cation Exchange Capacity Plant Nutrients Fertilizers Fertilizing Specific Plant Types Organic Matter and Organic Fertilizers Synthetic vs. Organic Fertilizers Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
A measure of soil fertility Clay and humus particles have neg. charge Varies by soil type and % organic matter
+ NH4 Typical CECs Based on Soil Texture
Soil Texture Typical CEC Range meq/100g Sand 2 – 6 Sandy Loam 3 – 8 Loam 7 – 15 Silt Loam 10 – 18 Clay & Clay Loam 15 – 30 Low vs. High CEC
CEC 1-10 CEC 11-50 High sand content High clay or OM content N & K leaching more Greater capacity to hold likely nutrients Less lime or sulfur More lime or sulfur needed to adjust pH needed to adjust pH Low water-holding High water-holding capacity capacity Topics to be Covered
Cation Exchange Capacity Plant Nutrients Fertilizers Fertilizing Specific Plant Types Organic Matter and Organic Fertilizers Synthetic vs. Organic Fertilizers Essential Plant Nutrients
Major Major (Macro) Minor (Micro) Nutrients from Nutrients Nutrients Air & Water from Soil from Soil Carbon Nitrogen Iron Hydrogen Phosphorus Zinc Oxygen Potassium Manganese Calcium Copper Magnesium Chlorine Sulfur Boron Molybdenum Mobility of Nutrients
Ionic Form Soil Mobility Plant Mobility + N NH4 Immobile Immobile - N NO3 Mobile Mobile - P H2PHO4 Immobile Immobile K K+ Immobile Mobile Ca Ca++ Immobile Immobile Mg Mg++ Immobile Mobile Zn Zn++ Immobile Immobile Mn Mn++ Immobile Immobile Roles of Nitrogen (N)
Converts to amino acids in plant »Building blocks for proteins »Essential for cell division & plant growth Necessary for enzyme reactions Constituent of chlorophyll (photosynthesis) Promotes vigorous vegetative growth “Simplified” Nitrogen Cycle
Biol. N Fix. Organics,manure, Inorganic fertilizers (legumes) compost
Inorganic nutrients Example -Nitrate
Soil organic matter Plant residues, microbes, humus, microbial by- products, etc. Plants leaching harvest Movement of Nitrogen
- Taken up by plants primarily as nitrate (NO3 ) + » Plant roots can absorb ammonium (NH4 ) but it is often bound to soil and cannot move as easily to roots Leaching from root zone occurs easily Deficiency appears on older leaves first because N is mobile Roles of Phosphorus (P)
Plays role in photosynthesis, respiration, energy storage & transfer, cell division & enlargement Stimulates early growth & root formation Promotes flower and fruit development Promotes seedling root growth Contributes to disease resistance Does not easily leach Roles of Potassium (K)
Essential for photosynthesis Used for protein synthesis & sugar translocation Important in membrane permeability Opening & closing of stomates Helps plant use water more efficiently by promoting turgidity Increases disease resistance Nutrient Analysis Soil Sampling
Doesn’t always tell what plants take up Good for baseline info and detecting deficiencies Sample in rooting zone from different areas Include at least 1 pint per sample in a quart plastic zip-lock bag, take to lab » See http://cagardenweb.ucdavis.edu Include: Total N, NO3-N, P, K, Ca, Mg, soil texture, pH, OM, CEC, salts(?) Nutrient Analysis Plant Tissue Sampling
Tells what plant actually took up Standards only available for crop plants Best timing » Annual crops – during active growth » Tree crops – July » Grapes – at bloom (petioles) Include 30+ leaves/sample into small paper bag, refrigerate, take to lab ASAP Include: N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, salts(?) Topics to be Covered
Cation Exchange Capacity Plant Nutrients Fertilizers Fertilizing Specific Plant Types Organic Matter and Organic Fertilizers Synthetic vs. Organic Fertilizers Should I Use Fertilizers?
Garden soils rarely contain all required nutrients
Equally rare for garden soil to be deficient in several nutrients
Add only the nutrients that are deficient Making of Chemical Nitrogen Fertilizers
Natural gas = 98% methane (CH4)
Chemical reactions hydrogen gas (H2)
Air = 78% N2 Haber-Bosch Process:
High pressure & heat Makes ammonia (NH3)
Anhydrous ammonia Conversions of Ammonia to Various N Fertilizers Examples of Chemical Nitrogen Fertilizers
Ammonium sulfate (21-0-0-24S) Ammonium nitrate (34-0-0) Urea (46-0-0) Highest %N; protein substitute in
animal feeds Slow-Release N Fertilizers
Synthetic UF (urea formaldehyde), MU (methylene urea), IBDU (isobutylidenediurea) (uncoated; short & long-chain polymers) Polymer-coated (e.g., Osmocote) Longer lasting, not readily leached Label says “Slow Release Nitrogen” Water Insoluble Nitrogen (W.I.N.) Natural (e.g., compost, feather meal) Polymer-Coated Fertilizer Potassium Fertilizers
Mined, not manufactured KCl = Muriate of potash
KSO4 = Sulfate of potash
KCO3 = Potassium carbonate
Mining and potash history to be discussed later Fertilizer Analysis
N - P - K - S
21 - 0 - 0 - 24
Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizer Content
By law, guaranteed content of fertilizer must be stated on bag
Expressed as % of each plant nutrient applied
N - P - K ‘Complete’ Fertilizers
Contain at least: Nitrogen (N) % nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P)
% phosphoric acid P2O5 Potassium (K)
% potash K2O
Examples of Fertilizer Blend Ratios
Ratio 1-1-1 (e.g., 16-16-16): General purpose 2-1-1: Orn. & fruit trees, estab. lawns, leafy veggies 1-2-2: New lawns 1-2-1: Vegetables, seedlings, flowers, bulbs 0-1-1: Woody plants in fall Fertilizer Blends
N-P-K numbers not always the same
“Complete” fertilizer = Contains N, P, & K
“Balanced” fertilizer = Equal amounts of N-P-K
Examples: 16-16-16 (multi-purpose), 12-4-8 (fruit tree & vine), 5-10-10 (tomato & veg.), 4-8- 5 (camellia/azalea), 25-6-4 (lawns)
Blends are not standardized! Chelating Agents (Chelates)
Synthetic organic substances that maintain Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn in water-soluble form Makes them readily absorbed by plants Can be used to correct chlorosis (yellowing) of leaves But best to lower soil pH Topics to be Covered
Cation Exchange Capacity Plant Nutrients Fertilizers Fertilizing Specific Plant Types Organic Matter and Organic Fertilizers Synthetic vs. Organic Fertilizers Vegetable Fertilization Veg. Gardening Basics, UC Pub. 8059
Preplant: N-P or N-P-K Use 1/3 lb. N per 100 sq. ft. Dry steer manure: 100 lb. per 100 sq. ft. Chicken manure: 20 lb. per 100 sq. ft. Side dressing when plants 3-4” high 0.4 lb. N per 100 sq. ft. Banded application Fruit & Nut Tree Fertilization The Home Orchard, UC Pub. 3485
Pounds per year of N to correct a deficiency: Large fruit trees: 1 lb. Small fruit trees: 0.5 lb. Large nut trees: 2 lbs. Small nut trees: 1 lb. Landscape Tree Fertilization Planting Landscape Trees, UC Pub. 8046
“Adding fertilizer, soil amendments, or root stimulants to the planting hole or backfill soil is not recommended. Most nursery-grown trees are well fertilized during production and seldom respond to fertilizing at planting except in the most infertile soils.” Tree Fertilization Points to Remember
Trees adapted to low soil N levels! Routine N-P-K fertilization unjustified unless deficiency exists High N wasteful, polluting, and may increase pest problems Trees in turf may not require fertilization Use compost, wood chip mulch Use slow release fertilizers FERTILIZING “Adding fertilizer, soil amendments, or root stimulants to the planting hole or backfill soil is not recommended. Most nursery-grown trees are well fertilized during production and seldom respond to fertilizing at planting except in the most infertile soils.”
Nutrient Deficiencies are Rare in Woody Ornamentals
N – Sandy, overwatered, or sub soils P – Deficient in foothills Ca, Mg – Acidic or sandy soils Fe, Mn, Zn, B – High-pH or waterlogged soils Lawn Fertilization Practical Lawn Fertilization, UC Pub. 8065
Cool-season grass: 4 lbs. actual N/year Low N & water using species (buffalograss, Zoysiagrass): 2 lbs. actual N/year Slightly less where grasscycling is used Up to 1 lb. N/application Organic and slow-release fertilizers: Can use higher rate & fewer applications
Topics to be Covered
Cation Exchange Capacity Plant Nutrients Fertilizers Fertilizing Specific Plant Types Organic Matter and Organic Fertilizers Synthetic vs. Organic Fertilizers Soil Organic Matter
Serves as energy source (food) for microorganisms, which promote stable aggregation of the soil particles Essential nutrients are obtained by plants as organic matter decomposes Enhanced by OM additions but destroyed by cultivation Humus
What’s left over after organic matter decomposes Cannot be seen by naked eye Very reactive (CEC) In equilibrium with organic matter additions Animal-Based Organic Fertilizers
By-product of Manures animal slaughter Bat guano Blood meal Livestock manure Bone meal Feather meal Fish products
Blood Meal 13-1-0.6 (80% protein)
Bovine blood collected from processing plants, agitated, dried, granulated Quick N release – ammonia can burn plants Bone Meal 1-13-0 to 4-12-0, + 22% Ca
Uses Blooming bulbs (P) May help prevent blossom-end rot (Ca) Also useful for root growth of transplants (P) Bone meal is alkaline, so apply to soils of pH < 7 Need acidic soil to convert to plant-available P Feather Meal Usually 12-0-0
Made from feathers of slaughtered poultry by hydrolyzing under high heat and pressure and then grinding Slow release of plant-available N Fish Products
Many forms, have some P, K, & micronutrients Fish emulsion, liquid fish (4-5% N) Derived from fermented remains of fish Has a fishy smell Hydrolyzed fish powder (11% N) Mixed with water and sprayed on plants Fish meal (powder) (10% N) Applied to soil Bat/Seabird Guano
Poop from bats and seabirds – Islands in Pacific & other oceans From caves – loss of bats & biodiversity Bat guano: 3-10% N, up to 12% P, 1% K Seabird guano: Up to 12% N & P, 0-2% K More expensive than land-animal manures Manures Characteristics and Uses
Poultry, dairy, feedlot, steer, rabbit, sheep/goat May contain salts that harm plant growth, and weed seeds Poultry may have >3%N (ammonia smell) Aged feedlot manure may have <1% N
Nutrient Content of Manures & Composts Org. Soil Amendments & Fertilizers, 1992
N P205 K20 Fresh broiler / rice hulls 3.9 2.6 2.7 Fresh layer 4.0 6.3 3.4 Aged layer 2.2 8.2 4.0 Fresh dairy corral 2.4 1.3 7.1 Aged steer corral 1.3 1.6 3.3 Broiler / rice hulls compost 1.9 4.3 2.5 Dairy compost 1.4 1.4 2.9 Dairy / steer compost 1.7 0.8 2.6
Compost Characteristics and Uses
Contains most nutrients required by plants May contain weeds & plant pathogens N content usually about 1-1.5%, very slow release Considered a soil amendment, not fertilizer
Available N from Manures, Compost Decay Series
UC research, 1970s Average plant-available N over 3 years (years 1, 2, and 3): Chicken (90%, 10%, 5%) Dairy (75%, 15%, 10%) Feedlot (35%, 15%, 10%) Compost (~10% in year 1)
Plant-Based Organic Fertilizers
Alfalfa meal Cottonseed meal Soybean based Kelp/seaweed Humic acid and humate products Alfalfa Meal (About 2-1-2)
From alfalfa plants, pressed into pellets Also contains micronutrients Especially good for roses, also vegetables Fairly quick N release Cottonseed Meal (About 6-2-1)
Derived from the seed in cotton bolls Some people have concerns about heavy pesticide use on cotton and remaining in the seed oils, so they choose organic Very slow N release Kelp/Seaweed
Derived from sea plants off Norway, N. Calif. Available as liquid, powder, or pellet Applied to the soil or as a foliar spray Little N-P-K, mainly used for micronutrients, hormones, vitamins, and enzymes “Can help increase yields, reduce plant stress from drought, and increase frost tolerance” Humic Acid and Humate Products
Complex organic compounds Touted to enhance soil microbial life Enables plants to extract nutrients from soil Improves soil structure Enhances root development Helps plants withstand stresses May receive same benefits from adding compost Mined Organic Fertilizers
Rock phosphate Potassium Muriate of potash Sulfate of potash Greensand Mining of Rock Phosphate
Source : Natural deposits in N. America, China, Morocco, & former Soviet Union N. America – Florida, Idaho/Mont./Utah/ Wyoming, N. Carolina, Tennessee Rock Phosphate
Hard-rock phosphate 20% P and 48% Ca – can raise pH Breaks down very slowly Soft-rock phosphate 16% P and 19% Ca, many micronutrients Form that plants can use more easily Breaks down very slowly Mining of Potassium Fertilizers
World reserves deposited when water from ancient inland oceans evaporated K salts crystallized into beds of potash ore Covered by thousands of feet of soil
Most deposits chloride (KCl), some sulfate (K2SO4) From Canada (#1), Russia, Belarus, US (#7) New Mexico, Utah, Canada Potash
K compounds and K-bearing materials (esp. KCl)
Historically – KCO3 – Bleaching textiles, making glass, making soap (lye) Made by leaching ashes and evaporating the solution in large iron pots, leaving a white residue called "pot ash“ Term later used for K fertilizer KCl = Muriate of potash
KSO4 = Sulfate of potash
Potash Banding
K attaches to soil particles K concentrated, so extra K leaches down
Broadcasting K (or P) on ground has little effect – nutrients are locked up in top 1-2” of soil Must be banded or incorporated
Topics to be Covered
Cation Exchange Capacity Plant Nutrients Fertilizers Fertilizing Specific Plant Types Organic Matter and Organic Fertilizers Synthetic vs. Organic Fertilizers Chemical (Inorganic) Fertilizers
No C-H linkage, so not used as energy source by soil microbes Most are quick-release Because of the lack of carbon, fertilizers “feed the plant but not the soil.” Chemical vs. Organic Fertilization
Plants take up nutrients from organic and chemical sources (no preference) Organic fertilizers feed soil microbes and require them for breakdown (“Feed the soil”) Microbes (and roots) release compounds like organic acids, enzymes, and chelates convert nutrients from organic form into a plant-available (soluble) form Advantages of Chemical Fertilizers
Nutrients available to plants immediately Produce exact ratio of nutrients desired Ratios and chemical sources easy to understand Inexpensive
Disadvantages of Chemical Fertilizers
Made from nonrenewable sources (fossil fuels) May not promote soil health No decaying matter for improving soil structure Most do not replace micronutrients Nutrients readily available chance of overfert. Tend to leach faster than organic Long-term use can change soil pH, harm soil microbes, increase pests Advantages of Organic Fertilizers
May also improve soil structure Most are slow-release; not easy to overfertilize Renewable and biodegradable Can make your own from waste (compost, worm castings) or obtain locally (manure)
Disadvantages of Organic Fertilizers
May not release nutrients as they are needed Nutrient content of manure & compost often unknown % nutrients usually lower than chemical fertilizers Tend to be bulkier, requiring more fossil fuels; more expensive How Does Fertilizer N Affect Soil Organisms?
Synthetic fertilizers are salts (not sodium chloride). Salts affect microorganisms, but at what quantities? Some fertilizers lower pH, hurts some earthworm species, maybe some microorgs. How Much Does it Cost?
2-lb. box with 12% nitrogen = ?
2-lb. box with 12% nitrogen = 0.24 lbs. N
$6 a box / 0.24 lb. N = ?
$6 a box / 0.24 lb. N = $25.00/lb. N
Nutrient Costs of Selected Fertilizers Local Nurseries, Jan. 2011 $/Lb. of N-P-K Product Analysis (3-5 lb. bag/box) CHEMICAL Azalea/Camellia 4-8-5 $6.46 Rose 5-10-5 $5.49 Mult-Purpose 16-16-16 $2.29 Citrus 12-8-4 $4.58 “NATURAL” BRAND Azalea/Camellia 4-5-4 $17.31 Rose 5-7-2 $16.07 Mult-Purpose 4-4-4 $18.75 Citrus 7-3-3 $11.25 Nutrient Costs of Selected Fertilizers Local Nursery vs. Peaceful Valley Farm Supply Product Analysis $/Lb. N-P-K LOCAL (3.0 to 3.5 lb.) Alfalfa meal 4-8-5 $40.00 Blood meal 13-0-0 $16.81 Cottonseed meal 5-2-1 $21.43 Bat guano (1.5 lb.) 10-3-1 $38.10 PVFS (50 lb.) Alfalfa meal 2.4-0-0 $18.33 Blood meal 13-0-0 $9.23 Cottonseed meal 6-2.5-1 $7.37 Bat guano (25 lb.) 10-6-2 $16.66 Nutri-Rich 4-3-3 $2.80 Organic Fertilization of FOHC Garden Early Years Fertilization of FOHC Garden Currently
Pelleted composted chicken manure Cover Crop + Compost Questions? https://cesacramento.ucanr.edu