Growth and Mineral Composition of Newly Planted Apple Trees Following Fertigation with N and P

Abstract

Newly planted `Jonagold' and `McIntosh' apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) on M.26 fertigated with Ca(N0 3 ) 2 showed increased early tree vigor and leaf Ca concentration but decreased leaf Mg and Mn compared to trees fertigated with urea or NH 4 N0 3 . Fertigation with P increased early tree vigor, leaf and fruit P concentration, and decreased leaf Mn in the first year relative to a single planting hole application of granular P. Increased fruit Ca concentration in `Jonagold' in one year was associated with the use of Ca(N0 3 ) 2 and fertigation of P. Fruit quality was generally unaffected by the experimental treatments.