Economic aspects of apple production in relation to tree density

Abstract

High density planting of apples on dwarfing rootstocks has become increasingly common overseas, particularly in areas of North-Western Europe, but has not been widely adopted in New Zealand. This paper discusses a study carried out in the Netherlands which considered the economics of apple production in relation to tree densities up to 5000 trees/planted ha. The study involved the analysis of data from commercial plantings of apples throughout the Netherlands since 1980. Yields and input costs for a range of tree densities were estimated by regression analysis on the data. Cash flows were developed for tree densities between 1500 and 5000 trees/planted ha, and net present value and payback period analyses performed. Results showed that long-term profitability of apples increased with increased tree density up to 5000 trees/ha. In addition, payback period decreased with increased tree density. The relevance of this research to New Zealand is discussed with reference to high density plantings of apples (both research and commercial) at Lincoln University, New Zealand. © 1992 The Royal Society of New Zealand.