THE EFFECTS OF ORCHARD AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON PHOSPHORUS AND NITROGEN CONCENTRATIONS IN APPLE AND PEAR FRUITS
In another trial at East Malling sward treatments raised fruit phosphorus from the second year after sowing the grass, a situation only changed by two years of rotavation. In contrast the sward reduced fruit nitrogen within a few months of sowing, and rotavation negated its effect within a year. In the first trial the initial effect of sward on fruit nitrogen declined over five years with no consistent effects occurring thereafter. Soil nitrogen applications usually raised fruit nitrogen levels.
In a current series of trials where the area of herbicide-treated soil is being varied, either on mature trees previously in a herbicide strip system or from planting, the beneficial effect of grass on fruit phosphorus (especially with irrigation) is again clear. Adverse effects of overall herbicide on phosphorus concentrations were seen a few years after beginning the treatments.
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.1980.92.42
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1980.92.42