Articles
EFFECT OF SOIL PH AND CALCIUM AMENDMENTS ON PEACH YIELD, TREE GROWTH AND LONGEVITY
Article number
254_27
Pages
179 – 184
Language
Abstract
Both higher pH and greater Ca uptake are implicated in improved peach tree performance.
Numerous studies were conducted over a 27-year period to evaluate these variables.
All studies indicated that a soil pH below 5.5 is deleterious to tree growth, fruit yield and size, and tree longevity.
Results of several experiments also indicate improved performance of trees when soil pH is maintained above pH 6.0, although growth and yield differences were less and there was no effect on tree longevity.
Use of calcium nitrate as a fertilizer may further enhance tree performance.
Deleterious effects of soil pH below 5.5 may be related to the toxicity of Al or low Ca availability.
Increases in foliar Ca are readily obtained by the use of calcium nitrate or gypsum, but are normally not influenced by soil pH until the third or fourth year after lime application.
Numerous studies were conducted over a 27-year period to evaluate these variables.
All studies indicated that a soil pH below 5.5 is deleterious to tree growth, fruit yield and size, and tree longevity.
Results of several experiments also indicate improved performance of trees when soil pH is maintained above pH 6.0, although growth and yield differences were less and there was no effect on tree longevity.
Use of calcium nitrate as a fertilizer may further enhance tree performance.
Deleterious effects of soil pH below 5.5 may be related to the toxicity of Al or low Ca availability.
Increases in foliar Ca are readily obtained by the use of calcium nitrate or gypsum, but are normally not influenced by soil pH until the third or fourth year after lime application.
Publication
Authors
G.A. Cummings
Keywords
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