Testing the mineral content of fruit at harvest can provide valuable information about nutrient removals from the soil.
By determining the concentration of all plant nutrients plus other elements such as sodium, aluminium and cobalt on the dried material, it is possible to estimate nutrient removal per metric tonne of fresh fruit.
This information can then be used to give you a target for next season’s fertiliser requirements.
For example, one study found that removed nitrogen (N) by whole apple trees accounted for 3.53 g/tree, corresponding to almost 107 kg N/ha.
Knowing this information can help growers adjust their fertiliser practices for the next season to ensure optimal crop growth and yield.
Hybrid Ag offers this testing service for growers, providing them with valuable information to improve their crop management practices.
See this article in Tree Fruit May 2023
