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Crop Code No. 092

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Trees

                                                             

 Soil Groups 1, 2, 3, or 4

 

 

 

Desired pH 5.5-6.0

Phosphorus

Potassium

 

Low

Medium

Sufficient

High

Excessive

 

pounds of N-P2O5-K2O per acre

Low

#-150-150

 #-150-150

#-150-100

 #-150-0

 #-150-0

Medium

#-  75-150

 #-  75-150

#-  75-100

 #-  75-0

 #-  75-0

Sufficient

#-  50-150

 #-  50-150

#-  50-100

 #-  50-0

 #-  50-0

High

#-    0-150

 #-    0-150

#-    0-100

 #-    0-0

 #-    0-0

Excessive

#-    0-150

 #-    0-150

#-    0-100

 #-    0-0

 #-    0-0

#see comments

COMMENTS (1, 63, 70, 105, 351, 352, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 650, 651, 652, 653)

63  Fertilizer should contain sufficient zinc to supply 5 lbs zinc per acre.  (When soil test zinc is not excessive)

70  Apply 100-150 lbs magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts), or 20-30 lbs magnesium oxide, or 90-140 lbs sulfate of potash-magnesium per acre, or as a mixed fertilizer containing sufficient magnesium to supply 10 to 15 lbs magnesium per acre.  (When lime is not recommended and soil test magnesium is low)

351  Best Christmas tree growth occurs when the soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.0.  (When soil pH below 5.5)

352  Apply recommended lime 1 to 2 months before planting, and band the recommended fertilizer 2 inches to the side of the planted seedlings.

354  For establishment, apply after planting 50 lbs nitrogen per acre as a split application with 25 lbs nitrogen per acre applied before growth starts (usually in March) and 25 lbs nitrogen per acre in May. Apply six inches from the stem. For the second year, apply 75 lb nitrogen per acre as a split application, 40 lbs nitrogen per acre before growth starts (usually in March) and 35 lbs nitrogen per acre in May, broadcasting at the outer reach of the limbs. For trees three years old and older, broadcast 100 lb nitrogen per acre at the outer reach of the limbs of each tree before growth starts.

355  For established trees when potash recommendation is greater than 100 lbs per acre, split the application, apply half during early spring and the remainder in the fall.  Availability of potassium may be reduced if gypsum is applied at the same time.  Broadcast over the field or band at the tree drip line so that no fertilizer is left lodging in tree branches and needles.  (When soil test potassium is greater than 100 lbs potassium per acre)

356  For new plantings, all recommended phosphate and potash fertilizer, lime and gypsum should be thoroughly mixed into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil prior to planting.  (When phosphorus, potassium, or lime is recommended) 

357  For established trees, broadcast recommended phosphate fertilizer over the planted area. Fertilizer that lodges on tree branches and needles will result in foliage damage.  (When phosphorus is recommended)

358  In order to prevent premature needle drop, additional calcium is needed. Ordinarily, soil calcium is maintained by liming, but when no lime is recommended and the soil test calcium is less than 800 lbs calcium per acre, apply sufficient gypsum to raise the percent calcium base saturation to the recommended 55% level. Consult Information Leaflet No. 69 or your
County Extension Agent to determine the correct amount of gypsum to apply. Incorporate gypsum in the soil prior to planting.  For established trees, broadcast or band gypsum at the
tree drip line. (When there is no lime recommendation and soil test calcium is less than 800 lbs calcium per acre)