Keeping nutrients within a certain range is important for proper tree growth and optimum fruit quality. Both deficiencies and excesses of any nutrient can lead to serious problems. The first step of a good nutrient management program is to sample the tree in order to determine if any nutrients are deficient and whether fertilization may be needed. Most orchard soils in the San Joaquin Valley of California can supply almost all the needed nutrients and only minimal fertilization may be needed. The information in this section has been developed from experiments at Kearney and in commercial orchards, and from some large sand-filled tanks where we were able to control nutrient inputs.
Content
Sampling procedures for assessing nutrient content in the tree and a survey of commercial orchards
More information on each individual nutrient
Sand tank study
Nutrition Chapter in UC Stone Fruit Manual