Nitrogen Fertilizer Influences Fruit Quality, Soil Nutrients and Cover Crops, Leaf Color and Nitrogen Content, Biennial Bearing and Cold Hardiness of 'Golden Delicious'
2007
Raese, J.T. | Drake, S.R. | Curry, E.A.
Four rates of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) (0, 151, 454, and 908 g actual N/tree) were applied each spring for 6 years to 'Golden Delicious' (Malus domestica) apple trees. High rates of nitrogen (N) increased N concentration of Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) blades and increased cover-grass growth whereas various legume species were prevalent at the low rates. Leaf N in spur or mid-terminal leaves increased yearly, and was related to leaf color by visual comparison and reflectance. Fruit from the higher N rates had greener peel and lower firmness, soluble solids content and titratable acidity. In vitro freeze tests indicated trees fertilized with lower rates of N were more cold hardy during the fall, winter and spring than those receiving the higher rates. In a similar long-term study on 'Delicious,' cold hardiness was related not only to seasonal temperature cycles and shoot dry matter, but to total sugars and sorbitol content in wood or sap.
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