Using Ramial Wood Chips to Improve Fertility in a Fruit Tree Nursery

Note to readers, attached is the complete final report for FNE04-507.

The purpose of this project was to determine if the use of RWC could make a difference in fertility and soil structure in a nursery bed. In the nursery bed, there were 4 treatments set up for two varieties of apple trees. In one treatment, no RWC was used (control). In the other 3 treatments, RWC were tilled into the soil, mulched over the roots of the trees and mulched with the addition of bloodmeal. The practice of spreading and mulching with RWC will definitely continue on the farm. The most encouraging gain to using RWC is the increase in organic matter. Soil testing will be done annually to check pH levels, soil fertility and percentage of organic matter in the areas where the RWC are used. Results from these tests, will further the knowledge of the effectiveness of using RWC to improve the sandy loam in the nursery area.

• FNE04-507 Final Report