Final Report for FNE93-035
Project Information
Note to readers, attached is the complete final report for FNE93-035.
During the 1994 season the plants showed excellent growth and some of the plants actually produced a remarkable crop for their first year. Based on soil samples done in 1992, 1993 and 1994 it is clear that the soil amendments did have a dramatic effect on the soil status. The organic matter content of the soil increased from 6.5% in 1993 to 9.5% in 1994. This increase had a great effect on the cation exchange capacity of the soil, raising it from 12.9 meq/100g in 1993 to 27.9 meq/100g in 1994. The soil tests also show increases in the levels of potassium, calcium and magnesium, as well as in the base saturation level. These are all positive changes in the soil status.
The leaf analysis from the two cultivars planted in 1994 trial block show favorable statistics. I am concerned with the low status of Potassium. This could be due to the high concentrations of magnesium and calcium. I am also concerned with the high status of the two micro-nutrients; iron and boron. The boron is not too high but the iron is quite high. We'll do leaf analysis in 1996 in the Autumn Bliss but I am not too concerned. Considering that no fertilizers were applied in 1995, the plants were able to meet their nitrogen needs with what was already in the soil.