Treat nutrient deficiencies promptly to avoid excessive crop damage.
Proper gardening practices allow apple trees to access all the nutrients they need in order to grow and develop properly. Improper watering, low or high soil pH levels, and inadequate drainage can all result in lower crop quality and overall yield. Observe apple tree foliage and fruit regularly in order to detect nutrient deficiencies. Bring samples in to your local university extension to determine which nutrients may be lacking before you treat them with chemicals.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is of primary importance in plant development and growth. In apple trees, as in most other plants, the first sign of nitrogen deficiency is yellowing leaves. The older leaves will transfer their nitrogen to new developing leaves, resulting in the older leaves turning yellow. Leaves may also turn brown or yellow around the edges, and tree bark may turn yellowish orange. Nitrogen deficiency also decreases crop yields and slows down overall growth.
Potassium
Potassium helps plants form and transfer sugars, proteins and growth hormones. Potassium deficiency is most common in apple trees planted in fine soils with poor drainage. In apple trees, it causes a variety of symptoms, most of which resemble the signs of nitrogen deficiency. Other signs of potassium deficiency include increased susceptibility to frost damage and small apples with poor coloring and low acid content.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a chlorophyll molecule, so deficiencies always result in pale yellow leaves. Magnesium deficiency is specific to apple trees. In late summer, it causes yellowing between leaf veins and along the edges of leaves. Apples drop prematurely and the tree shoots are thin, brittle and weak. According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, magnesium is particularly common with McIntosh apples and trees fertilized with high amounts of potash.
Calcium
Calcium helps plants take in and transfer nutrients and is an important cellular building block. The effects of calcium deficiency are usually most evident in the apples. Deficiency results in bitter pit, cork spot and overall breakdown of fruit. It also causes slower growth of apple tree roots and shoots.
Boron
Boron is important for pollen tube and feeder root growth, and also aids in nutrient uptake. Deficiencies result in a variety of symptoms on leaves, bark, stems and fruit. Fruits may develop rough skin and become deformed. Crop yields are usually reduced, and leaves may be small and deformed. Of all fruit trees, apples are most susceptible to boron deficiency, which is most commonly seen in alkaline or sandy soils.
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