Influence of Nitrogen Fertilization and Orchard Floor Management on Yield, Leaf Nutrition and Fruit Quality of 'Fairhaven' Peach

Abstract

'Fairhaven' peach ( Prunus persicaL. Batsch) trees were subjected to combinations of two rates of nitrogen, single or split application of N, year round or partial annual control of vegetation within the tree row. Yield, leaf nutrient concentration and fruit quality were assessed over six growing seasons. Yield was increased by the higher rate of N in 3 of the 6 years. Vegetation control had little effect on yield. Single applications of N were better for yield than split applications in 2 of 4 years but the reverse was observed in one year. Leaf N tended to increase with higher rates of N application and with split applications of N. Higher rates of N reduced macronutrient concentration, especially leaf P, and tended to increase micronutrient concentration in the leaves. Ground color was greener but fruit firmness was not affected by the higher rates of N application.