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Soil Testing Results and our orchard #890969

Asked December 21, 2024, 7:55 PM EST

Hi there, We got our soil test back and now I have concerns. We are going to put in a small orchard on out property of about 20-30 trees. The soil sample came back and said… Your soil test indicates, on a yearly basis per 1,000 sq. feet: • Nitrogen (3 to 4 lb) is needed • Phosphate (1.9 lb) is needed • Potassium (2.7 lb) is needed • No lime required • Add organic matter So that is not what we were hoping for but it’s our bed and I’m going to sleep in it. My question is is it a good idea to put the trees in the spring 2025 or should I work on amending it this year and hold off on the trees until fall 2025/spring 2026? What I don’t want to do it put in all these tree for them to stress out and die or wait until year 2 or 3 and they don’t produce, hence wasting time and maybe money. Thank you in advance and happy holidays! Tom

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Tom,

I'm glad you contacted us. The short answer is, plant this spring and fertilize a few weeks later, after the trees have begun to grow. I have included some articles at the bottom that go into more detail.

Now for the long answer: I pulled up your full report and noted that your recommendations were based on a lawn rather than an orchard. The nutrient requirements are quite different. I have generated new recommendations based on an apple orchard. Note that these recommendations are lbs/100 sq ft.

https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/your-results/manual/215/Mineral/Unknown/0/6.5/69/2.4/4/53/195/1050/8.2

For more information:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/prepare-your-garden-for-growing-fruit

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/spring_fertilization_of_garden_fruits

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension! Replied December 21, 2024, 8:40 PM EST

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