There are several ways in which orchardists can develop a more sustainable approach to nitrogen fertility. Fortunately, tree fruit production requires relatively modest inputs of nitrogen. Drs. Gerry Neilsen and Denise Neilsen at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre in Summerland, British Columbia, Canada, cite nitrogen removal from orchards in fruit and dead leaves as follows: —End of year 1 8.4 pounds per acre —End of year 3 30.9 pounds per acre —End of year 6 35.8 pounds per acre Full bearing leaves and prunings can be retained and the nitrogen recycled in the orchard; only 27 pounds per acre are […]