Annual compost amendments can replace synthetic fertilizer, improve soil moisture, and ensure tree performance during peach orchard establishment in a humid subtropical climate.

ABSTRACT: The application of organic matter (OM) to peach orchards is currently uncommon in commercial operations but could potentially replace synthetic fertilizers and improve long-term orchard sustainability. The purpose of the study was to monitor how annual applications of compost to replace synthetic fertilizer would change soil quality, peach tree nutrient and water status, and tree performance during the first four years of orchard establishment within a subtropical climate. Food waste compost was incorporated before planting and added annually over four years with the following treatments: 1) 1x rate, applied as dry weight at 22,417 kg ha^-1 (10 tons acre^-1) incorporated during the first year and 11,208 kg ha^-1 (5 tons acre^-1) applied topically eac

SUBMITTER: Lawrence BT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10200951 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature