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Project Details:
Methodology
Objectives
Justification
Expected Measureable Outcomes:
- Replicated comparison of fertility rates and formulations and their effects on yield and fruit quality of tart cherry
- Results disseminated through USHA winter meetings and USU Extension programs. Based on past attendance, we predict these results will reach approximately 180 growers and farm managers representing at least 90 percent of Utah’s tart cherry acreage.
- Extension publication providing updated guidelines on P and K fertility of tart cherry
Work Plan:
This grant request is to fund one year of a multi-year project for a Masters-level graduate research assistant to undertake the experiments on grower cooperator orchards in Utah County that are detailed below. We anticipate acquiring supplemental funding from the NRCS, WSARE or IPNI to fund subsequent phases of the study.
Fertilizer treatments will be replicated in low and high potential fruit load orchards in Utah County. Orchards will be selected based on cropping history and study-year bloom and flower bud density.. Replicated combinations of fertilizer application treatments will be applied using the following materials:
- Steric K
- Potassium-Magnesium Sulfate
- Potassium Sulfate
- 18-18-18
Application rates included in the experiment will be determined based on preliminary sampling conducted in July/August 2009.
Research Timeline
- 2009 (preliminary data collection – activities funded by existing funds)
o Apr/May – Preliminary treatments applied (by EJS Services)
o July – Pre-harvest fruit and leaf sample collection
o Aug – Fruit harvest and fruit and leaf sample collection
o Oct-Dec – Sample analysis
- 2010 (primary research year under this proposal)
o Mar – Select research sites based on orchard cropping history and observed flower bud density
o Apr/May – Study-year fertilizer treatment applications
o Jun – Soil and plant tissue sampling at pit hardening
o July – Pre-harvest fruit and leaf sample collection
o Aug – Fruit harvest and fruit and leaf sample collection
o Oct-Dec – Sample analysis
- 2011 (continuance of research year under this proposal)
o Jan – Report results at the Utah State Horticulture Association winter meetings (Provo, UT)
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