REFERENCE SUFFICIENCY RANGES
FRUIT & NUT CROPS

Peach

R. M. Lippert and C. R. Campbell

• Critical Values

  None established.

• Sampling Procedures

  At mid-season, sample mature leaves from the mid-portion or near the base of the current season's terminal growth from at least 50 trees.

• Sufficiency Ranges
  
  

  Macronutrients
  N	P	K	Ca	Mg	S
  2.75–3.50%	0.12–0.30%	1.30–3.20%	1.50–2.50%	0.25–0.50%	0.12–0.40%

  
  

  Micronutrients
  Fe	Mn	Zn	Cu	B
  >60 ppm	>20 ppm	20–50 ppm	5–20 ppm	20–80 ppm

• DRIS Norms

  DRIS norms have not been established for peach.

• Remarks

  Among the macro and micronutrients, the two required in greatest quantity for good peach production are nitrogen and potassium. In sandy soils, sulfur may likely be deficient. A low level of calcium or a high level of zinc in the leaves is often an indication of "peach decline." Deficiencies in manganese, iron, boron, and copper are less prevalent in the Southeast. Leaf content of iron, manganese, and zinc normally fluctuates greatly.

• References

  Chesness JL, Couvillon G. 1989. Peach tree response to trickle application of water and nutrients. Athens (GA): University of Georgia Agricultural Station. Research Report 575.

  Heckman J. Leaf analysis for fruit trees. Rutgers (NJ): Rutgers University Cooperative Extension Service. Fact Sheet 627.

  Hopfinger JA. 1990. Commercial tree fruit production recommendations. Rutgers (NJ): Rutgers University Cooperative Extension Service and New Jersery Agricultural Experiment Station.

  Johnson RS. 1993. Stone fruit: peaces and nectarines. In Bennett WF, editor. Nutrient deficiencies and toxicities in crop plants. St. Paul (MN): APS Press. p 171–5.

  Jones JB, Isaac RA, Skelton BJ. 1976. Nutrient element status of soils and trees for peach orchards in Georgia and South Carolina. HortScience 11(3):247–8.

  Plank CO. 1989. Plant analysis handbook for Georgia. Athens (GA): University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. 64 p.

Electronic Document Prepared by:
Catherine Stokes, Communication Specialist
Agronomic Division of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. July 2000.