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<br />-2- <br /> <br />.... <br />U1 <br />C <br />o <br /> <br />It is no~ apparent that without the leaf samples we <br />to add the normal amount of nitrogen in the Spring. <br />whole crop would have been severely damaged. <br /> <br />might have proceeded <br />Most probably the <br /> <br />This experience has opened up a whole new field of inquiry for us-- <br />that of plant nutrition. under trickle irrigation. We have found that the <br />limited area of active root feeding causes the trees to react more <br />noticeably ,to the presence or absence of nutrients that are placed in <br />the system. Many qu~stions have not been answered for this locality. In <br />Arizona and California a pound of nitrogen per tree seems to be ideal <br />for their long growing season and lighter soils. It is very possible <br />that in this area we might use as much as a pound per tree, but other <br />nutrients would have to be held in proper balance and a foliar application <br />of Alar* would be needed to bring the, crop to maturity on time. ' <br /> <br />We are then entering a whole new field of endeavor where the,rewards <br />are high and so are the risks. Fortunately for us there has come upon <br />the scene a very knowledgeable and highly trained research scientist. <br />Anthony Hatch, Ph,D., is Director of the C.S.U. Orchard Mesa Unit. He, <br />has consented to plan our, program of plant nutrition. We have now set a <br />goal to double our 1973 production in 1975. <br /> <br />With a soil sample this Fall, we hope to plan a balanced nutritional <br />input through the system during the summer. A monthly leaf sample will <br />be taken to check the effect of our nutrient, program. <br /> <br />The filter plant will be expanded to include a third IS-inch sand <br />filter and, the sediment pond will be deepened and enlarged. A centrifical <br />separator will be ,added to separate the larger. solids and, the water meter <br />will be moved to the inlet side of the pond to lower the head requirement <br />on the pumps. ' <br /> <br />For the record we wish to present production data for the fam.' <br />You will note that the 1972 season was a complete loss. ' Last year there <br />was considerable frost damage and for most growers the production was <br />about 60% of normal. <br /> <br />In the Fall of 1974 we made some spot checks on emitters throughout <br />the orchard. It is apparent that many, of the emitters have become <br />restricted. Next Spring we will flush each emitter befor the start of 'the <br />irrigation season. <br /> <br />*Mention of companies or commercial products does not imply <br />recommendation or endorsement by the Colorado Water Conservation Board <br />over others not mentioned. <br />