How to Adjust Soil pH for Apple Trees
Maintaining a backyard apple tree is not as simple as just watering and then harvesting the apples. In fact, the composition of the soil plays a critical role in the success of the crop. Find out the acidity of the soil with a pH test. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, adjust it with the application of lime or sulfur, respectively, so your apple tree can thrive. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Test the soil immediately surrounding your apple tree with a pH testing kit. These are widely available at hardware stores in digital and manual models.
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Determine the composition of the soil. If the soil is clay-based and is below a pH reading of 5.1, it is too acidic and needs lime. Similarly, a reading of 5.6 in sandy soil compositions is also too acidic. The target pH for a tree in sandy soil is 6.5, while the target in clay-based soil is 6.0. A reading above 5.6 with an established apple tree in either soil type is satisfactory and does not require additional lime. Any reading above 7.5 indicates soil that is too alkaline and needs sulfur treatment.
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Pour powdered lime into the hopper of a drop spreader and adjust the distribution dial on the spreader to the specifications outlined on the lime packaging. Lime raises the pH level of the soil. If, however, your pH reading was above a 7.5, you need to lower the pH level by adding powdered sulfur to the hopper of the drop spreader.
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Walk with the spreader in a spiral around the base of each apple tree to apply the soil treatment. Spiral at least 4 feet away from the tree trunk. It is best to do this in the fall or early spring.
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Tips & Warnings
Test the pH level of the soil surrounding the apple tree once every three years.
Contact your local extension office if you need additional help interpreting the pH readings and amending the soil.
References
- Photo Credit Michael Blann/Digital Vision/Getty Images
