Soil amendments needed for apple trees? - Ask Extension
Hello, I would like to grow two dwarf apple trees in my backyard. My soil test result showed a pH of 7.7. My soil is sandy and low on organic matter, ...
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Soil amendments needed for apple trees? #867680
Asked May 09, 2024, 7:40 AM EDT
Hello, I would like to grow two dwarf apple trees in my backyard. My soil test result showed a pH of 7.7. My soil is sandy and low on organic matter, which I know I will need to add. Do I need to add any sulfur for apple trees? If so, can I do it now and plant this year or will I have to wait until next spring to plant?
Thank you very much
Grand Traverse County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
For growing apple trees, which prefer a soil pH of around 6.5, your current soil pH of 7.7 is indeed higher than ideal. To lower the pH, applying elemental sulfur to your sandy soil can be beneficial. According to the Clemson University guide, you should not apply more than 5 to 10 pounds of sulfur per 1,000 square feet per application. It’s also recommended to apply sulfur when temperatures are cool (below 75°F) and to water it in immediately after application. Your Michigan soil test will probably tell you how much sulfur to apply also. Use their recommendation. More references on the above information at these links:
https://precisionag.sites.clemson.edu/Calculators/Fertility/SoilAcidification/
https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Lowering_Soil_pH_with_Sulfur.pdf
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/reducing_soil_ph_in_landscapes
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-change-your-soils-ph
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/agf-507
Given that your soil is sandy and low on organic matter, adding organic compost along with sulfur can improve soil structure and fertility, which is beneficial for apple trees. You can apply sulfur now and plant this year, but it’s important to note that the acidification process takes time as soil bacteria convert the sulfur to sulfuric acid. Therefore, it might be a good idea to apply sulfur well before planting to allow the soil pH to adjust.
Remember to retest your soil pH after the amendment to ensure it has reached the desired level before planting your apple trees.
I hope this helps!
For growing apple trees, which prefer a soil pH of around 6.5, your current soil pH of 7.7 is indeed higher than ideal. To lower the pH, applying elemental sulfur to your sandy soil can be beneficial. According to the Clemson University guide, you should not apply more than 5 to 10 pounds of sulfur per 1,000 square feet per application. It’s also recommended to apply sulfur when temperatures are cool (below 75°F) and to water it in immediately after application. Your Michigan soil test will probably tell you how much sulfur to apply also. Use their recommendation. More references on the above information at these links:
https://precisionag.sites.clemson.edu/Calculators/Fertility/SoilAcidification/
https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Lowering_Soil_pH_with_Sulfur.pdf
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/reducing_soil_ph_in_landscapes
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-change-your-soils-ph
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/agf-507
Given that your soil is sandy and low on organic matter, adding organic compost along with sulfur can improve soil structure and fertility, which is beneficial for apple trees. You can apply sulfur now and plant this year, but it’s important to note that the acidification process takes time as soil bacteria convert the sulfur to sulfuric acid. Therefore, it might be a good idea to apply sulfur well before planting to allow the soil pH to adjust.
Remember to retest your soil pH after the amendment to ensure it has reached the desired level before planting your apple trees.
I hope this helps!
