INFLUENCE OF NITROGEN-FERTILIZATION AND ORCHARD FLOOR MANAGEMENT ON YIELD, LEAF NUTRITION AND FRUIT-QUALITY OF FAIRHAVEN PEACH

'Fairhaven' peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) trees were subjected to c ombinations of two rates of nitrogen, single or split application of N , year round or partial annual control of vegetation within the tree r ow. Yield, leaf nutrient concentration and fruit quality were assessed over six growing seasons. Yield was increased by the higher rate of N in 3 of the 6 years. Vegetation control had little effect on yield. S ingle applications of N were better for yield than split applications in 2 of 4 years but the reverse was observed in one year. Leaf N tende d to increase with higher rates of N application and with split applic ations of N. Higher rates of N reduced macronutrient concentration, es pecially leaf P, and tended to increase micronutrient concentration in the leaves. Ground color was greener but fruit firmness was not affec ted by the higher rates of N application.