John Kempf has outlined the science behind a strategically applied nutrition-based system in pome fruit production, mainly in Oregon and Washington orchards, and more recently in the Northeast. Using field observations, John has provided an interpretive framework with which to decipher the nutritional requirements of trees, targeting nutrient type and developmental phase of the crop. At the recent 2019 CCE LOF Winter Fruit Schools, John gave insights into the movement of minerals within the tree and how this applies to the remediation of issues apple growers face such as fire blight, bitter rot, and bitter pit.

Based on positive feedback received from several growers who attended John Kempf's talks at the recent 2019 CCE LOF Winter Fruit Schools, additional educational opportunities to continue learning about tree fruit nutrition and much more have been offered.  On March 5th there was a webinar entitled "Integrated Nutritional Management for Pome Fruit Production with John Kempf" that covered Sap analysis & Nutrition management of Honeycrisp focusing on bitter pit resistance.  The webinar was recorded and the link available, along with the additional downloadable resources discussed there in, at the bottom of this page.

In addition, there will also be an orchard walk, or mini-tour of 2-3 Honeycrisp blocks (including at least one site to be planted in the spring of 2019), at VanDeWalle Fruit Farm on Saturday March 30th, from 8:30 am to noon. The orchard walk will cover aspects related to site preparation and how to manage for high-quality soils (organic matter, soil physical condition, and nutrient availability). Management of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, and the important role of micronutrients for young and mature Honeycrisp trees, will be discussed with John and grower host Scott VanDeWalle, who has followed some of John's recommendations. Register for the orchard walk using the link below.    

Resources:

Integrated Nutritional Management for Pome Fruit Production with John Kempf Webinar recorded March 5

Orchard Walk with John Kempf March 30 Register Now for this Free Event

View a variety of John's previous webinars (including a recent one on promoting and maintaining plant health).

• Honeycrisp program John referenced on the webinar

• Sap analysis guide John referenced on the webinar