In last month’s newsletter we mentioned Neil Macdonald’s trip to a nursery in France to see how our order for 3000 Idared maidens was coming along. We are now preparing the ground at West Bradley Orchards to receive the trees, which should arrive in February.
Edward Clifton-Brown, the owner of West Bradley Orchards, is once again using the post and wire system that was so highly commended in the summer, when West Bradley won the award for the Best Cider Orchard in the South West at the Bath & West Society Show.
In addition we are trialling the large scale use of compost produced to BSI PAS 100 specification.
Recent results have shown that compost can increase the organic matter levels in the soil and improve its structure. It replaces fertiliser in the form of NPK, provides sulphur, magnesium and trace elements, and protects against adverse weather conditions, such as cold and wet.
When used as a mulch it has been shown to bring significant benefits to newly planted apple orchards as well as established ones.
We are sure this will improve the quality of our heavy Somerset soils, giving the young trees the best possible start in life and offering natural protection against diseases such as canker.
No comments:
Post a Comment