Evaluation of soil surface and mulching practices for organic production of deciduous fruit

Although the field aspects of this trial have been completed, microbiological analysis of the more recent samples continue, the project database is not yet complete and a full statistical analysis has yet to be performed.  A final report can therefore not be compiled at the present stage.  It is nevertheless evident from a superficial perusal of the tree and soil data that the provision of compost in accordance with previous / current practice leads to over-supply of mineral nutrients which promotes imbalance between vegetative and reproductive growth.  Analysis of the completed database is likely to lead to the formulation of improved guidelines.  These will nevertheless be difficult to apply unless efforts are made to reduce the current high level of variability in the compositions of the materials that are used in organic production.