A study of the seasonal trend of several nutrient elements in Golden Delicious apple leaves in Tennessee orchards to determine the ideal time to collect leaf samples for foliar analysis

Leaf samples from Golden Delicious apple trees were collected at nine dates throughout the growing season at four locations in Tennessee. The leaf samples were analyzed for precent N, P, K, Ca and Mg to determine the seasonal trends of these elements and to determine if a common period of relatively little nutrient change exists. N, P and K showed a general decrease in concentration throughout the season. Ca levels increased throughout the:growing season, but Mg showed irregular changes. A period of minimal change in mineral composition of leaves with the exception of Mg was July 30 through August 27 for all locations. This would be the ideal time for collection of leaf samples for foliar analysis.