To clarify the effects of dolomite and Epsom salts on the content of chlorophyll and nutrient elements in the leaves and the fruit qualities, this experiment was conducted on Ralls apple trees, from 1976 thru 1977. Dolomite was tested only in soil application but Epsom salts was also tested in foliar application.
In the Epsom salts and dolomite treatments, the chlorophyll content had a tendency to increase but showed no significant difference as compared with the control. The Mg content in the leaves was significantly increased with the Epsom salts and the dolomite treatments, but in case of the former it was much higher than that of the latter. With dolomite treatment, the Ca content in the leaves was increased, but the K content decreased. The titratable acidity of the fruit decreased in the dolomite treatments, but the soluble solids, fruit firmness and fruit color did not differ from the control. Bitter pit occurrence decreased with dolomite treatments, but increased with Epsom salts treatments.
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