Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/705612
www.goodfruit.com Good Fruit Grower AUGUST 2016 19 in September and October, when crop loads were heaviest, and in some cases, several feet of crop was growing above the top wire of the trellis. Failures were evenly split between angled and vertical systems. What most stood out in the responses — and what was most surprising — was that 90 percent of the failures occurred within the first 10 years, De Kleine said. "You can look back and say, in the last decade, there's been lots of changes in trellising, and crop loads are increasing, but to have a failure in the first 10 years is surprising," he said. Sixty percent were related to in-row posts snapping or being upended. In-row post spacing ranged from 40 feet to 55 feet, but in more than half, spacing was greater than 40 feet. Roughly 40 percent of the failures were related to anchor or anchor-wire failures, including loose anchors and rusted anchor wires. High wind events were reported in 40 percent. One failure occurred after a 20-hour watering inter - val in sandy to sandy-loam soil. Final project The researchers aim to build a user interface in which growers could enter variables from their orchard, such as soil type, trellis type and projected crop load, to determine the type of installation needed to support that crop load. In building the interface, they are tak- ing into account various loads applied to the system, including wind, installation of any additional superstructure such as netting, and any loads that could come from automation, such as machine prun- ing or harvest. The final interface should enable growers to add variables as neces- sary to determine the ideal trellis for their orchard system, De Kleine said. Other researchers on the project: Karen Lewis, Washington State University tree fruit regional extension specialist, Paul Booker of Century Steep in Othello, Washington, and Chuck Pezeshki of WSU's Mechanical Engineering Department. • Trellis inspecting tips R esearchers offered a few tips for inspecting trellises for security: —In-row wires should not have kinks, and breaks need to be repaired. —Look for in-row posts that have become loose or are leaning beyond the intended angle, as well as bowing wood posts or, if applicable, bending at wire notches on metal posts. —Check anchor wires for rust and breaks. Is the eyelet below ground, exposed to the soil environment? —Ensure that anchors have not become loose. To read more about the survey results, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/ DeKeineTrellisWTFRC. Geraldine Warner/Good Fruit GroWer File photo An example of a trellis system that failed to support an organic apple orchard row in central Washington. "When you lose a trellis system, it can be devastating. In some cases, you can salvage trees, and in some cases, it's a complete failure and you have to start over. You don't ever want to be in that situation." —Mark De Kleine Cal Nagy has been using Fase2 for five years. He has found it has allowed more branches to grow on his trees. For decades, AgroLiquid has understood that advanced crop fertility products and agricultural practices come from thorough research and applied technology, not guesswork. at's why everything we learn through our extensive research program goes into the development and manufacture of the most efficient, environmentally responsible crop nutrient products available. Our entire line of fertilizers is formulated to help producers achieve the best possible, highest quality yields, while employing sustainable agricultural practices. Learn more at agroliquid.com "I sell cherries, but I'm in the business of growing trees. AgroLiquid has helped me grow beautiful trees." -Cal Nagy QUALITYProducers Trust AgroLiquid