-3-

 RESULTS

 Regression ana yses were conducted, and those equations with a
 high correlati n of soil soluble salts to yield response are
 presented in able 1. These electrical conductivities are a
 tentative sugge tion. The electrical conductivities in Table 1
 indicate the am unt of fertility needed at an early period of the
 season so that sufficient nutrients will be available at a later
 period. The electrical conductivities obtained in these
 experiments wer fairly consistent in their predictions. A soil
 sample taken in November for April fruit yield indicates that an
 electrical cond activity in November of between 4 and 5 is needed
 if sufficient f utility is to be maintained to the end of season.
 If a soil sample is taken in February, then for April yield, a
 reading of great r than 1.6 is needed in February.

 The electrical c nductivity of the soil volume in which the plant
 roots are locate should remain below 2 (2800 ppm) because plants
 will be adverse y affected. If all of the plant roots are
 confined to this concentration or greater of soluble salts, fruit
 production will uffer and foliage burn will begin to appear. It
 is for this reas n that a large portion of the fertilizer should
 be banded in the bed center just below the soil surface. Plant
 roots should be allowed to grow to the fertilizer band and not be
 planted into it. Research has shown that as the root approaches
 the fertilizer b nd it adjusts to the increased salts. Portions
 of the root system will grow into the fertilizer band if the salt
 concentration is not too great. The plant will not be adversely
 affected as long as the soil moisture does not change radically
 and portions of t e root system are in a low salt volume of soil.
 Using slow release nitrogen or potassium, will help to reduce the
 amount of soluble salts in the bed and decrease the possibility of
 leaching.

 Data given in Table 2 are suggested optimum electrical
 conductivities or soil soluble salts needed at various times
 during the growing season. The higher levels in November are
 required to provi e the crop with fertilizer later in season. If
 the crop is to be fertilized as the season progresses than
conductivities of ess than one would be adequate.