Wenatchee LTARE Site
![LTARE map with logos-wen a map with the location of the Wenatchee LTARE](https://hk79fd.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/LTARE-map-with-logos-wen.png)
Key Objectives
- Establish best practices and standard operating procedures for optimal soil health.
- Reduce variability in orchards with organic matter amendments or other soil health building practices.
- Reduce bitter pit and other disorders related to nutrient uptake and water/plant stress.
- Establish soil health practices which conserve water and buffer environmental stress in the face of climate change.
- Identify long-term sustainable approaches to managing soil borne disease and nematodes.
Cropping System and Region
Central Washington Tree Fruit Systems
Location
WSU - Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center - Sunrise Farm in Wenatchee, Washington.
Climate and Soil Type
Annual high temperature: 63 F
Annual low temperature: 42 F
Average annual precipitation: 9 in
Primary soil type: Pogue fine sandy loam
Established
2023
Area
Three trials across 7.5 acres
Leaders
Tianna DuPont - Tree Fruit Extension Specialist
Lee Kalcsits - Tree Fruit Physiologist
Tracy Somera - Plant Pathologist
Chad Kruger - TFREC Director
Devin Rippner - Soil Scientist
Jessica Waite - Geneticist
Cameron Burt - Orchard Manager
Collaborators
Tom Forge - Nematologist
Trial 1: Investigating Reduced Disturbance and Increased Organic Matter Additions
Standard
In the standard treatment, typical synthetic nutrients and herbicides are applied.
![Treatment infographic cherry apple for website-standard An infographic showing the characteristics of the standard treatment.](https://hk79fd.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Treatment-infographic-cherry-apple-for-website-standard.png)
Mulch Additions
This treatment includes all typical synthetic nutrients and herbicides, but mulch is added every three years.
![Treatment infographic cherry apple for website-integrated organic An infographic showing the characteristics of the mulch additions treatment.](https://hk79fd.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Treatment-infographic-cherry-apple-for-website-integrated-organic.png)
Integrated Organic
This integrated treatment includes a tree row cover crop of forage peas, a pre-plant compost application, and alleyway cover and tree prunings mowed under the trees.
![Treatment infographic cherry apple for website-high carbon An infographic showing the characteristics of the integrated organic treatment.](https://hk79fd.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Treatment-infographic-cherry-apple-for-website-high-carbon.png)
High Carbon Additions
This treatment includes typical synthetic nutrient and herbicide applications, pre-plant compost, and alleyway cover and tree prunings mowed under the trees.
![Treatment infographic cherry apple for website-mulch additions An infographic showing the characteristics of the high carbon treatment.](https://hk79fd.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Treatment-infographic-cherry-apple-for-website-mulch-additions.png)
Contact reseachers:
Tianna DuPont: tianna.dupont@wsu.edu
Lee Kalcsits: lee.kalcsits@wsu.edu
Tracy Somera: tracey.somera@usda.gov
Chad Kruger: cekruger@wsu.edu
Devin Rippner: devin.rippner@wsu.edu
Jessica Waite: Jessica.Waite@usda.gov
Cameron Burt: cameron.burt@wsu.edu
Tom Forge: tom.forge@AGR.GC.CA