The N Factor: Orchard Sanitation & Nitrogen Needs Explained

In this episode of Between Two Rows, Erika and Kristy dig into the N factor - how nitrogen shapes tree growth, fruit quality and orchard health, tackling two grower questions: 

1. What is the nitrogen demand in an orchard? 
2. How can urea be used as a disease management tool? 

First, we explore orchard floor management and supporting sanitation strategies to breakdown overwintering apple scab. We walk through how urea works, when to use it, and how it fits alongside your regular fertility program. Then we shift gears to how trees actually use nitrogen, and what happens when they get too much... or not quite enough. Whether you're planning nutrient budgets, thinking about fruit set, or looking for tools to reduce disease pressure, this episode connects the dots between nutrition, disease management, and timing - all in one conversation between two rows.

Featured cider this episode: Archibald's Estate Winery (Hard Ginger), Bowmanville ON

Looking to enter the 2026 Ontario Cider Competition? Registration now open for the Ontario Craft Cider Competition (February 17) and Ontario Sweet Cider Competition (February 18).

Have a question for another episode? Leave it in the comments, or message us @fruitwithespurs or @appleofmyipm.

For timely apple pest and production updates, check out onfruit.ca. 

Additional pest management information can be found at Ontario Crop IPM and the Ontario Crop Protection Hub.