Peak Minerals - Azomite® Inc.

Sensible Ideas for Tree and Vine Care

Can anything be done for trees with decline or Sudden Oak Death? While no cure has been found, there are various ways to help prevent disease and improve the health of the soil and roots so that trees can combat pests and pathogens, such as some Phytophthora fungi, and increase trees survival chances.

What can I do about decline in my orchard or vineyard? Amending soils with minerals is a widely recognized method for improving the health of trees and vines and for reducing the impact of decline.

Dr. Lee Klinger, who is noted for his scientific research on woody tissue decline and sudden oak death, made the following comment: "I have seen remarkable improvement in the growth and health of badly diseased trees and vines following the use of AZOMITE^® Soil Sweetener." Dr. Klinger has published numerous papers about decline and in January, 2005, presented two papers at the Sudden Oak Death Science Symposium to fellow scientists studying this alarming disease.

As the manufacturer of AZOMITE^® Soil Sweetener, Peak Minerals is searching for additional feedback from scientists and industry leaders. Set forth below are recommendations for the application of AZOMITE^® Soil Sweetener, which should help individuals experiment in order to determine the practical success of this product under their unique soil conditions.

Recommendations for tree testing:

Broadcast AZOMITE^® Soil Sweetener on the soil surface beneath the tree canopy. Concentrate application around the base of the trunk and in acidic areas, which are indicated by the presence of mosses. Apply before or during the wet season or water in after application. Typical application rates for individual trees are:

Diameter at base	Application rate (lb/tree/yr)
< 10"	10 to 20
10" to 20"	20 to 50
20" to 30"	50 to 100
> 30"	100+

Where trees are rapidly declining or diseased, consider doubling the application rates until the trees improve.

Recommendations for crop testing:

Broadcast AZOMITE^® Soil Sweetener on the soil surface before or during the wet season. If possible, concentrate application near the base of the plants. Typical application rates for woody crops are from 200 lb. to 1000 lb. per acre per year, depending upon crop health and soil tests. Where crops are declining or diseased, consider doubling application rates until the crops improve.

Additional tips for tree care:

1. Provide extra water to your trees during the first year or two of mineral amendments.

2. Cover any areas of bare soil around trees. If practical, apply a covering of mulch around the trunk. Leaf, bark, or wood are good mulches, but the best covering is a stone or gravel mulch, as these materials provide extra minerals to the soils.

3. If greenery is preferred beneath the tree, plant an evergreen ground cover such as Vinca, Pachysandra, or English ivy. Remember, though, to keep ivy off the trunks.

4. Do not allow soil or plant litter to accumulate at the base of the tree. Keep base free of organic buildup.

5. In forest settings, remove any large pieces of woody debris from the forest floor.

6. Be on the watch for thinning canopies, bleeding from trunks, and other signs of ill health in your trees. Add more minerals, if these conditions persist.

*For more information about AZOMITE^®* Soil Sweetener** or Sudden Oak Death, please contact:
Rey Robledo Olive Orchard 21901 Bonness Road Sonoma, CA 95476 Phone: 707-732-6152 oliveorchard.net	Martin Palafox Martin Hauling and Landscaping P.O. Box HC67 Big Sur, CA 93920 831-667-2639 martinpalafax@aol.com	Down To Earth, Distributors P.O. Box 1419; Eugene, OR 97440 Phone: 1-800-234-5932 Fax: 1-541-485-7141 down-to-earth.com/	Growing Solutions 1939 W. 2nd Avenue, Suite B5 Eugene, OR 97402 Phone: 541-343-8727 Toll Free 1-888-600-9558 growingsolutions.com/