Healthy fruit trees should be well fed and need fertile soils and a balanced application of nutrients. In poor soils, nutrients should be supplemented with manure and fertilizers. They contain the building blocks for rapid tree growth, bloom formation, proper root development, and optimum fruit production. Fertilizers may be applied through foliar spray, time-release granular formula, stakes, and soil drench. Proper timing matters when it comes to fertilizing fruit trees. But, what should you use?

You can either use:

  1. Organic fertilizers: They are naturally occurring and originate from animal or plant sources. These include composts, manures, and waste animal meals.
  2. Conventional or chemical fertilizers: These are either chemical salts or processed minerals that contain a large percentage of specific nutrients. For instance, NPK contains Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium in certain ratios, such as 17:17:17.

There are various factors that you should consider when determining your fertilizer rate for each acre:

  • Target crop load (TCL) estimation
  • Fruit quality requirements
  • Soil condition
  • Rootstock
  • Weather conditions
  • Plant health and vigor
  • Nutrient availability

If you are concerned about the welfare of your orchard, especially aspects like vegetative growth, blooms, fruit set, and fruit production in general, you need to ensure that the trees get all the nutrients required. Of course, you want to ensure your crop is successful, whether growing avocados, peaches, macadamia, apricots, citrus, or grapes. However, you must understand that your plants require different nutrients at each growth stage.

For instance, during planting or in the early growth stage, you should apply manure and a controlled amount of DAP fertilizer.

During the vegetative growth, when your plants are growing vigorously, you need to apply foliar feeds and fertilizers rich in Nitrogen, Ammonia, and Calcium. You should apply fertilizers such as CAN and UREA at this stage. Do not over-fertilize the trees with Nitrogen-based fertilizers, as this will favor vegetative growth instead of fruit production. Besides, the plant will be a pest magnet due to increased succulent new growth.

During flowering and fruit set, you should switch to fertilizers rich in Phosphorus and Potassium. For instance, you can apply NPK 17.17.17 before the plants bloom. Apply them before and after blooming to enhance flower quality and fruit set. You don’t want to have poor fruit set or size.

To ensure that you apply fertilizers on time, keep track of your program. Don't assume that your trees are well-fed before the blooming season. With a proper track, you will know if you need to fertilize or not. Don't change what's already perfect, your beautiful orchard and thriving plants. Under-fertilization, applying excessively, or wrong timing is never a good thing.

Missed the right time to apply fertilizers? Or were you too late to nourish your blossoms? Then it's time to plan for the coming year. Create a practical plan for the next season. Probably the whole year ahead. Collaborate with other growers and even consult the experts. In addition, you should consider implementing a soil test. This will help you identify nutrient deficiencies, such as phosphorus, boron, or calcium. You've got options to implement now before the following season.

In summary, fertilization timing is an important and economically significant tool for orchard management. The key to optimum crop yields is ensuring the nutrients are applied on time. If you are unsure what you need at a particular time, consult OxfarmAg. Our professionals will be ready to assist you in knowing what's best for your orchard. Let's get growing.