Autumn Fertilization Management for Fruit Trees
Autumn is the final growing season of the year for fruit trees. It is the time when mid to late-maturing varieties ripen and also a crucial period for deep differentiation of flower buds and the storage of organic nutrients. Therefore, effective fertilization management during this period is vital for several reasons:
① Immediate Benefits:
Pest and Disease Control: Proper fertilization can help in effectively controlling the onset and spread of pests and diseases.
Enhanced Yield and Quality: Good nutrient management, including the use of Organic Seaweed Fertilizer, can improve both the quantity and quality of the fruits harvested in the current year, ensuring increased income for farmers.
②Long-Term Benefits:
Post-Harvest Recovery: Effective fertilization sets the stage for the tree's recovery after fruit harvesting.
Winter Hardiness: Adequate nutrient storage, particularly through Seaweed Extract for Plants, enhances the tree's ability to withstand cold winter conditions.
High-Quality Yield for the Following Year: Proper fertilization now can lay the foundation for high-quality and high-yield fruits in the next growing season.
Overcoming Alternate Bearing: Effective
nutrient management can help overcome the phenomenon of alternate
bearing, where the tree produces a large crop one year and a smaller one
the next.
By paying attention to fertilization management in the autumn, not only can immediate benefits be reaped, but a strong foundation can also be laid for the tree's future growth and productivity.
Objective | Stage | Product Combination |
Promote coloration, increase sugar content, and elevate dry matter levels | Color-changing period | Irrigation: 4-6kg potassium humate + 400g seaweed extract fertilizer/ha. 10 days per time. |
Enhance fruit enlargement, prevent softening, fruit cracking, and sunburn | Rapid fruit enlargement phase | Irrigation: 5-7kg potassium humate + 500g seaweed extract fertilizer/ha. |
Emergency sugar-boosting plan, prevent fruit diseases | 15 days before harvest | Irrigation: 5-7kg potassium humate + 500g seaweed extract fertilizer/ha. |
Mature harvest period with a high rate of graded fruit | 20-30 days before harvest | Leaf spray: 3-4kg potassium humate + 400g seaweed extract fertilizer/ha |
Top-disease prevention, reduce leaf fall, nutrient storage | After fruit harvesting, use good monthly fertilizers | Irrigation: 4-6kg potassium humate/ha |
1. The Four Stages of Nutrient Needs in Fruit Tree Growth
Spring Bud and Flowering Stage: In
the early spring, fruit trees primarily rely on their stored nutrients
for bud sprouting and flowering. During this stage, the trees absorb
minimal nutrients from the soil.
Nutrient Exchange Stage: As
the new shoots begin to grow, the stored nutrients in the tree are
depleted. This triggers the tree to start actively absorbing nutrients
from the soil.
Root Nutrient Absorption Stage: This
phase starts from the setting of the fruit and continues until the
fruit is harvested. During this period, the root system of the fruit
tree is actively involved in nutrient absorption.
Nutrient Storage Stage: At this final stage, the fruit tree ceases to grow. All the nutrients that have been absorbed are stored within the tree for future use. Even the nutrients from fallen leaves are reabsorbed and stored within the tree.
2. Two Peak Periods of Nutrient Absorption in Fruit Tree Growth
Fruit trees experience two peak periods of nutrient absorption during their growth cycle:
First Peak Period: This occurs from spring flowering, leaf growth, to fruit setting. During this phase, the tree primarily absorbs nitrogen.
Second Peak Period: This takes place during the fruit enlargement stage. During this phase, the tree mainly absorbs potassium, making potassium humate organic fertilizer particularly useful.
Nutrient Specifics:
Nitrogen: The absorption of nitrogen is higher during the first peak period compared to the second.
Potassium: The tree absorbs more potassium during the second peak period.
Phosphorus: The absorption of phosphorus remains relatively stable throughout the year.
3. Fertilization Timing
For
mid to late-maturing varieties, fertilization is generally carried out
around the time of fruit harvesting. The principle is to fertilize
earlier rather than later. Here's why:
Temperature and Rainfall: During
this period, the temperature is high and there is ample rainfall,
providing sufficient time for the base fertilizer to decompose.
Leaf Functionality: At
this time, the leaves have not yet started to decline in their
photosynthetic capabilities. This allows for a strong flow of nutrients
back to the roots.
Root System Growth Peak: This
period coincides with another growth peak in the fruit tree's root
system, which can significantly improve the tree's nutrient storage
levels.
Understanding the optimal timing for fertilization is crucial for maximizing nutrient absorption and enhancing the overall health and yield of the fruit tree.
4. Fertilization Methods
There are several primary methods for applying fertilizer to fruit trees, each with its own advantages and considerations:
①Ring Trench Method: A
circular trench is dug around the outer edge of the tree canopy. The
trench is usually 30-50 cm deep. This method is often used for young
trees. The position of the ring trench should be adjusted outward each
year as the tree canopy expands.
②Radial Trench Method: Starting
from the tree trunk as the center, trenches are dug in the direction of
the horizontal root system. Usually, 4-6 trenches are dug, each with a
depth and width similar to the ring trench. The trenches are located
1-1.5 meters away from the trunk, and their depth increases gradually
from the inside out. This method is less damaging to the roots and is
suitable for mature fruit trees.
③Whole Orchard Broadcasting: This
method is suitable for mature fruit trees and densely planted orchards.
The fertilizer is evenly spread throughout the orchard and then
incorporated into the soil by plowing. The plowing depth should be
around 20-25 cm. While this method allows for widespread root
absorption, the shallow application depth can lead to root surfacing and
shallow rooting. It is advisable to alternate this method every other
year.
Understanding the appropriate fertilization method is crucial for effective nutrient management, which in turn can significantly impact the health and yield of the fruit trees.
④Foliar Fertilization in Fruit Trees
Foliar
fertilization involves applying nutrient elements directly to the
surface of fruit tree leaves. These nutrients are absorbed by the leaves
and directly participate in photosynthesis, providing dry matter to
support plant growth and development.
Mechanisms of Absorption:
Cuticle and Wax Layer: One pathway for nutrient absorption is through the cuticle and wax layer of the epidermal cells on the leaf surface.
Stomata: Another pathway is through the stomata located on the underside of the leaves.
Advantages
Rapid Absorption: This
method bypasses the need for nutrients to be absorbed by the root
system and then transported to the leaves, resulting in quicker nutrient
uptake.
High Fertilizer Utilization Rate: The nutrients are directly absorbed where they are needed, making this method highly efficient.
Promotes Plant Growth: The direct supply of nutrients can significantly boost plant growth and development.
Foliar
fertilization is also a form of top-dressing, providing an additional
nutrient supply to complement root-based fertilization methods.
Understanding the benefits and mechanisms of foliar fertilization can offer an effective way to enhance nutrient management in fruit tree agriculture.
5. Fertilization Management
Starting
from early September, late-maturing fruit trees experience a
significant increase in fruit-bearing branches. Additionally, the autumn
season often brings more rainfall, leading to poor ventilation in the
orchard and a higher risk of pests and diseases. Therefore, it's crucial
to employ effective fertilization techniques to achieve the following
goals:
Promote Fruit Enlargement: Proper fertilization can help fruits grow larger.
Enhance Fruit Coloring: The right nutrients can improve the coloration of the fruits.
Increase the Rate of High-Quality Fruits: Effective fertilization can lead to a higher percentage of top-grade fruits.
Strengthen Disease Resistance: Adequate nutrient supply can enhance the tree's ability to resist diseases.
Guiding Principles:
The
crop regulation and care plan by HUMICO follows the principle of
"Control Nitrogen, Reduce Phosphorus, Increase Potassium, and Supplement
Micronutrients." This approach aims to improve the quality, resilience,
and yield of fruit trees during their mid-to-late growth stages.
Understanding these principles and techniques is essential for effective fertilization management, which in turn can significantly impact the health, yield, and quality of the fruit trees.
Article Source:https://www.tophumate.com/blog/Comprehensive-Guide-to-Autumn-Fertilization-Management-for-Fruit-TreesPotassium-Humate-and-Seaweed-E/