Fruit Tree Autumn Fertilization: Timing, Methods and Precautions

SummaryThe timing of autumn fertilization for fruit trees: September to October. Ring fertilization method: dig a ring-shaped trench 30-60 cm wide and 30-50 cm deep at the outer edge of the tree canopy, then mix the fertilizer and soil evenly and spread it in the trench and cover with soil. Strip fertilization method: taking the size of the canopy as the standard, open 1-2 trenches between the fruit tree rows, 50-70 cm wide and 30-50 cm deep, then mix the fertilizer and soil evenly and spread it in the trenches and cover with soil. Precautions: water promptly after fertilizing.

I. Timing of autumn fertilization for fruit trees

September to October is the golden period for fertilizing various fruit trees. During this period, the appropriate fertilization time should be chosen according to different varieties. Generally, early-maturing varieties can be fertilized after the fruit is harvested, while mid-to-late-maturing varieties can be fertilized before the fruit is harvested. Fertilization should not be later than 1 month before the fruit trees drop their leaves.

II. Methods of autumn fertilization for fruit trees

1. Ring fertilization method

Dig a ring-shaped trench 30-60 cm wide and 30-50 cm deep at the outer edge of the tree canopy, then mix the fertilizer and soil evenly and spread it in the trench, then cover with a layer of soil. This method is suitable for young trees with a relatively small root distribution.

2. Strip fertilization method

(1) Generally taking the size of the canopy as the standard, open 1-2 trenches between the fruit tree rows or between the plants, 50-70 cm wide and 30-50 cm deep, then mix the fertilizer and soil evenly and spread it in the trenches.

(2) Then cover with a layer of soil, and the strip trenches can be used in rotation each year. This method is suitable for large trees in the fruiting stage. After fertilizing, water thoroughly once, which helps the soil and fertilizer to closely contact the roots.

III. Precautions for autumn fertilization of fruit trees

1. The trench for fertilization should not be too shallow, otherwise it easily causes the roots to rise upward, which will affect the fruit trees' drought resistance and cold resistance.

2. The original ecological organic fertilizer used must be fully decomposed. During this period, raw chicken manure and raw sheep manure must not be applied directly, otherwise it will burn the roots of the fruit trees, causing the tree body to weaken, die, or inducing rot disease.

3. For plots with good water conservancy conditions, generally water after fertilizing, which helps promote the roots to fully absorb nutrients.

IV. Benefits of autumn fertilization for fruit trees

1. Autumn fertilization can promptly supplement the large amount of nutrients consumed by the growth of fruit trees, which helps continue to promote flower bud differentiation. Moreover, the autumn temperature is suitable, the light is relatively sufficient, and the root absorption capacity of the fruit trees is also relatively strong. The fruit trees can absorb nutrients to a relatively large extent, and then store the nutrients in the tree body, which helps strengthen the tree vigor and reduce the occurrence of frost injury and rot disease.

2. At the same time, it can also ensure that in the spring of the 2nd year there are sufficient nutrients to meet the needs of the fruit trees for leaf expansion, flowering and fruit setting. Moreover, the fertilizer applied can not only promote the fruit trees to fully absorb nutrients, but also store the nutrients well, so that when spring begins in the 2nd year, it can be used for the growth of the fruit trees. It is also a key measure that lays the foundation for the quality and yield of the fruit trees in the 2nd year.