How to Fertilize Orange Trees? A Detailed Explanation of the Key Points of Scientific Fertilization Techniques

Orange is one of the best-selling fruits on the market, with a sweet taste and high vitamin content. To achieve a high yield of oranges, fertilization is of course an essential step. Today, the editor will introduce to you the fertilization techniques for orange trees.

1. Apply sufficient base fertilizer

The orange tree is a deep-rooted plant with a relatively well-developed root system. Therefore, in order to promote its well-developed roots and meet its needs throughout the entire growth period, base fertilizer should be applied in combination with plowing before planting. Generally, 3000-4000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer is applied per mu. During plowing, it should be buried into the soil. The plowing should be deep to avoid burying the fertilizer too shallowly, which would cause the roots to extend upward and be unfavorable to plant growth.

2. Topdressing for young trees

During the young tree stage, the main purpose is to promote seedling growth, cultivate solid branches and framework branches, accelerate the formation of the canopy, and lay the foundation for early fruiting. Therefore, fertilization during the young tree stage is generally based on nitrogen fertilizer, combined with an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer is mainly applied during the three flushes of spring, summer, and autumn. Generally, about 350-600 grams of urea is applied per seedling, and the amount of fertilization increases year by year as the tree age increases. Among these, the summer flush is the period of most vigorous growth for the plant, so heavy application is required at this time.

3. Fertilization for mature trees

After the orange tree enters the fruiting stage, the goal at this time is to continue expanding the canopy and obtain a high yield. Fertilization at this time is intended to regulate the balance between vegetative growth and reproductive growth of the plant. Therefore, when fertilizing, factors such as soil, climate, tree vigor, and yield should be taken into consideration. Generally, the flowering period is the most important matter for the growth and development of oranges. The quality of the flowers affects the yield of that year and also has a certain impact on the yield of the following year. Therefore, at this time, quick-acting chemical fertilizers are mainly applied, combined with organic fertilizer. The fertilization time is in February-March, and the fertilization amount accounts for about 30% of the total annual fertilization. During the fruiting period, topdressing should be applied 2-3 times to ensure that the fruit has enough nutrients to grow. In July-August, quick-acting chemical fertilizers are mainly applied, combined with organic fertilizer, accounting for about 35% of the total annual fertilization.

4. Foliar fertilization

Foliar topdressing is also called leaf fertilization. It can quickly provide nutrients to the plant. Usually, different fertilizers are mixed and applied to meet the comprehensive nutritional requirements of oranges during growth. Generally, a mixed solution of urea, superphosphate, calcium sulfate, potassium sulfate, etc. is mainly sprayed. Spraying during the fruiting period has an obvious yield-increasing effect and can also improve fruit quality.

To achieve a high yield of oranges, more effort still needs to be put into fertilization. The above is the fertilization techniques for orange trees compiled by the editor of Tuliu.com. Have all growers understood them?