Fertilizer Requirements of Loquat Trees and Detailed High-Yield Fertilization Techniques and Timing

Fertilizer requirements of loquat trees and high-yield fertilization techniques and timing:Loquat is a subtropical evergreen woody fruit tree with a relatively shallow root system, mostly concentrated in the 10-50 cm soil layer. It has high nutrient requirements, and mature trees have the greatest demand for potassium, followed by nitrogen and phosphorus. According to research, producing 1000 kg of fresh fruit requires removing 1.1 kg of nitrogen, 0.4 kg of phosphorus, and 3.2 kg of potassium. The period from flowering to fruit enlargement is when loquat absorbs the most nutrients, especially with a relatively large increase in phosphorus and potassium absorption. If nutrients are supplied improperly during any growth stage, it will have adverse effects on loquat production. Excessive nitrogen supply in the later stage makes the fruit taste bland. Proper potassium supply can increase yield, improve quality, and enhance resistance. However, excessive potassium supply often results in firmer and more sour flesh, which should be noted during fertilization.

Loquat fertilization differs between young trees and mature trees. Young trees are fertilized 5-6 times per year, mainly with nitrogen fertilizer, combined with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Mature trees are applied with 10-20 kg of nitrogen, 8-15 kg of phosphorus, and 10-20 kg of potassium per 667 sq m, applied in 3-4 split applications.

The first application is basal fertilizer applied in autumn before flowering, with nitrogen and potassium each accounting for 50% of the total fertilizer amount and phosphorus accounting for 40%, applied in combination with organic and inorganic fertilizers to promote flower bud differentiation and flowering, increase stored nutrients, and improve cold resistance.

The second is the young fruit enlargement fertilizer, with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium application amounts accounting for 20%, 40%, and 30% of the total fertilizer amount respectively. Quick-acting nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are suitable, which can reduce fruit drop and promote young fruit development and spring shoot growth. The third is the post-harvest fertilizer, with nitrogen accounting for 30% and phosphorus and potassium each accounting for 20%, applied in combination with organic and inorganic fertilizers to restore tree vigor and cultivate good fruiting mother branches.

Throughout the entire growth period, foliar fertilizer can be applied according to tree vigor. Foliar fertilizer can use 0.5%-1% urea, 0.2%-0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and during the flowering period, 0.1%-0.2% borax can also be sprayed.