What are the common mistakes in spring fruit tree fertilization? Here is the latest rundown
Spring is the period when fruit trees start to sprout, and by now everyone surely knows how important fertilization is at this time. Spring fertilization should be balanced, reasonable and scientific, and attention should also be paid to the application of trace elements and to increasing the input of biological microbial agents. In addition, there are several points to note. Let's take a look together below.
1. Over-reliance on chemical fertilizers
Many fruit growers tend to apply large amounts of chemical fertilizers while neglecting the application of medium and trace elements and organic fertilizers, thus causing excessive nitrogen. This not only wastes fertilizer but also causes phosphorus deposition, and the direct manifestations are severe soil compaction in the orchard, imbalanced growth and development of the fruit trees, and uncontrolled pest and disease management. It also results in low yield, poor quality and inferior flavor. All of these are caused by over-reliance on chemical fertilizers, so spring fertilization must be scientific and reasonable.
2. Applying base fertilizer in spring
Many fruit growers habitually apply base fertilizer in spring, but do not have this habit in autumn. In spring the temperature is relatively high and the soil moisture conditions are poor, so the base fertilizer, having not undergone long-term fermentation and decomposition, is difficult for the tree to absorb after application, which to a certain extent wastes fertilizer. Applying base fertilizer in autumn, when soil moisture conditions are better, is also conducive to fertilizer decomposition and root absorption, can promptly replenish nutrients for the tree, and is also beneficial for flowering and fruiting the following year.
3. Applying fertilizer too early
Topdressing fruit trees should be applied during the fruit expansion stage. Applying fertilizer too early can very easily cause nutrient loss. Potassium fertilizer applied during the fruit expansion stage makes the fruit surface glossy, the color bright, and the flesh crisp with a rich flavor, but if it is applied during the flowering stage it will not have this effect. Therefore, topdressing should be done at the right time, neither too early nor too late.
4. Excessive reliance on foliar fertilizer
Most of the foliar fertilizers sold on the market now are plant growth regulators, and their effect is extremely fast after spraying. As a result, many farmers apply base fertilizer but no topdressing, and some fruit growers apply neither base fertilizer nor topdressing, relying excessively on foliar fertilizer. This practice is extremely inappropriate. More than 95% of the nutrients needed for plant growth and development come from the soil, while the absorption rate through leaves is no more than 5%. Foliar fertilizer is only suitable for fruit trees when they are deficient in fertilizer, and can excellently supplement what the plant needs at that moment, but it cannot meet the needs of the entire growth period.
The above is an introduction to the common mistakes in spring fruit tree fertilization. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.