A Detailed Guide to the Latest Fertilization Methods and Key Techniques for Japanese Apricot (Green Plum)

The Japanese apricot (green plum) is a rather unique fruit; it tastes sweet and sour, and it has quite a few varieties. Besides some edible varieties, there are also some grown as ornamental potted plants. It is widely cultivated in our country, so how should fertilization be done when growing Japanese apricots? Let's take a look together with the editor.

1. Apply base fertilizer early

The various growth stages of the Japanese apricot are all relatively early, and it also stops growing early, so the base fertilizer is generally applied in August, immediately after the new shoots stop growing. The base fertilizer is mainly organic fertilizer; in acidic soil, calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer and slaked lime should be applied. The specific amount of fertilizer should be determined by the tree vigor, tree age, fruit load and other aspects of the neighboring tree. Generally, for mature trees, apply 1000-1500 kg of organic fertilizer, 30-30 kg of superphosphate and 10-20 kg of potassium sulfate per mu. A trench fertilization method can be used, and the soil should be covered after fertilization; for young trees, generally apply 10-15 kg of farmyard manure per plant.

2. Apply pre-flowering fertilizer as appropriate

The pre-flowering fertilizer is mainly to ensure the nutrient supply for the Japanese apricot's flowering, fruiting and shoot growth. It is mainly quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer, combined with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, and is generally applied in December to January. The amount of fertilizer should also be determined by the strength of the tree vigor and the amount of base fertilizer applied. Plants with sufficient base fertilizer and strong tree vigor can be given less or no fertilizer; while plants with insufficient base fertilizer and weak tree vigor should be given more. In addition, spraying borax solution before flowering can also significantly increase the fruit-setting rate.

3. Skillfully apply fruit-strengthening fertilizer

In April to May, when the fruit is hardening, fruit-strengthening fertilizer should be skillfully applied to plants with a heavy fruit load and weaker tree vigor, while it may not be applied to plants with stronger tree vigor. Generally, apply 0.3-0.4 kg of urea, 0.5-0.7 kg of potassium sulfate or 0.5-1 kg of compound fertilizer per plant. Alternatively, in April to May, 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate plus 0.3% urea solution can be used for foliar topdressing, sprayed on the leaves once every 10 days or so, for 2-3 consecutive times.

4. Post-harvest fertilizer

After the fruit matures, the plant has little nutrient left. In order to speed up the accumulation of nutrients in the tree and lay the foundation for a high yield the following year, post-harvest fertilizer should be applied promptly after harvesting. Generally, for mature trees, apply 1 kg of urea, 1 kg of potassium sulfate, 1 kg of superphosphate or 0.5-1 kg of compound fertilizer per plant. The fertilizer can be watered on or broadcast on the surface soil inside and outside the tree basin; broadcasting should be even. For young trees, 10-12 kg of 20 Baume decomposed human and animal urine plus a small amount of urea can be applied per plant, poured on the ground under the canopy.

The above is an introduction to the fertilization methods for Japanese apricots. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please follow us.