The Latest Sweet Cherry Fertilization Techniques and Methods Tutorial

Sweet cherry is one of the earliest-ripening tree species among deciduous fruit trees, but traditionally cultivated sweet cherries bear late, yield poorly and deliver low returns, while practice has shown that mastering scientific and reasonable fertilization techniques can make early high yield of sweet cherries a reality. So how should sweet cherries be fertilized? Let's take a look together.

I. Nutrient Requirements Characteristics

Sweet cherry fertilization should be based on tree vigor, tree age, soil fertility and the nutrient requirements of the variety, with good control of fertilization timing, methods and amounts, and timely supply of the various elements needed for sweet cherry growth and development, so as to achieve the goals of strong trees, high quality and high yield. Young trees under 3 years old are in the crown expansion stage, when demand for nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer is relatively high; nitrogen fertilizer should be the mainstay, supplemented with an appropriate amount of phosphorus fertilizer, to promote early formation of the crown. For bearing trees aged 4-6 years, besides crown expansion and branch and leaf growth, they are also in the process of transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth, so promoting flower bud differentiation is the key point; at this time nitrogen fertilizer application should be controlled and phosphorus and potassium fertilizer increased. For bearing trees aged 7 years, fruit growth and development demand more potassium fertilizer, so the application amount should be increased.

II. Fertilization Principles

Sweet cherry fertilization should be mainly organic fertilizer; organic fertilizer not only has comprehensive nutrients but also improves soil texture and structure, which is beneficial to sweet cherry root growth and expands the root range. For early basal fertilizer, applying more organic fertilizer can increase the plant's nutrient reserves, raise the fruit-setting rate, increase yield and improve quality. During the growing season there are key fertilization periods; during the growing season, vigorous growth should first be promoted, then the crown should be controlled in time to promote flower bud differentiation.

III. Fertilization Techniques

For autumn basal fertilizer, organic fertilizer is the main type; generally it is applied in September-October, and earlier application is better, so that the fertilizer effect can be brought into play as early as possible and help the tree store nutrients. The main basal fertilizer application methods are the radial trench and ring trench methods. During the flowering and fruiting period, cherries consume a large amount of nutrients, so nutrient requirements are relatively high, and quick-acting fertilizers need to be applied as top dressing in sufficient amounts at the right time to raise the fruit-setting rate and increase single fruit weight. At this time fertilization is mainly compound fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; generally about 1 kg of compound fertilizer is applied per full-bearing tree. In addition, borax can be sprayed 1-2 times during the flowering period, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be sprayed 2-3 times during the coloring period, preferably in the afternoon or evening.

The above is an introduction to sweet cherry fertilization techniques. We hope it helps you. For more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.