The Latest Nectarine Fertilization Techniques and Methods Tutorial

Fertilizing nectarine trees is the best way to help nectarines grow, achieve high yields, and produce high-quality fruit. However, fertilizing nectarine trees requires different methods at different stages, and the amount, type, and method of fertilization should be comprehensively determined based on different varieties, environments, tree age, soil conditions, as well as the growth characteristics and nutrient requirements of nectarines.

I. Fertilization Requirements

Most nectarine varieties currently planted are bred dwarf varieties. Their root systems are not deep, with no obvious taproot, and are mainly distributed horizontally in the soil at 10 to 40 cm, roughly around the outer edge of the canopy. Therefore, fertilization can mainly adopt the ring-trench fertilization method, and the fertilization depth should be within reach of the root system; the roots require relatively more oxygen, so the soil must not be clay-heavy; when the pH value is below 4.5, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium deficiencies are likely to occur, and when the pH value is above 7.5, iron, zinc, and manganese deficiencies occur, resulting in nutrient deficiency symptoms.

II. Fertilization Techniques

1. Young Trees

Mainly apply sufficient base fertilizer before planting, with generally very little or no supplementary fertilization. When preparing the land for planting, apply about 500 jin of farmyard manure per mu as base fertilizer. Compost or fermented manure is fine, as long as it has been thoroughly decomposed and fermented, but do not apply poultry manure with high heat. The fertilization amount is about 70% of the total annual fertilization amount. Applying sufficient base fertilizer ensures the growth of young trees. Young trees do not bear fruit and only grow vegetatively, so to avoid excessive vegetative growth, less nitrogen fertilizer can be applied. Do not apply nitrogen fertilizer during supplementary fertilization; apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to strengthen branch and trunk growth.

2. Mature Trees

Base fertilizer is applied in autumn after harvest when the trees enter dormancy. After harvest, promptly replenish tree nutrition to avoid weakening tree vigor, keep warm to prevent frost damage, and prepare for new fruiting branches the following year. Therefore, about one week after harvest, apply some quick-acting chemical fertilizer to restore tree vigor, then apply farmyard manure. Generally, applying about 200 jin of chemical fertilizer and 400 jin of farmyard manure per mu in combination can ensure long-lasting fertilizer efficacy. For large planting areas, the strip application method can be used to save manpower and resources, but hole application and ring-trench application are most conducive to absorption.

The first supplementary fertilization is at the flowering stage. The flowering stage requires a large amount of nutrients, so a large amount of compound fertilizer needs to be applied to promote flowering. The second is at the fruit expansion stage, when growth is rapid and fertilizer and water supply must keep up. Mainly apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, with less nitrogen fertilizer. In addition, apply trace fertilizers such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc through foliar feeding.

Nectarine fertilization means fertilizing fruit trees of different ages separately, using different amounts of fertilizer at different stages. So the above is the fertilization process for nectarine trees, all of which involves targeted fertilization. We hope this is helpful to those who have planting needs.