What are the latest fertilization methods for apricot trees?
Apricot trees are cultivated in many parts of our country. Their fruit is brightly colored and delicious, with relatively high health value. During their growing period, if you want to increase their yield, you need to fertilize reasonably. So how should apricot trees be fertilized? Let's find out together.
1. Base fertilizer
Base fertilizer is the main fertilizer for apricot trees throughout the year. It is generally dominated by slow-release fertilizers rich in organic matter, such as barnyard manure, compost, and human excrement and urine, and some nitrogen fertilizer can also be mixed in to speed up the fertilizer effect. However, after calcium superphosphate and bone meal are applied, they will chemically combine with calcium and iron elements in the soil and are not easily absorbed by apricot trees. Therefore, in order to fully exert the fertilizer effect, they can be piled with base fertilizer to decompose and then used as base fertilizer. Base fertilizer is best applied in autumn, plowed in and applied in September-October. Early application when the temperature is relatively high is not conducive to the plant overwintering. After base fertilizer is applied, it can increase the nutrients stored in the tree body, which is extremely beneficial for flower bud differentiation, flowering and fruit setting, and new shoot growth in the coming year.
2. Topdressing
Topdressing is also called supplementary fertilizer. The fertilizer effect of base fertilizer is steady and slow. When apricot trees have a high fertilizer demand, fertilizer must be supplemented in time so as to meet the needs of their growth and development. Topdressing is carried out in several stages.
1. Pre-flowering fertilizer. Fertilization before budding is generally applied half a month before flowering. Generally, 500 grams of nitrogen, 300 grams of potassium, and 200 grams of phosphorus are applied per plant, which can be mixed with human excrement and urine. After fertilization, a new high-lipid film can be sprayed to promote the tree's absorption and utilization of fertilizer and water.
2. Post-flowering fertilizer. After flowering, apricot trees have consumed a lot of nutrients. After flower drop, the expansion of young fruit and the vigorous growth of new shoots both require more fertilizer. Generally, 15-20 days after flowering, 0.5-1 kg and 0.25 kg of boron fertilizer are applied per plant. At the same time, a new high-lipid film and fruit-strengthening liquid can be sprayed, which can prevent flower and fruit drop.
3. Hard-core fertilizer. At this time, the apricot tree is vigorous, and the fertilizer demand is extremely large. At this time, fertilization should be mainly potassium fertilizer, supplemented by nitrogen and phosphorus, with 300-500 grams of potassium chloride applied per plant.
4. Fruit-promoting fertilizer
15-20 days before fruit harvest, the fruit expands relatively quickly. At this time, applying potassium fertilizer can effectively improve yield and quality. Generally, 150 grams of potassium fertilizer is applied for every 50 kg produced.
5. Post-harvest fertilizer. After fruit harvest, nitrogen and phosphorus should be the main nutrients. Apply 1 kg per plant and 0.5-1 kg of phosphate fertilizer. Spraying a new high-lipid film can enhance the plant's overwintering ability.
6. Supplementary foliar fertilizer. From leaf expansion to 20 days before leaf drop, apricot trees can be sprayed with foliar fertilizer to supplement boron, zinc, manganese, and potassium, with good results, but attention should be paid to the concentration.
The above is an introduction to fertilization methods for apricot trees. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.