How to Apply Top Dressing to Fruit Trees? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Methods

Late-stage top dressing for fruit trees is very important. Done well, it can greatly increase fruit tree yields and also make fruit trees grow more densely. Top dressing also has its own particularities; it is not simply a matter of applying fertilizer. Different fruit trees will also differ in the top dressing methods used. Below, let's learn with the editor how fruit trees should be given top dressing.

1. Broadcasting fertilizer on the soil surface

Broadcasting fertilizer on the soil surface is the most widely used method before planting, especially when the orchard planting scale is relatively large. After the orchard land is leveled, fertilizer is applied near the planting points to ensure the early-stage nutrition of the fruit trees. This method uses a relatively high amount of fertilizer, but in the early stage it is not likely to cause excessive fertility in the fruit trees. To maximize the use of the fertilizer, it is recommended to use farmyard manure. Relatively low and dense orchards can use this top dressing method to get through the early stage.

2. Burying fertilizer in the soil

For some fruit trees with relatively high fertilizer demands, burying fertilizer in the soil can provide a long-term nutrient supply point for the fruit trees, and it is more suitable for some large varieties and fruit trees planted at relatively sparse density. It is recommended not to bury it directly above the root system, as this is not conducive to the roots taking hold and growing. The process is relatively simple, but it takes more time. Select the junction points of nearby fruit trees, dig the pits well, and bury the fertilizer. If it is the early-to-mid stage, then a certain amount of water needs to be poured into the composting points to expand the fertilizer-receiving area and reduce the fertilizer concentration.

3. Fertilizer delivery by hanging bottle

This is a relatively small-scale top dressing method, generally used only for relatively precious fruit trees or when top dressing is urgently needed. The effect is obvious, but the required materials and installation process are relatively cumbersome, so when using it, small-batch use is recommended. Its principle is very simple: inject nutrient solution into the fruit tree to maintain the nutrients the fruit tree needs, so that it can grow quickly and healthily. Buy a specialized fruit tree nutrient injector, connect it to a nutrient solution bag, hang it on a branch, and point the injector at the nutrient transport channel on the surface layer of the fruit tree.

4. Sprinkler irrigation fertilization

This is recommended when the fertilization area is extremely extensive, especially in relatively dry seasons, when it is an even better choice. Although its fertilization range is relatively wide, it has relatively large shortcomings in fertilizer utilization rate. If it is a relatively dense orchard such as orange trees, this type of top dressing method can be tried. Its principle is relatively simple: first prepare a mixed water-fertilizer of compound fertilizer and water, taking care that the concentration is on the low side, then use sprinkler irrigation equipment to apply the fertilizer, which can both supplement the fruit trees' water and supplement the fruit trees' nutrients.

The above are several methods of top dressing for fruit trees. Here the editor has only roughly introduced to everyone the advantages, disadvantages, and applicable scope of these methods. For more detailed information, everyone can follow our website.