A Detailed Guide to the Latest High-Efficiency Fertilization Methods for Apple Trees

Apples are one of the major fruits in our lives. We are already thoroughly familiar with their nutritional value, and apple yields are not low these days either. It is just that many apples do not grow very well, which is why all kinds of unhealthy apples appear on the market, such as color-enhanced, waxed and so on. In fact, poor apple quality is largely related to fertilization. Below, join Qinong Net to learn how to fertilize apple trees correctly and efficiently.

1. Base fertilizer

For the base fertilizer of apple trees, it is best to use organic fertilizer, because organic fertilizer is more easily absorbed by the soil, which can greatly improve soil quality and thereby improve apple quality and yield. Ordinary organic fertilizer means decomposed products such as livestock manure and corn stalks. That is, organic compost is the nutrient best absorbed in the early stage of apple trees. Generally, about 3,000 to 5,000 jin are needed per mu. When fertilizing, holes need to be dug at certain intervals, then the fertilizer is filled into the pits, and finally planting is carried out. In this way, apple trees can absorb the fertilizer better, thereby speeding up growth.

2. Growth fertilizer

Growth fertilizer is also called pre-flowering fertilizer. It means fertilizing once before flowering. This fertilization is mainly to promote the growth of branches and leaves and then quickly enter the flowering period, so we mainly use ammonia fertilizer, but the amount of nitrogen fertilizer should not be too much, otherwise it will cause excessive growth of branches and leaves, thereby delaying the fruiting period, which will miss the best period and lead to reduced apple production. Generally, an average of 500 jin of nitrogen fertilizer is needed per mu. Secondly, 20 jin of phosphorus fertilizer and 20 jin of potassium fertilizer can be used as a supplement. Of course, a suitable amount of urea can also be used, applied by root irrigation, so that the roots can absorb it more easily.

3. Flower-promoting fertilizer

Flower-promoting fertilizer is a relatively important stage in the apple growth period. Under normal circumstances, it is applied about one week before the fruit trees bloom. Of course, at the latest it should be when individual flower buds appear sporadically on the fruit trees. One function of flower-promoting fertilizer is to promote flowering, and at the same time it can extend the flowering period, thus increasing the fruit-setting rate to a certain extent. At the same time, another relatively important function of flower-promoting fertilizer is that it can protect the fruit, thereby reducing the chance of fruit drop. During this period, we mainly use potassium fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer for foliar spraying, which can achieve a very good effect of promoting flowers and protecting fruit.

4. Fruit-strengthening fertilizer

Fruit-strengthening fertilizer basically determines the quality of the apples. It is generally applied when the apples are about the size of an egg. At this time, we mainly use boron fertilizer and some agents specifically for fruit enlargement, as well as a small amount of high-efficiency potassium fertilizer, and spray them on the fruit. This can promote apple growth, shorten the growth cycle, and at the same time ensure the taste of the apples and ensure that the apples grow relatively round and regular, without deformities and defects. Secondly, during this period the apples are slowly growing larger and at the same time slowly coloring, which can make the apples color more evenly and look very appetizing. Many apples on the market are red in one patch and green in another, very uncoordinated, and that is because the fruit-strengthening fertilizer was not applied well.

5. Maintenance fertilizer

Maintenance fertilizer is actually equivalent to the base fertilizer for the second year. It is generally applied after all the apples have been harvested. We mainly use organic compost or plant ash for piling, or apply it in strips or furrows. At the same time, dry grass and the like can also be used, but it must be used only after it has decomposed, and plant ash must also be applied only after it has cooled. This can prevent the aging of apple trees and at the same time lay the foundation for high yield in the coming year.