How to Fertilize Persimmon Trees: The Latest Fertilization Techniques and Methods Tutorial
The persimmon tree is a deciduous tree. Wild persimmon trees are found all over the country, but they are now gradually moving toward cultivated production. The persimmon tree has extremely strong vitality and can live for hundreds of years. Its roots are very well developed with strong absorption capacity, and it prefers slightly acidic soil, which makes fertilizer absorption more favorable. Today, the editor brings you the fertilization techniques for persimmon trees.
I. Fertilizer Requirements of Persimmon Trees
The persimmon originated in China, and wild persimmon trees are distributed along the Yangtze River basin. There are many varieties of persimmon trees, but they all share one thing in common: their roots are very robust and well developed, capable of extending nearly 3 m underground, with few fine roots. However, the roots contain a large amount of tannins, and once the roots are injured they are difficult to heal on their own, so when fertilizing, attention should be paid to concentration and dosage to avoid damaging the roots. The persimmon tree has strong adaptability and can grow normally in both acidic and alkaline soil. According to experimental surveys, producing one ton of persimmons requires the elements nitrogen 8-9 kg, potassium 6-7 kg, and phosphorus 2-3 kg. Therefore, the persimmon tree has the greatest demand for nitrogen.
II. Fertilization Techniques for Persimmon Trees
1. Fertilization at Planting
The roots of the persimmon tree are very well developed, with a long, deep taproot, but the lateral roots are not well developed, with few or no fine roots. Therefore, at planting time it should be planted much deeper than other trees. Mix farmyard manure, superphosphate, and soil into the planting hole, then begin planting. This is beneficial to the growth and development of the roots.
2. Base Fertilizer
Apply the base fertilizer in winter in October-November, after the leaves of the persimmon tree have all fallen. The base fertilizer should be applied by trenching, and the soil in the orchard should be plowed. Mainly farmyard manure is applied, but it is best to mix phosphorus and potassium fertilizers with the farmyard manure, applying the corresponding amount of fertilizer according to the size and growth vigor of each tree. Apply the fertilizer into trenches dug around the tree, mix it with the soil, and then fill the trenches.
3. Topdressing
The fertilizers mainly used for topdressing are chemical fertilizers such as compound fertilizer. According to the planting time of the tree and the size of the tree, apply the corresponding chemical fertilizer to each tree. The topdressing time also needs to be based on the persimmon variety. Early-maturing varieties should begin topdressing around July. Late-maturing varieties should receive their first topdressing in summer and their second topdressing around the Beginning of Autumn. However, note that nitrogen fertilizer must absolutely not be applied in excess, and the timing must not be too late, otherwise the branches will not be full enough, which will affect the flowering and fruiting of the persimmons. It causes poor coloring and reduces quality.
The roots of the persimmon are very long and are perennial, and a deep plowing with base fertilizer is needed once every year. Some green vegetables can also be planted between each tree to serve as green manure. In continuous rainy weather, the orchard should be drained promptly to prevent waterlogging, and in hot, dry weather the trees should be watered promptly to ensure the normal growth of the persimmons and achieve the goal of high yield.