How to Fertilize a Persimmon Tree? Key Technical Points Explained

The persimmon tree is a deciduous tree species. Wild persimmon trees grow all over the country, but they have gradually been brought into cultivated production. Persimmon trees are extremely hardy and can live for hundreds of years. Their root systems are very well developed with strong absorption capacity, and they prefer slightly acidic soil, which makes fertilizer uptake even more effective. Today, the editor brings you the fertilization techniques for persimmon trees.

I. Nutrient 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 injured they heal with difficulty, so the concentration and amount of fertilizer applied should be carefully controlled to avoid damaging the roots. Persimmon trees have strong adaptability and can grow normally in both acidic and alkaline soils. Experimental surveys show that producing one ton of persimmons requires 8-9 kg of nitrogen, 6-7 kg of potassium and 2-3 kg of phosphorus. So persimmon trees have the greatest demand for nitrogen.

II. Fertilization Techniques for Persimmon Trees

1. Fertilization at Planting

Persimmon trees have very well-developed roots with long, deep taproots, but their lateral roots are not well developed and they have few or no fine roots. Therefore, when planting, they should be set much deeper than other trees. Mix farmyard manure, superphosphate and soil into the planting hole, then begin planting. This benefits root growth and development.

2. Base Fertilizer

Apply base fertilizer in winter during October-November, after the persimmon tree's leaves have all fallen. The base fertilizer should be applied in furrows, and the soil in the orchard should be plowed. Farmyard manure is mainly used, but it is best to mix phosphorus and potassium fertilizers with the farmyard manure, applying the corresponding amount according to the size and vigor of each tree. Apply the fertilizer into furrows dug around the tree, mix it with the soil, and then fill the furrows back in.

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 amount of chemical fertilizer to each tree. The timing of topdressing 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, nor too late, otherwise the branches will not be plump enough, which will affect the flowering and fruiting of the persimmons, cause poor coloring, and reduce quality.

The roots of persimmons are very long and perennial, so a deep application of base fertilizer is needed once every year. Some green vegetables can also be planted between each tree to serve as green manure. During continuous rainy weather, the orchard should be drained promptly to prevent waterlogging, and during hot, dry weather the trees should be watered promptly to ensure normal growth of the persimmons and achieve the goal of high yield.