A Complete Guide to Efficient Fertilization Methods for Apple Trees
Apples are one of the major fruits in our daily lives. We are all thoroughly familiar with their nutritional value, and apple yields are not low these days either. However, many apples simply do not grow well, which is why all kinds of unhealthy apples appear on the market, such as color-enhanced or waxed ones. In fact, poor apple quality is largely related to fertilization. Let's learn together with Qinnong.com 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 readily absorbed by the soil, which can greatly improve soil quality and thereby enhance apple quality and yield. Common organic fertilizer refers to the decomposed products of livestock manure and corn stalks and the like; that is, organic decomposed fertilizer is the nutrient that is best absorbed in the early stage of apple trees. Generally, about 3,000 to 5,000 jin is needed per mu. When fertilizing, holes should be dug at certain intervals, then the fertilizer should be filled into the pits, and finally planting should be 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 is applied once before flowering. The main purpose of this fertilization is to promote the growth of branches and leaves and then quickly enter the flowering stage, so it is mainly nitrogen fertilizer. However, the amount of nitrogen fertilizer must not be too much, otherwise it will cause excessive vegetative growth of branches and leaves, thereby delaying the fruiting stage. This will miss the best period and lead to reduced apple yield. Generally, an average of 500 jin of nitrogen fertilizer is needed per mu. In addition, 20 jin of phosphate 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; at the latest, 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, so that the fruit-setting rate can be increased to a certain extent. Another relatively important function of flower-promoting fertilizer is to protect the fruit, which can reduce the chance of fruit drop. During this period, we mainly use potassium fertilizer and phosphate fertilizer and apply them as a foliar spray, 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, some agents specifically designed for fruit enlargement, and a small amount of high-efficiency potassium fertilizer to spray the fruit. This can promote apple growth and shorten the growth cycle. It can also ensure the taste of the apples and ensure that the apples grow relatively round and regular, without deformities or defects. Secondly, during this period the apples are slowly growing and also slowly coloring. This allows the apples to color evenly and look very appetizing. Many apples on the market are red in one patch and green in another, very uncoordinated. 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 next year. It is generally applied after all the apples have been harvested. We mainly use organic decomposed fertilizer or plant ash for pile application, or apply it in strips or trenches. At the same time, withered grass and the like can also be used, but it must be used only after it has decomposed. Plant ash must also be applied only after it has cooled. This can prevent the apple trees from aging and at the same time lay the foundation for high yield in the coming year.