Proper Methods for Fertilizing and Bending Branches of Apple Trees
How do you fertilize and bend the branches of apple trees? Please explain in detail. 1. Fertilizing apple trees. (1) From the outer edge of the canopy outward, dig a ring-shaped trench 30 cm wide and 40 cm deep (for young trees) in the ground for fertilizing; for large trees, dig a ring-shaped trench 50 cm wide and 60 cm deep. (2) Mature orchards can use the method of digging trenches along the rows...
How do you fertilize and bend the branches of apple trees? Please explain in detail.
1. Fertilizing apple trees
(1) From the outer edge of the canopy outward, dig a ring-shaped trench 30 cm wide and 40 cm deep (for young trees) in the ground for fertilizing; for large trees, dig a ring-shaped trench 50 cm wide and 60 cm deep.
(2) Mature orchards can use the method of digging trenches along the rows for fertilizing. When digging the trench, pile the topsoil and subsoil separately, then mix the fertilizer evenly with the topsoil and fill it into the trench before filling in the subsoil. Water promptly after fertilizing.
(3) Fertilizer amount. For 1- to 3-year-old apple trees, apply 20-40 kg of base fertilizer per tree; for 4- to 5-year-old apple trees, apply 40-80 kg of base fertilizer per tree; for 6- to 10-year-old apple trees, apply 3000-3500 kg of base fertilizer per mu; for trees in full fruiting stage, apply 4000-5000 kg of base fertilizer per mu. In addition to applying base fertilizer, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should also be applied as topdressing at different stages. Annual phosphorus and potassium fertilizer amounts per tree for different tree ages: for non-fruiting trees, 1 kg of phosphorus fertilizer and 0.2 kg of potassium fertilizer; for trees beginning to bear fruit, 1.25 kg of phosphorus fertilizer and 0.5 kg of potassium fertilizer; for trees in full fruiting stage, 5 kg of phosphorus fertilizer and 2 kg of potassium fertilizer.
2. Bending branches of apple trees
The best time for shaping and bending branches of apple trees is from early September to early October.
(1) Drive the cut wooden stakes into the ground, tie rope or wire to the branches and fasten them to the stakes.
(2) Branches can be bent only when the lower canopy branches are 90-100 cm long, the middle canopy branches are 70-80 cm long, and the upper canopy branches are 50-60 cm long. The bending angle should be 70°-90°.
(3) Promptly remove the upward-growing branches within 20 cm of the central trunk, and pinch the tips of the remaining branches.
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