Key Technical Points for Fertilization and Irrigation Management of Apricot Trees
(1) Fertilization: Each year in September to October, after new shoots stop growing, apply sufficient base fertilizer, mainly organic fertilizers such as barnyard manure and chicken manure, combined with a certain amount of quick-acting fertilizer. The amount of fertilizer applied should be determined according to the size of the tree and its growth conditions. Usually, apply 30-50 kg of organic fertilizer per tree, plus about 0.5 kg of compound fertilizer specially formulated for fruit trees. After sprouting...
(1) Fertilization: Each year in September to October, after new shoots stop growing, apply sufficient base fertilizer, mainly organic fertilizers such as barnyard manure and chicken manure, combined with a certain amount of quick-acting fertilizer. The amount of fertilizer applied should be determined according to the size of the tree and its growth conditions. Usually, apply 30-50 kg of organic fertilizer per tree, plus about 0.5 kg of compound fertilizer specially formulated for fruit trees. Topdressing should be carried out before sprouting, during the fruit pit-hardening stage, and during the fruit enlargement stage. Before sprouting, mainly apply quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer, with 0.25-0.5 kg of urea per tree. During the fruit pit-hardening stage, mainly apply quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer combined with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, with 0.5-1.0 kg of diammonium phosphate per tree. During the fruit enlargement stage, mainly apply potassium fertilizer, with about 0.5 kg of potassium sulfate per tree. Fertilizer should be applied in furrows, and soil should be covered promptly after application. In addition, throughout the growing season, foliar topdressing can be carried out according to the main growth phenological stages, spraying urea, monopotassium phosphate, amino acid compound micro-fertilizer, rare earth micro-fertilizer, etc.
(2) Irrigation: In addition to irrigating after each fertilization, irrigate once with freezing water before the soil freezes, and irrigate once with a small amount of water before closing the greenhouse, then cover with plastic film to increase ground temperature and promote root activity. After flower drop, irrigate once more to promote accelerated growth of young fruit and new shoots, and remove the plastic film. During the fruit pit-hardening stage and enlargement stage, water appropriately according to soil moisture conditions, which can reduce fruit drop and increase fruit size. Appropriately control water before fruit harvest to improve fruit quality and avoid fruit cracking before harvest. After removing the greenhouse cover, generally no watering is needed to avoid excessive shoot growth and overly large trees. In dry weather, irrigation can be applied as appropriate.