Detailed Explanation of Key Points of Fertilization Management Techniques for Orah Mandarins

Orah mandarin is a citrus variety developed in Israel and introduced to our country not long ago. It is currently mainly grown in Guangxi and has the advantages of late maturity, attractive appearance, and high yield. When growing Orah mandarins, post-planting care is very important. The main fertilization work needs to be carried out specifically according to the tree's nutrient requirements. So what exactly does the specific fertilization work involve? Let us understand it together now.

1. Nutrient Requirements

Orah mandarins like fertilizer and have relatively high fertilizer requirements. They are relatively sensitive to some trace elements and are prone to deficiencies in magnesium, zinc, and boron, so trace element fertilizers need to be supplemented regularly. Before planting, base fertilizer should be applied sufficiently, and later topdressing can be reduced. Young trees mainly need nitrogen fertilizer, with a small amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Adult trees are fertilized according to the stage: vegetative growth mainly relies on nitrogen fertilizer, while reproductive growth mainly relies on phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, combined with a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer and some trace element fertilizer. As the tree grows, the amount of fertilizer applied should increase.

2. Fertilization for Young Trees

For young trees, apply base fertilizer before planting. The base fertilizer is about half of the base fertilizer for adult trees. After planting, young trees have weak root systems, so diluted fertilizer water can be applied, using small amounts multiple times. Once the root system becomes stronger, topdressing can be applied to promote branch and shoot growth. However, young trees do not bear fruit, so do not apply too much phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Generally, do not use chemical fertilizers, as this can easily cause excessive vegetative growth. Apply farmyard manure, which has a longer fertilizer effect. Topdressing is mainly done in summer and early autumn, which can promote shoots.

3. Fertilization for Adult Trees

After the tree becomes an adult, it can prepare to bear fruit, so it needs to store a large amount of nutrients. More farmyard manure can be applied. Topdress multiple times, pay attention to controlling branches and shoots, no longer promote new shoots, do not apply nitrogen fertilizer, and enter the reproductive growth stage as early as possible to bear fruit early. When fertilizing, do not broadcast throughout the whole orchard. Mainly apply one tree at a time using ring-shaped trench fertilization, which is easy to absorb and does not damage the roots. After fertilizing, water so that absorption is better. Adult trees that have not borne fruit can maintain regular watering.

4. Fertilization for Fruiting Trees

For fruiting trees that are currently bearing fruit, have already borne fruit, or have borne fruit for several years, fertilization may be somewhat greater. The main point is to fertilize promptly after fruit harvest. Before fruiting, apply base fertilizer in spring. In summer, fertilizer can be applied less to control shoots. The main thing is that before flowering and during the fruiting period, topdressing should be done multiple times, generally divided into early, middle, and late stages. Some chemical fertilizer can be appropriately topdressed, but mainly apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. During the fruiting period, water supply must be ensured. Fertilizer must not be lacking during fruiting, as fruit drop can easily occur.

Fertilization for Orah mandarins is mainly carried out by period and by stage to supplement the tree's nutrients. It is mainly based on the fertilizer requirements at different stages, but the overall fertilization principles must be followed. Be careful not to fertilize blindly, casually, or excessively.