Fertilization Methods and Key Technical Points for Japanese Apricot (Green Plum)
The Japanese apricot (green plum) is a rather unique fruit. Its taste is sweet and sour, and it has quite a few varieties. Besides some edible varieties, there are also some grown as ornamental potted plants. It is widely cultivated in China, so how should fertilization be carried out when growing Japanese apricot? Let's take a look together with the editor.
1. Apply base fertilizer early
The various growth stages of the Japanese apricot are relatively early, and it also stops growing relatively early. Therefore, the base fertilizer is generally applied in August, immediately after the new shoots stop growing. The base fertilizer is mainly organic fertilizer. In acidic soil, calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer and slaked lime should be applied. The specific amount of fertilizer should be determined by various factors such as the tree vigor, tree age, and fruit load. Generally, for mature trees, apply 1000-1500 kg of organic fertilizer, 30-30 kg of superphosphate, and 10-20 kg of potassium sulfate per mu. A trenching fertilization method can be used, and the soil should be covered after fertilization; while for young trees, generally apply 10-15 kg of farmyard manure per tree.
2. Apply pre-flowering fertilizer appropriately
Pre-flowering fertilizer is mainly to ensure the nutrient supply for the Japanese apricot's flowering, fruiting, and shoot growth. It is mainly quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer, combined with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, and is generally applied from December to January. The amount of fertilizer should also be determined according to the strength of the tree vigor and the amount of base fertilizer applied. Plants with sufficient base fertilizer and strong tree vigor can be given less or no fertilizer; while plants with insufficient base fertilizer and weak tree vigor should be given more. In addition, spraying borax solution before flowering can also significantly increase the fruit-setting rate.
3. Skillfully apply fruit-strengthening fertilizer
In April-May, when the fruit is hardening, fruit-strengthening fertilizer should be skillfully applied to plants with a large fruit load and weaker tree vigor, while it may not be applied to plants with stronger tree vigor. Generally, apply 0.3-0.4 kg of urea, 0.5-0.7 kg of potassium sulfate, or 0.5-1 kg of compound fertilizer per tree. Alternatively, in April-May, 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate plus 0.3% urea solution can be used for foliar topdressing, sprayed on the leaves once every 10 days or so, for 2-3 consecutive times.
4. Fertilizer after fruit harvest
After the fruit ripens, not much nutrition remains in the plant. In order to speed up the accumulation of nutrients in the tree and lay the foundation for a high yield the following year, fertilizer should be applied promptly after fruit harvest. Generally, for mature trees, apply 1 kg of urea, 1 kg of potassium sulfate, 1 kg of superphosphate, or 0.5-1 kg of compound fertilizer per tree. The fertilizer can be applied by drenching or broadcast on the surface soil inside and outside the tree basin. Broadcasting should be even. For young trees, apply 10-12 kg of thoroughly decomposed human manure and urine at 20 Baume degrees plus a small amount of urea per tree, and drench it on the ground under the canopy.
The above is an introduction to the fertilization methods for Japanese apricot. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.