Key Points of Spring Fertilization and Pruning Techniques for Peach Trees

Spring is the season when peach blossoms are in full bloom, and it is also the period that determines bud break, flowering, and fruit set. Management at this stage affects the yield and quality of peaches later on. So, what fertilizer is best to apply to peach trees in spring? Pruning techniques attached!

1. What fertilizer is best to apply to peach trees in spring?

1. Fertilization timing

Among fruit trees, the peach tree is the earliest to begin spring growth activity, and its nutrient supply also starts earlier than that of other fruit trees. When temperatures rise after the Beginning of Spring, the peach tree's nutrient demand gradually increases, so the pre-bud fertilizer should be applied promptly. Generally, it is applied 15 days before the Beginning of Spring, with 0.5 kg of nitrogen, 0.3 kg of potassium, and 0.2 kg of phosphorus per tree, preferably mixed with decomposed human and animal manure water fertilizer.

2. Fertilizer formula

Fertilization should use a fertilizer with multiple nutritional elements in its formula. If the fertilizer's nutritional elements are single, the fruit quality will be poor in flavor and small in size, and deficiency symptoms such as yellow leaves and little leaf and fruit shrinkage disease may also appear. It is recommended to base fertilization mainly on thoroughly decomposed farmyard manure with comprehensive nutrients.

3. Fertilization method

50% of the phosphorus fertilizer and potassium fertilizer and 40% of the nitrogen fertilizer are applied as a base application together with organic fertilizer, and the remaining nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers are applied in split applications according to the nutrient requirements at each growth stage. Generally, they are applied in 2 to 3 applications during the peach tree's bud break stage (early March), pit hardening stage (mid-May), and fruit enlargement stage. For orchards that experienced early leaf fall the previous year, foliar fertilization should be strengthened: spray 1% to 3% urea solution 2 to 3 times before bud break, and spray urea solution 2 times from after bud break to mid-July, with an interval of 7 days.

4. Pay attention to shallow application

The peach tree is a shallow-rooted species, with most of its root system distributed at a depth of 20 to 30 cm. Therefore, peach tree fertilization should be appropriately shallow, with a fertilization depth of 30 cm being suitable.

5. Fertilization positioning

The horizontal roots of the peach tree are generally concentrated somewhat away from the outer edge of the canopy. The growth direction of the root system often extends according to the fertilization location, so fertilizer should be applied somewhat deeper and farther out within the root distribution zone, thereby inducing the root system to develop deeper, expanding the growth surface and the nutrient-absorbing surface.

2. Spring pruning techniques for peach trees

1. Twisting shoots

This involves twisting by hand the semi-lignified part of a relatively vigorous upright new shoot, so that the xylem and phloem are simultaneously injured by twisting without breaking. The twisted new shoot droops or is pulled flat. Generally, when the new shoot is about 30 cm long, the tender shoot is twisted at 15 cm from the base. Twisting shoots can transform water sprouts into fruiting branches, improve light conditions, moderate tree vigor, and prevent excessive vegetative growth.

2. Pinching

This is the removal of the tender young part at the tip of a growing branch. Pinching can change nutrient distribution. A pinched branch temporarily stops growing, which not only helps the branch become sturdy and improves flower bud plumpness, but also reduces nutrient competition with adjacent branches. Pinch when the shoot is 20 cm long. After pinching, twist the newly emerged shoot once it grows to 30 cm.

3. Branch bending

This can open up the branch angle, moderate tree vigor, improve light conditions, and prevent the lower part of the branch from becoming bare. Branch bending is generally carried out in May to June, when it is easy to bend and set the shape. The bending angle should be about 80 degrees, and it must not be bent into a water-like shape.

To achieve high yields from peach trees, spring fertilization and pruning management are indispensable tasks. In addition, because peach tree varieties, tree vigor, climatic conditions, growing environment, and cultivation management measures differ, the specific management measures, fertilization methods, and effects may vary, and appropriate adjustments should be made according to actual conditions.