Fertilizer for fruit trees

Fertilisers, as source of plant nutrients, have major role in enhancing productivity and production of field crops. Fruit trees are fertilized to ensure continued growth and fruit production. In the backyard orchard, proper pruning in addition to the application of nitrogen in the spring prior to or at bud break helps maintain this productive status.

Fertilizers and soil amendments should be applied to meet the needs of the particular fruit tree.

Fruit trees can be fertilized with nitrogen fertilizer based on their annual growth rate or a soil analysis. Most fruit trees require a yearly foliar spray of zinc.

Horticultural crops have a tremendous potential for fertiliser use. Nutrient uptake by many fruits crops is equal to or high than that of cereal crops. To replenish the removal and to supply sufficient amount of nutrients at each stage of crop growth, adequate rates are needed in the fertiliser application programme of horticultural crop.

Fertilisers influence quality of horticultural crops, particularly colour, shape, size, taste, shelf life and processing characteristics. Fertilisers also influence the physiology of plant and thereby determines the composition of fruits produce and the resistance of these plants to environmental stress. Stone fruit trees (i.e. peach, cherry, plum and nectarines) can be fertilized at a maximum rate of 1/8 pound of nitrogen per inch of trunk diameter (measured 1 foot above ground level).

For mango, manures and fertilizers may be applied in September – October. Fertilizers are applied 45 to 90 cm away from the trunk up to the peripheral leaf drip and incorporated.

For apple and pears, apply one pound of a 12-12-12 fertilizer (or equivalent) for each year of tree age or each inch of trunk diameter, up to a maximum application of 8 to 12 pounds per tree.

The best method for applying fertilizer to tree crops is to place it in a series of holes varying in depth from 6 to 18 inches, placed at random locations within an area beginning 6 inches from the base of the plant and extending out to the leaf-drip line, or the outer edge of the plant.

The fertilizer also may be placed in a trench just within or outside of the leaf-drip line. The trench should be 6–12 inches deep. The fertilizer also may be applied as a dilute spray (foliar application) to the leaves of the plants. All plant nutrients may be absorbed through the leaves.
Fertilizer for fruit trees