What is the best fertilizer for orange treesThis is a matter of great concern to many orange growers. Orange trees require different nutrients at different stages of growth, so choosing the right fertilizer is crucial for the yield and quality of oranges. This article will detail the types of fertilizers and fertilization methods required for orange trees at different stages of growth to help growers better manage their orange trees.
1. Characteristics of orange trees in need of fertilizer
Orange trees need a lot of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, etc. during their growth. Among them, nitrogen fertilizer is an important fertilizer to promote the growth of orange trees, while phosphate fertilizer and potassium fertilizer help to improve the quality and yield of oranges. During the growth of orange trees, the need for fertilizer varies from one stage to another. For example, at the seedling and flowering stages, more nitrogen fertilizer is needed to promote plant growth; During the fruit development period, it is necessary to increase the application rate of potassium fertilizer to improve fruit quality.
2. Orange tree fertilization technology
1.Base fertilizer.
Base fertilizer is an important fertilizer in the growth process of orange trees, generally based on organic fertilizer, such as manure, compost, etc. The amount of basal fertilizer should be determined according to factors such as the age, growth status and soil fertility of the orange tree. Generally speaking, 2000-3000 kg of organic fertilizer can be applied per mu of orange orchard. When applying basal fertilizer, the fertilizer should be evenly sprinkled under the canopy, and then the soil should be ploughed so that the fertilizer is mixed evenly with the soil.
2.Topdressing.
Top dressing refers to the application of additional fertilizer as needed during the growth of orange trees. The type and amount of top dressing should be determined according to the growth stage of the orange tree and the soil conditions. In general, during the growing season of orange trees, top dressing can be applied during the flowering period, the fruit development period and the autumn period, respectively. At the flowering stage, an appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer can be applied to promote flower bud differentiation and improve fruit setting rate. During the fruit development stage, the application rate of potassium fertilizer should be increased to improve the fruit quality. In autumn, an appropriate amount of compound fertilizer can be applied to supplement the nutrients in the soil, promote root growth and the accumulation of nutrients stored in the tree.
When topdressing, the fertilizer should be evenly sprinkled under the canopy or applied in a ring along the edge of the canopy. For young or weak trees, hole or furrow application can be used to promote root absorption. At the same time, attention should be paid to controlling the amount and frequency of top dressing to avoid excessive fertilization causing damage to orange trees.
3.Foliar fertilization.
Foliar fertilization is a supplemental fertilization method that is suitable for late growth of orange trees or when the leaves are deficient. The advantage of foliar fertilization is that the fertilizer acts directly on the leaf surface, which is fast absorption, good effect and high utilization rate. Commonly used foliar fertilizers are potassium dihydrogen phosphate, urea, zinc sulfate, borax, etc. When fertilizing the foliar surface, it should be carried out in the morning or evening to avoid damage to the leaves caused by fertilization during the high temperature period. At the same time, the fertilizer should be diluted to an appropriate concentration and evenly sprayed on the surface of the leaves to avoid uneven fertilization or excessive fertilization to cause damage to the leaves.
3. Precautions for fertilization of orange trees
1.Fertilizer should be applied in moderation: Orange trees require different amounts of fertilizer at different growth stages, so they should be fertilized in an appropriate amount according to the actual situation. Excessive fertilization not only creates waste but also negatively affects the growth of orange trees.
2.Fertilization should be timely: Fertilizer should be applied in a timely manner according to the growth law and fertilizer needs of orange trees. For example, the amount of potassium fertilizer should be increased at the flowering stage and fruit development stage. In autumn, compound fertilizers should be applied in a timely manner.
3.Fertilization should be even: whether it is basal fertilizer or top dressing, the fertilizer should be evenly sprinkled under the canopy or applied in a ring along the edge of the canopy. Avoid damage to orange trees caused by uneven fertilization or excessive fertilization.
4.Foliar fertilization should be appropriate: foliar fertilization should be diluted to an appropriate concentration to avoid uneven fertilization or excessive fertilization to cause damage to leaves. At the same time, foliar fertilization should be carried out in the morning or evening.