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What Do You Feed Apple Trees?
发布时间：2013-1-22 11:13:25
Fertilization programs are necessary for a healthy apple tree. Consider having your soil tested to
determine the pH of your soil before beginning your fertilization process. You can choose to apply
the fertilizer either by a liquid or soil application method. However, fertilization alone will not
produce a bountiful crop, you must also prevent insect and disease from attacking your apple tree.
In below, we will talk about some important elements which influences the apple plant.
Considerations
Before feeding your apple tree, consider the soil that the tree is planted in. That means, if your soil
has the correct pH, there is no need to fertilize your tree. A simple soil test will tell you what the
pH is. It is also important to remember that different species of apple trees have decisively
different soil requirements. Therefore, you need to consider the species of tree as well as the soil
conditions before beginning any fertilization or feeding program.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is extremely important in the fertilization of apple trees. Young trees generally require
higher amounts of nitrogen than older established apple trees. Different species have different
nitrogen requirements. For example McIntosh, Jonathan and Golden Delicious require low
nitrogen (1.8 to 2.2 percent). While Rome, Red Delicious, and Honeycrisp require higher amounts
of nitrogen (2.2 to 2.4 percent). Larger trees having more wood will normally require a higher
amount of nitrogen than will dwarf trees. While nitrogen is important, it is also necessary to note
that apple trees are able to store nitrogen from season to season.
Other Nutrients
Although nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients there are other nutrients that are a part of
the fertilization program. For instance, potassium improves fruit size, the color, and the flavor of
apples while calcium is used to combat certain disorders such as cork spot. The average
homeowner with only one or two apple trees will be best served by purchasing a fruit tree
fertilizer that has been formulated to accommodate the needs of the average apple tree rather than
to customize his own fertilization program as an orchard grower would do.
Application
Apple trees can be fed by applying the fertilizer to the leaves or to the soil. Liquid fertilizer should
be applied once the leaves have opened up, after the tree has blossomed, and while the fruit is set.
Fruit tree fertilizer spikes can also be purchased. These spikes are driven into the ground around
the drip line or perimeter of the tree. The spikes slowly release the fertilizer into the soil.
Benefits
Following a fertilization program will produce a healthy apple tree. Healthy trees are better able to
fight off disease and apple trees are very susceptible to disease as well as damage by insects.
Insect and disease sprays are available and with fertilization and regular applications of a fruit tree
spray (for insects and disease) your apple tree will produce a bountiful crop of apples.
