Apricot trees are excellent fruit trees cultivated throughout China, with cultivation prevalent in both northern and southern regions. Mastering proper fertilization techniques is crucial for apricot tree cultivation, focusing primarily on base fertilization and topdressing. Let's explore the specifics:
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Base Fertilization: Base fertilization primarily utilizes well-rotted farmyard manure, applied in strips, circles, or broadcasting. Apply 500-100 kilograms of organic fertilizer per tree, preferably in September for autumn base fertilization.
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Topdressing: Apricot trees require five topdressing sessions annually, tailored to different growth stages:
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Pre-Blossom Fertilization: Apply nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers around 15 days before flowering, mixed with human or animal manure, or biological bacterial fertilizer, to promote uniform flowering and increase fruit set rate.
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Post-Blossom Fertilization: After flowering, replenish nutrients consumed by the tree with primarily quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer, along with boron fertilizer, to promote fruit enlargement and encourage new shoot growth.
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Flower Bud Differentiation Fertilization: Apply before flower bud differentiation to promote flower bud differentiation and fruit swelling, using mainly quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer combined with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.
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Fruit-Setting Fertilization: Apply potassium fertilizer 15-20 days before fruit harvesting to promote fruit enlargement and increase yield.
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Post-Harvest Fertilization: After fruit harvesting, supply sufficient nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, to promote new flower bud differentiation. Additionally, apply foliar fertilizer containing boron, zinc, and manganese for better effects.
These are the key fertilization techniques for apricot trees. Proper base fertilization and topdressing, along with appropriate fertilization quantities and ratios for each growth stage, can effectively promote apricot tree growth and yield.
