Soil Test Note – No. H005
Dr. Keith Streigler, Extension Horticulturist
– Fruits, Dr. Stanley L. Chapman, Extension Soils Specialist
FERTILIZER AND CULTURAL
RECOMMENDATONS FOR FRUIT TREES
(Peaches, Apples, Plums, Cherries, Pears, Figs)
Establishment and Early Care:
Soil test can give only general indications of fertilizer needs. Fertilizer cannot take the place of favorable
soil conditions and cultural practices. Supply sufficient lime to adjust the pH to the suggested range prior
to planting. Failure to correct a
severely acid soil condition may result in the loss of peach and apple trees.
Water, chewing insect and
weed control are more important than fertilization for the first year’s growth.
Apply only sufficient nitrogen to obtain optimum shoot growth-the rate
will depend on such factors as soil type and available moisture.
Scatter the recommended fertilizer in a wide band, starting at least
a foot from the trunk and extending possibly to the drip line of the tree
or at least several feet. Watch growth
response and adjust accordingly the next year.
Fertilization of Mature Trees, Larger Size or
Unknown Fertilizer History:
A.
When soil test phosphorus and
potassium are above critical levels:
-
apply ¼ to ½ lb Ammonium nitrate or
equivalent per inch of trunk diameter.
B. When soil test phosphorus and potassium
are below critical levels:
-
apply 1 to 1 ½ lb of 10-10-10 or equivalent
nitrogen content per inch of trunk diameter.
Maintenance and Production:
Foliar analysis, visual observation, and terminal growth should be used
to determine adjustments in the rate of fertilizer used. Monitor the potassium needs on mature trees
to keep up productivity. Where practical
use a potash fertilizer if phosphorus is not limiting and the soil test indicates
a need for potash.
The length and thickness
of terminal growth made by fruit trees will indicate whether or not trees
are receiving adequate nitrogen. The
length of required annual terminal growth is related to the bearing habit
of the trees. Excessive or deficient
annual growth may be expected to reduce fruit production. The following table will give the desired length of terminal growth
for mature bearing fruit trees and young non-bearing fruit trees. Where young trees are forced to heavy growth
it should be accompanied by summer training to avoid heavy corrective pruning
cuts in the dormant season.
Fruit
|
Annual
Terminal Growth Needed
|
|
For
Young Trees
|
For Bearing-Mature Trees
|
|
|
Peaches Plums European types Japanese types Cherries Sour Sweet Apples Pears |
24-36 inches 20-30 inches 24-36 inches 18-32 inches 24-36 inches 18-30 inches 12-24 inches |
12-18 inches 6-10 inches 10-12 inches 6-8 inches 8-12 inches 8-12 inches 6-8 inches |
Growth in excess of the above
figures for bearing trees indicates the trees are receiving more nitrogen
than needed. In the absence of water
stress early in the season, shorter growth shows a need for additional nitrogen
or more pruning during a dormant season.
When foliar analysis is not available, observation of the foliage and
the soil test should be helpful. Apply
only enough nitrogen fertilizer to balance pruning and obtain the desired
length of shoot growth. Potassium
deficiencies are characterized by brown or gray marginal scorch. The same deficiency on some fruits causes interveinal
chlorsis, internal speckling, and/or leaf curl. Tree growth is closely tied to many factors
and can be manipulated by water, pruning, and sod management in addition to
direct fertilization.
Most pear trees and certain
varieties of apples are especially susceptible to fire blight-a dying on new
shoots in early summer. Excessive
fertilization, heavy pruning, and cultivation encourage excess shoot growth
which is susceptible to the disease.
A number of publications
are available at the county Cooperative Extension Service offices concerning
the culture and care of fruit trees.
Figs:
Scatter the recommended fertilizer in a band starting at least a foot from
the base of the plant and extending at least several feet or the distance
covered by the top growth. Adjust
fertilizer rate to obtain a vigorous shoot growth for most of the summer. Keep well watered and protect the base of the
young plants from freezing with a mound of soil or compost during the first
winter.
Foliar Analysis:
A foliar analysis program is available through the University of Arkansas
Agricultural Diagnostic Service Lab at Fayetteville. Sampling instructions and other information
is available through your local county Extension Office.
Revised: February, 1989
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension
Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color,
national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status,
or any other legally protected status, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.