Fertilizer for apple trees

In relation to the growth time in one garden plot, an apple tree is a long-liver. For several decades, it can delight with its excellent harvest, but subject to proper, careful care. Nutrition occurs directly with those substances that you bring in in a timely manner. If this is not done, the soil is depleted over time and the apple tree begins to suffer from a lack of the necessary nutrition with useful substances. As a result, the quality and quantity of the yield suffers. The health of the culture suffers indisputably, and the immunity to diseases and pests weakens. Fertilizer for the apple tree is necessary.

It is recommended to feed the apple tree at least three times per season: in spring, summer and autumn. Spring nutrition helps the apple tree regain its strength after the winter period, increases its resistance to disease. In the summer, top dressing compensates for the lack of nutrition spent on fruiting. Autumn feeding helps to prepare the apple tree for winter time.

How to correctly, with what composition and in what quantity to feed the apple tree with fertilizers, we will describe in detail in our article.

Reason and time period to fertilize the apple tree

For a garden apple, it is recommended to carry out four stages of feeding during the growing season:

• early spring is the very first of the season, very important. Time from the first half of March to mid-April;
• second decade of June, and if there is a need, then the month of July. Carrying out the second stage of fertilization;
• in the autumn period, it is necessary to feed the apple tree in two stages. The first is the end of August-September; the second stage is September-October.

IN early spring the first application of the necessary fertilizers to the apple tree is made. This should be done after the very first leaves appear. The apple tree only wakes up after wintering. It is at this moment that she needs a large amount of nutrients to renew her resources.

Under natural conditions, the apple tree feeds on its own, takes all the necessary nutrition from the soil, air, water. The amount that is contained in the environment is not always enough for a full replenishment of strength. That is why fertilizing is carried out for garden apple trees, the help of the gardener to his favorite apple trees.

An important point! There is no need to apply fertilizer for the apple tree in large quantities, as any agricultural technique requires for culture. Supersaturation of the apple tree with substances will not lead to an increase in yield. On the contrary, it can destroy the tree, at least deprive you of the harvest. One of these components is nitrogen. Oversaturation contributes to the enhanced development of green cover, branches, leaves. The result is a very branchy crown, but not a drop of the harvest.

Many summer residents simply forget about the important autumn top dressing. As a rule, this is justified by the fact that the whole crop has been harvested, everything is fine, everyone is happy. And the apple tree no longer needs additional nutrition. This is a deep misconception. By nourishing a tree in the fall, you give it the strength to winter comfortably enough. And replenishment of strength after abundant fruiting is an important fact for the successful cultivation of a garden apple.

IN summer and early autumn, top dressing can be done by deep loosening. Spill plenty of water all over the soil under and around the tree. Then it is necessary to thoroughly loosen, level the topsoil.After that, distribute the necessary fertilizer throughout the loosened soil to a diameter equal to the size of the crown. Additives should not be added close to the trunk, keep a distance of about 25 cm. The renewed, young root system may suffer.

What kind of fertilizer for an apple tree is: types

The best options for spring feeding are minerals and organic elements. The apple tree very much welcomes such feeding.

Organic fertilizer for apple trees

• fresh manure... Used during digging in the spring and autumn. We take about 10 kilograms of manure, distributed per square meter. Bottom fertilizer, only in infusion with water (1:10), can be fed to the apple tree throughout the growing season;
• horse dung (rotted). Fertilizer use should be very careful. Manure contains ammonia, which can burn the root system very strongly, than cause great harm to the tree if the application of manure is excessively used. You can get rid of ammonia: make sure to lie down for at least one week at rest. If you completely exclude the risk of damage to the roots (especially young trees, up to 3 years old), you just need to use humus;
• humus... Organic fertilizer, composition - all rotted remains of the animal and plant world. It can also be regular manure. The use of humus will not harm the root system, you can use it without fear. The methods of applying such food are similar to manure;
• bird droppings... Use must be strictly dry. The use of fresh droppings threatens to burn the plant and even subsequent death. Recommended for use during the first spring digging. This fertilizer has a high nitrogen content. Above, we mentioned the consequences of applying a large amount of nitrogen-containing fertilizers, so apply only the required amount of bird droppings, do not overdo it. In the autumn, it is necessary to apply this fertilizer with greater caution. You can activate the enhanced growth of green shoots, leaves before wintering. The plant no longer strives for development and a similar effect will adversely affect the plant's readiness for cold weather. In the spring, applying more poultry droppings will result in burn fragile young roots. As the best option, use an infusion of droppings: dilute 100 grams of fertilizer with 15 liters of water, it is advisable to insist for at least 10 days. After readiness, you can start the feeding process;
• wood ash... Excellent fertilizer for apple trees. The ability of ash to deoxidize the soil, if necessary, is another plus for the use of the element. Promotes the safety of the tree from the activity of pests and gray rot. Fungal diseases will also not be able to damage trees and crops. The use of ash can replace any store-bought fertilizer containing potassium;
• bone flour... Organic fertilizer, combines calcium and nitrogen in a balanced amount. Experienced gardeners use it as a fertilizer and as a soil deoxidizer. Spring and autumn flour application has a rather favorable effect on the comfortable growth and development of the apple tree. At the moment, in any specialty store you can buy bone meal in powder or liquid form. It must be used strictly according to the instructions provided in each package.

Mineral fertilizer for apple trees

Organic apple fertilizer is very popular for gardeners. But minerals are not inferior in demand. The use of minerals is also very common. The composition of the fertilizer does not cause the appearance of fungal diseases in the apple tree, even the growth of weeds around the tree stops.

Organic matter is indispensable when there is a strong depletion of the soil, it is an established fact.When you can very harmoniously apply the introduction of organic matter and minerals, you will not have to wait long for a positive result. The apple tree will be very grateful to you.

• urea... Correct, timely application of fertilizing with nitrogen content, preferably in spring, contributes to the formation of a beautiful, lush, and most importantly healthy, crown on the fruit tree. As needed, gardeners can add nitrogen in the summer, but with great care, so they tend to speed up the process of forming apple ovaries. Remember, the lack of nitrogen is reflected primarily in the leaf cover of the tree. Begins to turn yellow and, accordingly, fall off prematurely. However, increased nitrogen nutrition of the apple tree will not lead to good results. A large amount will affect all the positive qualities of the fruits and the amount of yield in general;
• phosphorus (simple superphosphate) ... Not a single complex of fertilizers contains a sufficient amount of phosphorus, and the need for it is quite large in the nutrition of the apple tree. Without phosphorus, complete assimilation of nitrogen does not occur. In this situation, it is recommended to apply phosphorus as an individual component in combination with organic fertilizers. By applying under the tree, combine superphosphate and organic matter. A balanced combination promotes good apple growth, improved root development, accelerates the flowering process, and, as a result, a full-fledged harvest.
• potassium... The element is of great importance in the nutrition of young fruit trees, it stabilizes the correct growth and development. The substance is no less useful for the adult generation of the fruit tree. A sufficient amount of potassium in the nutrition of the culture contributes to the fact that all weather changes are tolerated in a mild form: drought, the winter period will be more favorable. It is recommended to add this substance when feeding the tree in autumn. During winter and early spring, the substance will practically dissolve in the soil. After the apple tree wakes up from hibernation, the potassium imbalance spent over the past season will be replenished. Potash fertilizers recommended by gardeners: potassium salt, potassium sulfate, potassium magnesium.

In any literature, it is recommended to apply organic and mineral fertilizers in a complex manner. The combination of the above additives will lead the culture activity process to the most effective result.

You can buy biofertilizer "BioGrow" at the store. The drug is very popular among the society of amateur gardeners, reviews on the use of only a positive nature. After application, the yield doubles. Perfectly protects the plant from the attacks of various pests, developing excellent immunity in the culture.

Fertilizing apple trees in spring

First of all, in early spring, gardeners begin to apply fertilizers containing nitrogen by placing them in the near-stem circle. You can use a composition of the following components:

• urea - about 600 grams;
• ammonium nitrate and nitroammophoska - about 40 grams per tree;
• humus - in the amount of 5 buckets per apple tree.

The listed composition is introduced in the process of loosening the soil for digging. It is advisable to observe the distance between the trunk and the perimeter of the introduction of substances. Recommended for the diameter of the tree crown.
At the beginning of active flowering, the soil can be fertilized with the following composition of the necessary nutrition:

• superphosphate 100 grams + potassium sulfate 70 grams + 10 liters of water;
• about 2 liters of liquid poultry manure (preferably chicken) + 10 liters of water;
• dilute slurry in 10 liters of water;
• dilute urea in the amount of 300 grams in a bucket of water.

Mix all the solutions obtained. Add the prepared mixture to the near-stem circumference of the apple tree at the rate of 4 buckets of fertilizer per tree. This method is only used in dry weather. With a prolonged rainy period, it is advisable to fertilize with a dry method with a ready-made mixture.

In the future, the apple tree can be nourished after the full flowering period. The fruits begin to pour, use the following composition:

• nitrophoska 500 grams;
• dry sodium 10 grams;
• water 10 liters.

Mix all the constituent parts, add at least 3 liters per apple tree under the fruit tree. The experience of gardeners is not limited only to the introduction of root dressings. The use of foliar nutrition of the apple tree alternates.

It is recommended to spray with urea solution. Spraying is necessary during the period of full development of the leaf cover of the tree. When the leaves are fully developed and are able to absorb the applied composition through the plate, transport the beneficial composition further throughout the tree, especially supplying nutrition to the root system.

Fertilizing apple trees in summer

In the summer, the apple tree also needs nutrition with useful substances. In addition to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium must be added during this period. The system for introducing such a composition is at intervals, several times at intervals of two weeks.

Nitrogen can be used to feed the soil on June days. Use urea for this. It is recommended to make the solution by foliar method. Summer rains are not long, the weather remains dry for a long time, and the leaves absorb the nutrient composition faster and more fruitfully. Otherwise, during prolonged rains, it is better to feed in the usual way in the root zone, but not near the trunk.

During July, nutrition with phosphorus and potassium will be very useful. Be sure to add some of the fertilizers containing nitrogen to the composition. The only point, the obligatory interval in the time interval of the introduction of potassium and phosphorus in combination with nitrogen, is not less than two weeks.

Each apple tree requires a different amount of urea concentrate. It all depends on the age of the fruit tree. The older the apple tree, the more concentrated the diet with urea.

Essential fertilizer for apple trees in autumn

The summer period is over. The harvest is safely harvested. Every gardener asks the question of how to feed his favorite apple trees before winter rest. When choosing a method of introducing substances useful for a given period, it is necessary to take into account that all foliar dressings are unacceptable during this period of the season.

The foliage prepares for autumn leaf fall and is unable to absorb the nutrient composition. All the more to promote the movement of elements to the roots and trunk.

Before feeding the apple tree for winter rest, think about how you will do it and how? During this period, all foliar feeding is not even considered. They will not bring the expected effect, since the amount of precipitation in the autumn period is abundant and long. This fact, abundant and regular rains will become assistants when carrying out autumn feeding,

Compositions for autumn feeding of apple trees:

• what composition to use for the apple tree? In specialized stores there is an opportunity to purchase ready-made complex formulations. You can use it as a general direction for any garden culture or buy a special one for apple trees. Any composition should be used strictly according to the attached instructions, which indicate the timing, composition and dosage of use;
• you can use such a composition - one tablespoon of potassium + granular superphosphate 2 tablespoons + 10 liters of water. Combine the entire composition and mix thoroughly. The resulting amount of the composition is enough for one square meter.

An element such as calcium is also necessary for apple trees in the fall season. In the event that the acidity of the soil of your site exceeds the norm, liming can be carried out.
It is recommended that all plantings be carried out in the fall, preferably in September-early October. The culture will have the opportunity to adapt before the winter calm.

What fertilizer to use for the planting pit?

To make a deep hole for a seedling, supposedly it will be more comfortable for the tree - this is all a misconception. When planting, all the nutrients for the plant are brought to the bottom of the pit.With a depth of one meter, the tree simply cannot get nitrogen-containing fertilizers, any nutrients with its undeveloped root system.

Phosphorus generally tends to lose its beneficial properties over time, which leads to the complete unsuitability of the fertilizer. The plant simply will not be able to assimilate it. As long as the roots of the plant grow, the substance will become useless if you place it at that depth.

Of all the nutrients at depth, only potassium can retain its properties. But even the roots of a young plant simply cannot reach it for a long period of time.

If the planting is carried out correctly in the autumn season, the hole should not be so deep. Slightly deeper than the size of the root system. Add all the necessary nutrients, then the fruit tree will not need feeding during the year.

For a young seedling, a pit measuring 0.5x0.5 meters is needed, no more. Pour about 2 glasses of ordinary ash at the bottom of the pit, you can replace it with a fertilizer containing potassium. Add black soil, or, if possible, a vegetable mixture. Add 20 grams of superphosphate to the same composition. As a result, there is a free space of about 20 cm.

Fill all this space with the basic composition of the soil with the addition of the necessary nutrients for the young seedling. To do this, mix humus and potting mix in equal parts. Add a complex of fertilizers purchased in a specialized store here.

If the autumn planting is carried out in a hurry, top dressing can be done in early spring. Take 2 tablespoons of azofoska, sprinkle on the trunk circle. You can use the following solution: 30 grams of Azofoska + 10 liters of water, combine the preparations. Use as root dressing.

If you prefer organic fertilizers for apple trees, you can apply manure, use mulching around the perimeter of the tree. Fresh manure can be slightly sprinkled with soil. Or spread the manure while loosening, carefully, not deeper than 10 cm.

Recommendations

Everywhere and always, deciding to start developing their own garden, every experienced and novice gardener reads a lot of special literature. Later in the article, we will discuss the most important tips and tricks from the most experienced gardeners with many years of experience:

• never use the principle - the more, the more useful. Considering the case of the use of fertilizers is not the best conviction, on the contrary, it is a bad advisor. In most cases, exceeding the nutrient content of fertilizers is much worse than a situation where the tree is forced to endure a lack of elements. The dosage for the application of fertilizers must always be observed strictly according to the instructions for use. If you prepare the composition yourself, not a store version, strictly observe the proportions;
• when choosing a place for planting a particular crop, be sure to determine the composition of the soil. Specially purchased tests or litmus paper can help in this matter;
• autumn is rich in long, regular rains. In this case, there is no need to prepare solutions of the nutrient composition; it can be used dry. Rain helps the substance to dissolve on its own and get into the soil, where it will be safely delivered through the root system to the entire tree;
• you can organize a compost heap on the site, where you will collect all the remnants of grass, fallen leaves, tops. Thus, you independently, without material costs, will be able to have a source of organic fertilizer. For apple trees, this composition is especially important.

As a result, to our conversation, you can emphasize: always and everywhere, proper nutrition is the key to excellent health and a comfortable existence. This opinion also applies to apple trees. Correctly applied fertilizer for the apple tree.Its required quantity, quality and composition will serve a good, tasty, expected, and most importantly, healthy harvest.

If you approach the process in an organized way, then it will not seem laborious to you. On the contrary, someone is even happy to take care of their own garden and receive only healthy food, fragrant, tasty, sweet apples in return.