Stone Fruits

Home Fertilization Guide Stone Fruits

The nitrogen (N) to potassium (K) ratio in the leaves is a determining factor for normal fruitage. In peach trees, the ideal values of this ratio range between 1.50 N/ 1 K and 1.70 N/ 1 K. In apricot trees, between 0.80 N/1 K and 0.90 N/1 K in the leaves, which indicates that apricot tree has a greater need for potassium than for nitrogen. In cherry tree, the ideal value is around 1.25 N/ 1 K. In kiwi tree, the ratio is 1 N/1.4 K, which indicates that the uptake of potassium is greater than that of nitrogen.

The peach tree prefers well-drained soils of light to medium mechanical composition, rich in organic matter and with a slightly acidic pH. It is sensitive to salts, especially chlorides.

The apricot tree prefers deep and fertile soils with good drainage, low salinity and neutral soils with sufficient calcium. Acidic soils are unsuitable and have a negative effect on the productive life of trees.

The cherry tree prefers deep clayey, clayey-sandy, sandy-clayey or gravel soils, as well as clayey red soils with good texture and good drainage. It is recommended to avoid shallow, dry, tight and calcareous soils and to keep the soil pH between 6 and 7.5.

Basal fertilization is done before the end of winter and before the root system is activated, so that the nutrients can be incorporated into the soil with the winter rains. The aim is to meet the increased needs of the trees after flowering and later, during the period of shoot and fruit growth.

Provided:
• 2/3 of the total amount of nitrogen (N) required
• 2/3 of the total amount of phosphorus (P)
• 1/2 of the total amount of potassium (K) required

Of the trace elements, boron improves pollen germination and increases fruit setting, while zinc and iron are essential for the needs of germination development.

Surface fertilization meets the high nutrient needs for increasing the size and weight of the fruits, but also for their quality characteristics. It is applied from the end of March to mid-April.

Provided:
• 1/3 of the required nitrogen (N)
• the remaining 1/3 of the required phosphorus (P)
• the remaining 2/3 of the required potassium (K)