Stone Fruit – Application Strategies
It is important to incorporate good levels of phosphorus within the root zone before planting the orchard. In established orchards, dry-applied fertilizers can be broadcast across the soil surface or banded underneath the leaf canopy drip-line.
Fertigation
Fertigation provides nutrients more directly to the active root zone and is a more efficient and precise way of meeting immediate needs. Drip systems provide a limited zone of moisture where roots can thrive. They also ensure better application uniformity for every plant, and allow the right nutrient to be applied at the right time and the right amount, for optimum uptake. Under a fertigation system, it is important to maintain correct nutrient ratios to ensure the tree’s needs are properly met throughout the production period.
Foliar Applications
Foliar application is used to address an immediate nutritional need or where soil conditions restrict availability of specific nutrients. Because the cuticles of stone fruit leaves have a relatively higher level of wax than other fruit trees, the use of specialist products formulated with adjuvants is desirable to ensure better absorption of foliar nutrients and to avoid leaf damage.
Fruit Sprays
Fruit sprays are used to maximize fruit quality prior to harvesting. A complete coverage of the fruit is essential, especially when applying phosphorus or potassium for fruit colour, or calcium to reduce fruit splitting. Again, the use of properly formulated products is required to avoid fruit damage.
