To study the fertilizer application in fruits and plantation crops

Horticulture Guruji

Exercise 10

To study the fertilizer application in fruits and plantation crops

HORT 221

Mango

Methods of application

The manures and fertilizers are applied in a shallow ring dug around the base of the tree in young orchards. In old bearing orchards, they are broadcasted under the canopy of the plant leaving 30-60 cm from the trunk and thoroughly mixed into the soil.

Time of application

 The manures and fertilizers are applied in two split doses. The first dose is given during June- July, consisting of complete Nitrogen with half potash at the onset of monsoon. The second dose is applied during September-October with FYM, superphosphate, and the remaining half of potash.

Manurial schedule:

Age of the plant

FYM (Kg)

Nitrogen (grams/plant)

Phosphorous

(grams/plant)

Potash

(grams/plant)

1-3 year

5-20

50-100

40-80

100-120

4-6 Year

25-50

100-200

80-100

200-400

7-9 year

60-90

200-250

120-160

400-600

10 year and above

100

250

160

600

 

Citrus

Method of application

Fertilizers should be applied in a circular band at a radial distance of 120 cm from the trunk of the plant is the most beneficial. Deep placement of fertilizers should be avoided. In fact, the maximum root activity in the sweet orange plantation was found within a depth of 25 cm while in acid lime they are more surface-oriented, 80-95% is located in the top 10 cm. As such, fertilizers are worked shallow into the surface soil.

Time of application

In North India, manuring is done in winter (Dec.- Jan.) with a second dose of ammonium sulphate applied in April-May after the fruit set. In western and southern parts of India, manuring is done before the onset of the monsoon. Sometimes, the second application is also given in Dec. or early Jan.

Manurial schedule

Age (Year)

Mandarin (grams/tree)

Acid Lime (grams/tree)

 

N

P2O5

K2O

N

P2O5

K2O

1

300

70

80

375

150

200

2

600

140

160

750

300

400

3

900

210

240

1125

450

600

4

1200

280

320

1500

600

800

5 and above

1500

350

400

1500

600

800

 

Banana

Method of application

Soluble potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers can be made easily available to the roots after planting. Application can be done in various forms;

1) Soil application broadcast or localized. Since banana roots quickly ramify away from the pseudostem, fertilizers should be rather broadcast than concentrated around the pseudostem.

 

2)  Nutrigation (Fertigation- fertilizer placement via irrigation) is most efficient since nutrients are applied directly to the root zone.

Time of application

  • Apply N as neem coated urea.
  • N & K in 3 splits 3rd, 5th, and 7th month P at 3rd month of planting.
  • For tissue culture banana 50% extra fertilizer at 2nd, 4th, and 6th, and 8th month after planting.
  • For maximizing productivity – fertigation. 25 litres of water/day + 200:30:300 g N: P2O5:K2O /plant using water-soluble fertilizer.                          

Manurial schedule

 It requires 10-15kg FYM, 100-200g nitrogen, 100-150g phosphorus, and 200-300g potassium per plant per year

 

Grape

Method of application

Application is done in the soil soon after pruning. The depth of application is 15-20cm and 45-60 cm away from the base of the trunk depending on the age of the vine

Time of application

After mid-Feb. application of manure and a whole dose of phosphorus, potassium, and half dose of nitrogen is done. Remain dose of nitrogen given after 60 days.

Manurial schedule

Age (Year)

N (Gm/vine)

P2O5 (Gm/vine)

K2O (Gm/vine)

FYM (Kg/vine)

1

200

80

400

50

2

300

160

800

50

3 and above

400

240

1200

100

 

Guava

Method of application

Guava is a surface-rooted tree and therefore the manure should be evenly spread all over the surface of the tree basin and lightly dug in.

Time of application

For taking of Mrig Bahar, during June FYM and fertilizers are applied followed by irrigation.

Manurial schedule

Age (Year)

N (Gm/tree)

P2O5 (Gm/tree)

K2O (Gm/tree

FYM (Kg/tree)

1

60

60

0

10

2

120

120

180

20

3

180

160

300

30

4

240

240

400

40

5 and above

420

420

600

50

 

Apple

Method of application

The fertilizers should be broadcasted in the tree basins 30cm away from the tree trunk up to the canopy drip line and mixed well in the soil.

 Time of application

FYM is applied during December- January along with a half dose of nitrogen, whole quantity of phosphorus, and potassium. The remaining half-dose nitrogen is applied after harvesting.

Manurial Schedule

It requires 100kg FYM, 700g nitrogen, 350g phosphorus and 700g potassium per plant per year

 

Coconut

Method of application

  • Apply manures and fertilizers in circular basins of 1.8 m from the base of the palm, incorporate and irrigate.
  • During the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year ¼, ½ and ¾ doses of the above fertilizer schedule should be adopted respectively. 

Time of application

Fertilizers are given in two equal splits during June – July, and December – January.

Manurial Schedule

From the 5th year onwards, apply 50 kg of FYM or compost or green manure. 1.3 kg urea (560 g N), 2.0 kg superphosphate (320 g P2O5), and 2.0 kg muriate of potash (1200 g K2O)

 

References cited

  1. Commercial Fruits. By S. P. Singh
  2. A text book on Pomology, Vol,1. by T. K. Chattapadhya
  3. Tropical Horticulture, Vol.1, by T. K. Bose, S. K. Mitra, A. A. Farooqui and M. K. Sadhu

All Types of Horticultural Crops