Importance of Post-Harvest Nutrition Management in Apple Orchard
A highly efficient post-harvest nutrition management plan determines the long-term high yields of good-quality fruit. The growers can reduce the risk of biennial bearing in their orchards by providing sufficient nutrition, particularly during the post-harvest stage.
Why Post Harvest Nutrition Management is Must?
Post-harvest fertilization provides the chance to ensure superior early season growth potential and enhance fruit set, thus it needs to be a top priority on the orchardist’s to-do list. After the fruit harvest, the orchards are likely to experience stress, therefore now is the ideal time to replenish the tree reserve with essential nutrients for the early growth of the upcoming season.
The nutritional concentration in the tree, which was built up in the buds at leaf fall, determines the potential growth for the following season. Immediately after harvest, root activity is likewise at its peak. The leaves must be healthy and working properly to improve nutrient intake.
The Important Nutrients that Need to be Applied during Post-Harvest Application
Potassium and Nitrogen increase reserves for the early growth of the following season. During bloom, N and K are drawn from reserves left over from the previous year’s application.
Phosphorus helps the following spring’s new tissue growth, early roots and bud formation.
Calcium is necessary for cell formation in the expanding pollen tube and for maintaining high levels in the trees.
Zinc, Boron and Magnesium replenish stores and fortify new buds.
Between fruit harvest and leaf fall, the growers have a relatively little window to finish post-harvest feeding in their orchards. By utilizing what the tree is already doing naturally, this is the greatest and most appropriate time to replenish essential nutrients for optimum effect and prepare the tree for winter hibernation.