In the process of planting citrus , fertilization during the seedling stage is essential for ensuring lush green foliage and sweet fruit. Nitrogen fertilizer is beneficial for promoting branching in citrus seedlings, and a small amount of potassium dihydrogen phosphate can also be added. The main points are as follows:
1. Types of fertilizer
Fertilizing citrus trees during the seedling stage promotes rapid growth of branches and shoots, fosters strong branches and a robust framework, and helps the canopy expand rapidly, laying the foundation for abundant fruit production later. Therefore, fertilization should primarily focus on nitrogen fertilizer to promote branch growth, with a small amount of potassium dihydrogen phosphate added.
2. Fertilization time
When fertilizing citrus seedlings, the focus should be on applying fertilizer that promotes shoot growth. Fertilization can be carried out in May to June and July to August to encourage the growth of summer and autumn shoots.
3. Number of fertilizations
Since newly planted citrus trees are still in the seedling stage, their root systems are relatively small and shallow, and their ability to absorb fertilizer is weak. Therefore, they should be fertilized in small amounts and frequently, with diluted fertilizer applied often to avoid fertilizer burn caused by excessive concentration. Fertilize 4-6 times a year, with the annual amount of fertilizer based on 0.18-0.3 kg of nitrogen fertilizer and 0.4-0.65 kg of urea per seedling, and gradually increase the amount each year as the seedlings grow.
4. Fertilization methods
Because citrus seedlings have shallow root systems, fertilizer should not be applied above the roots to avoid damaging the root structure and causing fertilizer burn to the plant. Instead, fertilizer can be applied by digging trenches in the soil near the roots. In winter and summer, legume green manure can be planted under the citrus plants to improve soil fertility and reduce weed growth.
5. Precautions
Fertilizer for seedlings should be diluted rather than concentrated; farmyard manure should be fermented before application. The base fertilizer applied before planting is to improve the orchard soil and should not come into contact with the seedling roots during planting. Use fertilizers produced by reputable manufacturers. In addition to fertilization, necessary pruning and bud removal should be performed to promote faster growth of young trees.
