Fundamentals of Horticulture (2+1)

Manure

• The perennials are different from annuals in their nutritive requirements.
• The annuals require fewer nutrients when gradually falls as the crop matures.
• Whereas, in pernnials ther are often two or three peak period of uptake owing to the occurrence of more than one vegetative flush and crop.
• Manaurial requirement of perennials gradually increased with the age of the tree till the trees reach their full growth and thereafter remins constant.
• Depending upon the requiremnets, we may have to supplement by applying manures and fertilzers at the appropriate time.

Inorganic fertilizers

• Industrially manufactured chemicals.
• Contains higher nutrient than organic manures.
• Nutrient input is lost through leaching, runoff, volatilization, fixation by soil or consumption by weeds etc.

Organic fertilizers

• These are plant and animal wastes that are used as nutrients after decomposition.
• Improves the soil tilth, aeration, water holding capacity and activity of micro-organism.

Where to apply manures ?

• In fully grown trees, the manures and fertilizers should be given over the area, where their active roots are spread.
• Fertilizer should be given in restricted area i.e., in the surrounding area of about 1 to 1.5 m away from the trunk of the trees.

Time of Fertilizer Application

• It must be applied when the plants need it.
• Timing depends on the type of fertilizer and climate.
• Fruit trees require more nutrients at the emergence of new flushes and differentiations of floral buds.
• Utilized more during the course of fruit development.
• Nutrients should be available to them in February –March.
• So, it would be better to apply them in October-November to be available to the trees in February to March.