The Soil Food Web
This is a new section under construction. Here we will cover the basics of healthy soil and the life that needs to be living in it. We will look at soil micro-organisms, soil types, structure and the composition of rich, fertile organic soil. We will explore and explain the importance of CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity) measurements and what it means to your organic fertilizer program. We will look at the importance of soil pH and how to measure it. Finally we will look at soil sampling and testing along with the importance of leaf analysis.
How To Fertilize Fruit Trees
Top dress with organic fertilizer when planting and every 8 to 12 weeks with a type that has a 3:1:2 ratio of Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P) and Potassium (K) for optimal growth of the tree for the first year or two.
Fertilizer should be applied in a wide circle around the tree, starting at the drip line and extending out. The idea is to encourage the roots to grow away from the trunk, become anchored and seek nutrients. The canopy of the tree generally follows the root growth.
When the trees reach fruiting size, change your fertilizer to a type with a ratio of 1:1:3 N:P:K. This slows the leaf and branch growth ( vegetative growth) and promotes flowering and fruit development.
Always mulch the ground and keep the mulch six inches away from the trees trunk. Use composted or fresh cut leafy plant material to provide humus. Humus is developed from the decomposing plant mulch by the soil micro-organisms. Humus helps the soil hold nutrients around the tree for longer periods and helps to slow down the release of the nutrients, steadily over time. The mulch keeps soil temperatures lower and helps prevent weeds.
How To Fertilize Fruit Trees
Top dress with organic fertilizer when planting and every 8 to 12 weeks with a type that has a 3:1:2 ratio of Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P) and Potassium (K) for optimal growth of the tree for the first year or two.
Fertilizer should be applied in a wide circle around the tree, starting at the drip line and extending out. The idea is to encourage the roots to grow away from the trunk, become anchored and seek nutrients. The canopy of the tree generally follows the root growth.
When the trees reach fruiting size, change your fertilizer to a type with a ratio of 1:1:3 N:P:K. This slows the leaf and branch growth ( vegetative growth) and promotes flowering and fruit development.
Always mulch the ground and keep the mulch six inches away from the trees trunk. Use composted or fresh cut leafy plant material to provide humus. Humus is developed from the decomposing plant mulch by the soil micro-organisms. Humus helps the soil hold nutrients around the tree for longer periods and helps to slow down the release of the nutrients, steadily over time. The mulch keeps soil temperatures lower and helps prevent weeds.
