The Best Fertilization Program for Nectarine & Peach Trees

Nectarines and peaches are popular fruits grown in various regions of the world. To achieve maximum yield and fruit quality, proper and timely fertilization is crucial. In this guide, we will introduce effective fertilizers for the growth and cultivation of these trees. Additionally, we will provide a balanced fertilization program to enhance growth, increase production, and improve the quality of peach and nectarine fruits.

Why is Fertilizing Nectarine and Peach Trees Important?

Fertilizing stone fruit trees like peaches and nectarines is highly important. Fertilization significantly impacts their growth, quality, and overall performance. Below, we delve into the reasons behind this importance:

1. Providing Essential Nutrients: Trees require a variety of nutrients for proper growth and fruit production. Proper fertilization ensures that trees receive the necessary nutritional elements.
2. Increasing Tree Productivity: Effective fertilization helps boost fruit production. Well-nourished trees grow faster and produce more fruit.
3. Improving Fruit Quality: The use of fertilizers such as potassium and micronutrients not only increases the size of the fruit but also enhances its flavor and aroma. Potassium helps balance sugars and acids in the fruit, making them sweeter and more flavorful. This directly impacts the marketability of the produce.
4. Strengthening the Root System: Fertilization strengthens the roots and improves their ability to absorb water and nutrients. This contributes to the overall health of the trees, making them more resistant to diseases and pests.
5. Reducing Environmental Stress: Nectarine and peach trees are affected by environmental conditions such as drought and pollution. Proper fertilization mitigates the negative effects of these factors and equips the trees to better withstand environmental stress.
6. Preventing Diseases and Pests: Adequate nutrition strengthens the trees’ immune systems, reducing the likelihood of diseases and pest infestations.

Types of Suitable Fertilizers for Nectarine and Peach Trees

Oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon are the primary elements required by plants. In addition to these, 16 essential nutrients (including macro and microelements) are supplied through the soil. Fruits, including nectarines and peaches, must receive all the necessary nutrients from the soil for optimal growth. However, when the nutrients in the soil become limited, trees require fertilization to support peach and nectarine growth and productivity.

These nutrients are provided to trees and plants through several types of fertilizers, which include:

1. Chemical Fertilizers: Chemical fertilizers are produced in industrial factories. These fertilizers contain various macro and microelements (such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, manganese, etc.) that are essential for tree growth and fruit production.
2. Organic Fertilizers: Organic fertilizers include animal manure (such as cow manure, poultry manure, etc.) and compost. These fertilizers improve soil structure, enhance soil fertility, and gradually release nutrients to the trees. In addition to providing nutrients, organic fertilizers also introduce beneficial microorganisms to the soil.
3. Microbial Fertilizers: These fertilizers contain live microorganisms that help improve soil properties and enhance the roots’ ability to absorb nutrients. Bacterial and fungal fertilizers fall under the category of microbial fertilizers.

Choosing the right fertilizer for nectarine and peach trees depends on the specific needs of the soil and the plants. A combination of chemical and organic fertilizers can help improve crop performance and quality. By understanding the unique requirements of your trees, you can select the most effective fertilization strategy to ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest.

Analyzing Soil Needs: The Best Approach for Choosing the Right Fertilizer

As we explained earlier, 16 essential nutrients play a critical role in the growth of trees and plants. However, fertilization should only be applied if a specific nutrient is absent or limited in the soil. Otherwise, fertilizing not only imposes additional costs on farmers but can also harm the trees and their fruit.

To determine the soil’s needs, soil analysis and testing are essential before taking any action. Analyzing soil requirements is a key step in agriculture, helping farmers provide optimal nutrients for their trees. Soil analysis allows farmers to identify deficiencies in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. It also helps them determine the amount of fertilizer needed based on the soil test results.

Conducting advanced laboratory tests provides accurate information about the soil’s pH, nutrient levels, and structure. To achieve this, soil samples must be collected from around the trees. The collected samples are then transported to a soil laboratory under specific conditions for analysis. The results of the soil test are presented in a comprehensive report, which serves as a guide for making informed fertilization decisions. This approach ensures that trees receive the right nutrients in the right amounts, promoting healthy growth and maximizing fruit quality.

Comprehensive Fertilization Program for Peach and Nectarine Trees

Careful planning for fertilizing fruit trees is crucial. Each tree has specific nutritional needs, and a suitable fertilization program should be established based on these requirements. The fertilization schedule is typically determined according to the tree’s various growth stages. During each stage, the type and amount of fertilizer are specified, and fertilization is carried out accordingly. An optimized fertilization program ensures that trees receive the necessary nutrients during critical growth periods. Below, we provide a general fertilization plan for peach and nectarine trees.

Spring Season (Before Bud Break)

The first annual fertilization period for peach and nectarine trees occurs from mid-March to early April before the tree’s growth season begins. This stage is essential for strengthening the tree’s vegetative growth and meeting its initial nutritional needs. During this period, the primary nutrients—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—should be supplied to the tree. These fertilizers are usually selected in granular or crystalline form and are combined with organic manure. They are applied using the Drill-Hole method, which involves digging holes near the tree to place the fertilizer. This method ensures that nutrients are more effectively absorbed by the roots. If the soil pH is high, ammonium sulfate can be used as a nitrogen source. This fertilizer, containing both nitrogen and sulfur, helps supply nitrogen and regulate soil pH.

Fertilization During the Tree’s Flowering Stage

Phosphorus, zinc, nitrogen, calcium, and boron stimulate flowering in trees. Depending on soil test results, these fertilizers can be applied before flowering. The best time for fertilization to encourage blooming is when at least 30% of the buds have opened. During this growth stage, fertilization is typically done through foliar spraying.

Fruiting Season

The fruit formation stage is one of the most critical periods for fertilizing trees. Fertilization during this phase is essential for enhancing the fruiting process and improving fruit quality. The best fertilizers for this stage are phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and molybdenum. These nutrients help improve fruit growth and quality. Additionally, during this period, using an NPK fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content is recommended.
Once the peaches and nectarines reach the “nut stage” of fruit development, the application of calcium and potassium fertilizers is advised. These two nutrients help enhance fruit growth, improve quality, and prevent fruit cracking.

Pre-Harvest Fertilization for Peach and Nectarine Trees

Before harvesting peach and nectarine, fertilization is carried out to promote larger fruit size. During this stage, the use of potassium fertilizer and fertilizers containing micronutrients is recommended. Potassium fertilizer helps increase fruit size, improve color, and reduce fruit drop.

Post-Harvest Fertilization

After harvesting, phosphorus-rich fertilizers are used to increase the trees’ resistance to fall and winter frost. Additionally, organic fertilizers are added to the soil during this stage to improve soil structure and prepare the trees for the cold season.

Important Note: After each fertilization stage, irrigation should not be overlooked. Watering after fertilization ensures that nutrients dissolve properly in the soil and become accessible to the roots.

Methods of Fertilizing Peach and Nectarine Trees

Fertilizers come in various forms, such as granular, crystalline, powdered, and liquid. Depending on the type of fertilizer, peach and nectarine trees can be fertilized using the following methods:

1. Surface Fertilization: In this method, the fertilizer is evenly spread over the soil surface. Surface fertilizers dissolve with rain or irrigation and reach the roots. The best time for surface fertilization is at the start of the tree’s growth season (early spring). After fertilization, the soil should be irrigated to allow the fertilizer to penetrate deeper into the soil.
2. Soil Mix Fertilization: By mixing the fertilizer with the soil, nutrients are evenly distributed and made available to the roots. This method helps trees develop stronger roots and absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. This fertilization technique is typically used during planting or fall fertilization.
3. Fertigation (Fertilization through Irrigation): In this method, water-soluble fertilizer is added to the irrigation water and applied to the trees. This technique is commonly used in drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. Its main advantages are rapid nutrient absorption and reduced fertilizer waste. The concentration of the fertilizer solution must be carefully adjusted to avoid root damage.
4. Foliar Spray Fertilization: In this method, a liquid fertilizer solution is sprayed onto the leaves of the trees. This technique is often used to supply micronutrients. The best time for foliar spraying is early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.