When is the Right Time for Seasonal Fertigation? Key Fertilizers for Starter Watering

Starter watering using the fertigation method involves a carefully crafted mix of water and nutrients designed to bolster the health of plants and trees before the growing season kicks off. You might be wondering when is the ideal time for starter watering, and what essential components are included in the fertigation process. Join us as we explore the answers to all your questions about this vital practice of starter watering.

What is Starter Watering and Fertigation?

Starter watering refers to the initial watering process for plants and trees during the early stages of growth. It is done before the buds of fruit trees start to swell. In fact, starter watering is the first watering before the tree “wakes up” from its dormant state. The approximate timing for this watering is from late March to early spring, depending on the geographical conditions and the type of tree.

Fertigation is a method of delivering water and nutrients to plants through irrigation systems. This process combines fertilization and irrigation, allowing plants to receive essential nutrients directly along with their water supply. It’s an efficient way to ensure that plants get the right amount of nutrients at the right time, promoting healthy growth. The timing for fertigation is crucial; it’s typically done before the growing season begins. For many crops, this means applying nutrients just before or as the plants start to grow actively.

The goal of starter watering with the fertigation method is to provide essential nutrients for trees and plants. The fertilizers used during this stage should be carefully selected to ensure that the tree has a higher productivity throughout the growing season.

Why is Fertigation Important?

Fertigation plays a crucial role in enhancing tree growth and improving the quality of crops. Let’s take a closer look at the key benefits of this initial watering process:

1. Boosting Early Growth: Young trees require more water and nutrients during their early growth stages. Fertigation effectively meets these initial needs, helping the trees get off to a strong start.
2. Encouraging Root Activity: In mid-March, temperature fluctuations at night can cause trees to need extra energy to reach their ideal growing conditions. When nutrients are available to the roots, they can kickstart their growth activities more quickly.
3. Increasing Stress Resistance: Trees that receive adequate nutrients during the fertigation phase are better equipped to withstand environmental stresses, such as late spring frosts.
4. Improving Nutrient Absorption: With the right moisture levels, trees can absorb nutrients more efficiently, which is essential for their overall health.
5. Enhancing Crop Yield: Fertigation can significantly contribute to both the quality and quantity of the crops produced.

What Are the Key Components of Fertigation?

Trees need 16 essential elements for growth and productivity, and each of these should be available at the right time. Some of these elements are particularly important during the fertigation phase. Let’s explore these components:

Water:

Water is the main ingredient in fertigation, acting as a solvent that dissolves other nutrients. It helps the roots absorb these nutrients and also maintains soil moisture.

Nitrogen:

Nitrogen is a key element that supports the growth of leaves and stems. It plays an important role in the photosynthesis process, promoting overall plant growth. One of the best nitrogen-rich fertilizers for fertigation is ammonium sulfate. In alkaline soils, ammonium sulfate helps control soil pH while supplying the necessary nitrogen for both the soil and the plants.

Phosphorus:

Phosphorus is essential for root development and flowering in plants. This nutrient helps improve energy absorption and reproduction, making it highly recommended for fertigation. Fertilizers that contain phosphorus include ammonium phosphate and high-phosphorus NPK fertilizers.

Calcium:

Calcium is another important nutrient in fertigation. It plays a significant role in reducing fruit and flower drop. If you’ve noticed that your tree tends to lose its blossoms during the growing season, using a calcium fertilizer can help mitigate this issue.

However, calcium can be hard for plants to absorb, so it’s important to apply it when the chances of uptake are highest. The best times for calcium absorption are in March and September (after harvest) and in March and April (before the growing season begins). It’s also crucial to remember that calcium doesn’t mix well with other nutrients. You can take a look at our guide to fertilizer mixing law for more information

When mixed with elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium, calcium can form deposits that hinder its absorption. So, if you’re considering applying fertilizers containing phosphorus or nitrogen during fertigation, it’s best not to combine them with calcium. Instead, if soil tests indicate a severe calcium deficiency, apply calcium separately to maximize its effectiveness.

Boron and Zinc:

Micronutrients, including rare elements like iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and boron, are vital for healthy plant growth. These elements help regulate biochemical processes in plants. Boron and zinc can be included in fertigation, as they help prevent fruit and flower drop and support the healthy growth of the tree or plant’s leaves and branches.

When is the Right Time for Fertigation?

Fertigation is a crucial step in the planting process. The exact timing depends on factors such as the type of plant, weather conditions, soil texture, soil moisture, and planting time. Before starting fertigation, check the soil moisture. If there has been heavy rainfall recently and the soil is wet, wait for it to dry out.

Generally, fertigation should occur before the growing season begins and before the trees start to bud. However, the specific timing can vary based on geographic location and local weather conditions. In warmer areas, the growing season starts earlier, so fertigation usually takes place in March. In cooler regions, trees emerge from dormancy later, resulting in fertigation occurring in early spring.

Important Tips for Starter Watering with Fertigation

Starter watering using the fertigation method should only be done when the soil is not wet. Before you start, check the weather forecast for the next few days. If rain is predicted, it’s best to postpone fertigation.

• The quality of water significantly affects how well fertilizers work. Make sure your water is clean and free from contaminants.
• For nutrients to be absorbed effectively, the soil’s pH level should be in a good range.
• The amount of water needed for fertigation depends on the type of plant, soil type, and environmental conditions. Overwatering or underwatering can reduce the effectiveness of the fertilizers.
• Ensure that water is distributed evenly across the soil surface so that all roots receive moisture equally.
• Use appropriate mixtures that match the needs of your plants. The best starter mixture can be determined based on soil test results.
• There are various methods for irrigation. Choose the right method—whether it’s drip, sprinkler, or flood irrigation—based on the type of soil and the specific plants you are working with.
• Finally, when mixing fertilizers, check their compatibility. The fertilizers you use should be water-soluble to ensure they can be effectively absorbed by the plants.