Calcium chloride spray has proven to be an effective tool in apple orchards to prevent and treat various issues that affect apple productivity. This spray is known for its ability to increase the calcium levels in the soil and improve apple tree growth and fruit quality.
One of the most significant benefits of calcium chloride spray is the prevention of bitter pit, which is a physiological disorder that causes brown spots to form on the apple skin and flesh. Bitter pit can lead to significant fruit loss in apple orchards, reducing the overall yield and financial gain. However, using calcium chloride spray on the apple trees can increase the calcium levels in the fruit and prevent bitter pit from occurring.
In addition to the prevention of bitter pit, calcium chloride spray can also help improve the overall quality and longevity of the apples on trees. Calcium is essential for cell wall development in the fruit, and by increasing calcium levels in the soil, the apples become firmer and more resistant to disease and physical damage.
Calcium chloride can also help apple trees absorb nitrogen, which is crucial for tree growth and fruit production. Applying calcium chloride in the early spring can enhance the nitrogen levels in the soil, leading to healthier trees and larger fruit.
Applying calcium chloride spray in apple orchards is relatively simple and cost-effective. The spray can be applied directly to the soil or via foliar application. Foliar application is ideal as it ensures direct absorption of the calcium chloride by the apple trees, leading to quicker results than soil application.
Overall, using calcium chloride spray in apple orchards has shown to be an effective solution to prevent bitter pit, improve fruit quality, and increase overall tree growth and productivity. It is a cost-effective, sustainable way to improve apple yield and profitability for orchard owners.