Certainly, here’s an article on fertilizer doses for apple plants:
Fertilizer Dose of Apple Plants
Apple plants require essential nutrients to grow, develop, and produce high-quality fruits. Whether your apple plants are grown in a backyard or a commercial orchard, appropriate fertilizer application can help optimize apple tree growth and fruit yield.
The right fertilizer dose for apple plants largely depends on the age and growth stage of the tree and the soil conditions in which it grows. Here are some guidelines for applying fertilizer to apple plants at different stages of their life cycle:
1. Young Apple Trees
Young apple trees, aged 1 to 3 years, require generous annual fertilizer applications to support healthy growth. At planting time, incorporate 1 pound of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 slow-release fertilizer into the soil around the tree.
In subsequent years, apply 1/5 pound of nitrogen per tree for every year of age to a maximum of 2 to 4 pounds for 2- and 3-year-old trees, respectively. Broadcast the fertilizer around the tree, staying at least 6 inches from the trunk in concentric rings. Repeat the fertilization in early summer or mid-summer depending on growth and soil fertility.
2. Mature Apple Trees
Mature apple trees, aged 4 years and older, also require fertilizer but at a lesser rate. The primary nutrient that apple trees usually require is nitrogen.
Ideally in early spring apply 1/2 pound of nitrogen per year of age per tree split in two equal amounts. If soil phosphorus and potassium levels are low add additional amounts at rates of up to1 pound of phosphorus and up to 4 pounds of potash per tree.
3. Late Season
Avoid fertilizing apple trees after mid-summer as this can delay hardening-off of woody growth which could lead to winter injury.
4. Organic Fertilizers
Organic fertilizer can be used in place or in conjunction with synthetic fertilizers. Organic materials will supply much needed phosphorus which can be lacking in many soils. Good sources of organic matter are well-decomposed manure, fish meal, feather meal, and alfalfa meal.
Apple plants require the right kind and amount of fertilizer to achieve optimum growth and healthy fruit yield. Consult your local extension agent for proper fertilization recommendations for your area or consult soil test results and adjust the fertilization program as necessary. It is always better to fertilize a smaller amount more frequently than applying too much, too quickly. Proper fertilization, pruning, watering and pest control can produce apple trees that are reliable and healthy producers for many years.