Good care of our fruit trees guarantees an abundant and quality harvest when the time comes to pick the fruit. To do this, we must pay attention throughout the year to the varieties we have planted, in order to meet their needs. The use of ecological fertilizers for fruit trees It is quite common and, precisely for this reason, we believe it is appropriate to delve deeper into this topic.
Stay to discover what an ecological fertilizer is, what benefits it has and how you should apply it. By the end of this article, you will know how to give your trees the best care.
What are ecological fertilizers?
Fertilizer is a product that is used to enrich the soil and make it more fertile. Adding substances that are going to decompose and they will provide nutrients to the fruit trees.
When the fertilizer is ecological, this implies that It has a completely natural origin and that the processing to which the organic matter has been subjected has been the essential minimum.
The great advantage of use ecological fertilizers for fruit trees is that we take advantage of products that, otherwise, we would consider waste. On the other hand, when using a natural fertilizer, We avoid adding synthetic chemical components to the soil.
Benefits of organic fertilizer for fruit trees
You will see the results as soon as you collect your first harvest in which you have used compost or other ecological fertilizers. But here's a preview:
- Provides essential nutrients. Among them are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other micronutrients that are essential for the roots to become stronger and for the tree to have abundant flowering from which the fruits will later derive.
- It improves soil structure. Organic fertilizer increases the soil's ability to retain water and nutrients. This guarantees root access to the nutrients the tree needs.
- Promotes microbial activity. A series of microorganisms act on the organic matter and are responsible for gradually releasing nutrients, something from which the tree directly benefits.
- Helps prevent diseases. The higher quality the soil and the more nutrients the tree can receive, the stronger it will be and the more resistance it will have against pests and diseases.
- Reduces soil erosion. In growing areas with steep slopes, fertilizer helps keep the soil more stable.
- Improves the quality of the fruits. Trees treated with fertilizer of natural origin usually produce a greater amount of fruit and their flavor is more intense. This is due to the extra dose of nutrients they receive and the absence of chemical residues in the fruits.
The most common ecological fertilizers for fruit trees
If you want to use this type of fertilizer with your trees, and even with other plants, You don't need to complicate your life too much. Here are some of the most common varieties:
animal manure
Without a doubt, a classic when it comes to ecological fertilizer. Feces from cows, sheep, horses and birds are usually used, because they are a rich source of organic nutrients.
Of course, to avoid infections and not burn the roots, it is advisable to let the manure dry before applying it to the base of the tree.
Compost
Compost is made from decomposed organic materials, and you can make it at home. You just have to save the kitchen scraps (egg shells, pieces of meat, etc.) and also those from garden pruning.
Put it all together in a compost bin and wait for the bacteria to do their job. The result is a product rich in nutrients that It will make your plants grow much better.
bone meal
It turns out to be an organic source of phosphorus, a nutrient that is essential for root development and flowering.
You can find this product in specialized gardening centers. Also in oil mills it is possible that you can buy remains of the olives used to make liquid gold.
green fertilizers
Near your fruit trees you can plant cover crops such as clover or alfalfa. They greatly reduce the appearance of weeds, They provide nutrients to the soil that can be used by trees and, in addition, they reinforce the structure of the soil.
organic mulch
Mulch made from organic materials such as straw or bark remains is not fertilizer as such, but it performs a similar function. Because over time it decomposes and adds nutrients to the soil that They are beneficial to plants that are nearby.
How to apply organic fertilizer on fruit trees
The best time of year to add fertilizer to your fruit trees is in spring, which is when The phase of active growth and development begins. But it must be done before flowering, to guarantee the tree an extra dose of nutrients just at the moment when it needs it most.
It is also a good idea to apply fertilizer in autumn, as a measure to prepare trees for winter.
The amount of fertilizer that must be applied depends on both the type of fruit tree in question and its age. In general terms, a mature tree requires more fertilizer than a young one, because it is more difficult for it to keep its health intact and produce good fruit production.
What must be avoided is excess, because if If we use too much fertilizer we can end up burning the roots of the tree.
For a better result, we are going to apply the organic product evenly around the root zone. Working from the trunk towards the outer edge of the crown. Without the fertilizer touching the trunk, so as not to damage the bark.
If you can, lightly mix the compost into the top layer of soil. This facilitates the absorption of nutrients by the roots.
Yes after applying the fertilizer you place a layer of organic mulch, you contribute to the retention of moisture in the area and improve the structure of the soil.
Each tree may have specific requirements regarding its care, but organic fertilizers for fruit trees are always a good option to provide them with nutrients.