Fertilizing apricots requires soil analysis; however, other factors are also very important, such as calculating fertilizer requirements based on soil analysis, keeping records of individual fertilizer usage, fertilizer stocks, etc.
Table 1. Fertilizing Apricots in the First Two Years
Required amounts of nutrients for apricots in grams per tree
| Year of Cultivation | Nitrogen (N) | Phosphorus (P2O5) | Potassium (K2O) | NPK 7-20-30 | 5-7-20-30 | UREA | KAN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 104 | 165 | 152 | 80 | – | 280 | – |
| 2 | 155 | 103 | 230 | 120 | – | – | – |
At the end of winter, NPK fertilizer is applied to the soil, while urea is applied in March and April, and KAN in May.
Fertilizing Apricots until Fruiting
Required nutrients:
- Nitrogen (N) = 50 kg/ha
- Phosphorus (P2O5) = 15 to 25 kg/ha
- Potassium (K2O) = 80 kg/ha
Example of fertilization:
In autumn or early spring, fertilize with 65 kg/ha of NPK 7-20-30 or NPK 5-20-30S (on calcareous soils) = (0.3 kg/tree).
In March, fertilize with 40 kg/ha of urea (0.2 kg/tree).
In mid-April, fertilize with 35 kg/ha of urea (0.2 kg/tree).
In mid-May, fertilize with 40 kg/ha of KAN (0.2 kg/tree).
Foliar fertilization: Apply a 1% solution of foliar fertilizer for fruit trees with macro and microelements 2 to 3 times during the growing season.
Fertilizing Fruiting Apricots
Required nutrients:
- Nitrogen (N) = 80 to 150 kg/ha
- Phosphorus (P2O5) = 30 to 40 kg/ha
- Potassium (K2O) = 150 to 250 kg/ha
Example of fertilization:
In autumn, fertilize with 350 to 500 kg/ha of NPK 7-20-30 or NPK 5-20-30S (2 kg/tree) + 35 to 50 kg/ha of urea (0.3 kg/tree).
Before flowering, fertilize with 110 to 180 kg/ha of urea (0.5 kg/tree).
In May, fertilize with 200 to 300 kg/ha of NPK 7-20-30 or NPK 5-20-30S (0.5 kg/tree) + 45 to 80 kg/ha of KAN (0.3 kg/tree).
Foliar fertilization:
Before flowering (bud stage): 0.5% solution of boron-based foliar fertilizer.
After flowering: 1% solution of boron-based foliar fertilizer.
Apply a 1 to 2% solution of foliar fertilizer for fruit trees with macro and microelements 2 to 3 times during the growing season.
