|
Balanced plant nutrition is another factor to
produce high quality sweet fruits. Even the superior
varieties of imported fruit needs balanced nutrition
to maximize production with quality fruits |
| |
|
Functions
of Essential Elements
|
| |
| Macronutrients |
| |
| Primary |
| a.
Nitrogen - vegetative growth (roots,
shoots, stem and chlorophyll) |
| b.
Phosphorous - root development, branching
and tillering. |
| c.
Potassium - induces fruiting; makes fruit
sweet, enhance fruit flavor. |
|
| |
| Secondary |
| a.
Calcium - makes fruit sweet and increased
fruit development; for uniform maturity of
the fruit. |
| b.
Magnesium - component of green chlorophyll
which is responsible for photosynthesis. |
| c.
Sulfur - enzyme activator; part of amino
acids. |
| d.
Micronutrients - zinc, manganese, iron,
copper, molybdenum and boron. |
|
All these micronutrients are essential for
growth, chlorophyll formation, hormone
production and enhancement of fruit color
and flavor. |
| |
|
|
To maximize mixing of NPK and trace element, there
are fertilizer companies which manufacture Triple 14
and ammonium phosphate (16-20-0). These already have
trace elements as indicated on their sacks. |
| |
|
Orchard owners are also encouraged to have their
soil analyzed by the Bureau of Soils and Water
Management laboratory to determine the soil's pH
(acidity). |
| |
|
Acidic soil usually does not have enough calcium,
potash and trace elements. Shortage of these
elements will only make the trees bear fruits with
sour or inferior quality fruits. |
| |
|
If the soil is acidic, the author recommends the
application of agricultural lime following the
recommendation of the soil bureau. Also, regularly
apply organic fertilizer to neutralized acidity and
maintain the soil environment. |
| |
|
For fruiting during dry season without any
irrigation, foliar fertilizer that is high in
potassium may be sprayed on the leaves to produce
sweet and big fruits. |
