Balanced nutrition

Soil testing to check soil pH and leaf analysis to determine the plant's uptake of essential nutrients are necessary in managing an orchard fertilization program. Listed in Table 1-11 are the nutritional elements that need to be managed to produce high-calcium fruit, their modes of action, and grower actions. Avoid excessive levels of nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium and deficient levels of calcium, boron, and zinc, since these conditions may contribute to deficient fruit-calcium levels.

Although soil testing and leaf analysis are not practiced by all growers, they are universally recognized as the best methods on which to base a sensible nutritional program. These two tools will minimize wasted money on unnecessary fertilizer, prevent the application of nutrient elements already present in adequate or excessive amounts, and recommend application of only those fertilizer elements necessary to ensure a profit for the grower.