Mango soil testing formula fertilization technical points
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June 25 12:14:39, 2025
Fertilization of mango trees is essential for healthy growth, high yield, and quality fruit production. For every 1000 kg of fresh mango produced, approximately 1.74 kg of nitrogen (N), 0.23 kg of phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅), and 2.0 kg of potassium oxide (K₂O) are required. Potassium is the most needed nutrient, followed by nitrogen and then phosphorus. A common N:P₂O₅:K₂O ratio used in fertilization is 1:0.5:0.5–1. However, fertilizer recommendations can vary significantly depending on tree age, regional conditions, and yield levels. It’s important to understand general guidelines but also adjust practices based on local soil conditions and orchard performance.
**1. Fertilizing Young Trees**
For young mango saplings, the focus is on promoting vegetative growth, root development, and canopy expansion to support early fruiting. Nitrogen and phosphorus are key during this stage, with a moderate amount of potassium. Organic manure should be applied whenever possible to improve soil fertility and structure. Soil improvement is crucial at this stage to ensure long-term productivity.
- **Planting Fertilizer**: At planting time, organic manure is primarily used, with a small amount of phosphate fertilizer added to the planting pit. If the soil is acidic, lime should be incorporated into the soil before planting. The lime should be evenly spread and mixed into the soil, allowing it to react fully over 10–15 days before planting the sapling.
- **Top-Dressing for Saplings**: After the sapling has established, top-dressing with quick-release nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers helps stimulate new root and shoot growth. Within 1–2 months after planting, new shoots will appear. After about two months, the first top-dressing should be applied. Each time new shoots develop, another application is recommended. In the first year, apply 20 grams of urea or 5 kg of diluted manure per plant. As the tree ages, increase the dosage—up to 40 grams of urea or 10 kg of diluted manure per plant. In the second year, combine the fall hole expansion with an application of 25–50 kg of organic fertilizer and 0.5–1 kg of phosphate fertilizer, or 0.5 kg of compound fertilizer. Additionally, apply 0.1–0.15 kg of urea or 0.2–0.3 kg of compound fertilizer per plant after each tip growth, either through watering or shallow trenches.
**2. Fertilizing Bearing Trees**
Once the tree starts producing fruit, typically from the third year onward, the goal shifts to supporting flower and fruit development while maintaining tree health and soil fertility. The fertilizer requirements differ from those of young trees in terms of quantity, type, and timing.
- **General Fertilizer Rates**: For trees aged 4–5 years, apply 0.4–0.5 kg of N (equivalent to 0.9–1.1 kg of urea), 0.25–0.3 kg of P₂O₅ (equivalent to 1.6–1.8 kg of calcium magnesium phosphate), and 0.36–0.4 kg of K₂O (equivalent to 0.6–0.7 kg of potassium chloride). For trees older than six years, adjust the rates according to the yield level.
- **Four Key Fertilization Stages**:
- **Pre-flowering Bud Development**: About one month before flowering, especially in December in Guangxi, apply 20% of the annual nitrogen and potassium. Apply 0.1–0.2 kg of urea and potassium chloride per plant. Combine with foliar sprays of 0.2–0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sprayed 2–3 times every 7–10 days.
- **Flower Growth Stage**: During flowering, apply 0.1–0.15 kg of urea or compound fertilizer per plant to support flower development. This can be combined with 0.1% borax and 0.2–0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate spray.
- **Fruit Development Stage**: About 30 days after flowering, apply 0.3–0.4 kg of urea and 0.2–0.3 kg of potassium chloride per plant. Foliar sprays of 0.2–0.3% urea and potassium dihydrogen phosphate can also be used.
- **Post-harvest Recovery**: After harvesting, apply 0.2–0.3 kg of urea and 0.1–0.2 kg of potassium chloride to restore tree vigor. A second application can be made when the last shoots begin to green, using 25–50 kg of organic fertilizer and 0.5 kg of compound fertilizer, combined with foliar sprays of 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate.
**3. Fertilization Techniques**
Soil fertilization is commonly done using ring trenching or furrow methods.
- **Ring Trench Fertilization**: Dig a circular or semi-circular groove around the drip line of the canopy, 15–20 cm wide and deep.
- **Furrow Fertilization**: Dig two parallel trenches outside the canopy, 20–30 cm wide and deep. When the ditch is deeper than 60 cm, expand the hole to allow better root access.
By following these practices, farmers can optimize mango tree growth, improve fruit quality, and maintain long-term soil health. Always consider local conditions and adjust accordingly for best results.