Top dressing of fruit plants in autumn is one of the most important measures for preparing shrubs for winter. Correct fertilization gives crops the opportunity to stock up on the necessary amount of nutrients to successfully endure the winter cold and start growing in the spring.
What compositions are needed for fruit shrubs in the fall
During this period, I recommend that you abandon all nitrogen-containing formulations. This element stimulates the growth and maturation of shoots - a long process that requires a large supply of nutrients and strength from the plant. Thus, the shrub will not have time to prepare for winter and may freeze out.
In the fall, it is necessary to strengthen the root system. This is facilitated by elements such as potassium and phosphorus. I prefer to use double superphosphate for feeding, since the preparation contains double the amount of phosphorus is up to 50% and very little ballast substances, which improves the absorption of the element plant. Besides, it is convenient to use it in small doses.
In late September - early October I use potassium sulfate or potassium sulfate. It is an excellent fertilizer containing up to 50% potassium oxide. The element helps to strengthen the plant's immunity to various weather extremes.
For feeding berry bushes, I use no more than 15 g per plant. I combine fertilization with irrigation, because, gradually dissolving, they are absorbed faster by the root system.
Kalimagnesia is another valuable, in my opinion, composition. It contains about 25% potassium and 17% magnesium. The drug is indispensable for plant diseases with chlorosis. This is a lack of copper, which is manifested by the appearance of yellow veins on the leaves.
Organic fertilizers
I prefer to prepare some organic fertilizers myself. For example, an infusion based on finely chopped herbs.
I use components:
- grass - 10 l;
- wood ash - 3 buckets;
- stale bread - 0.5 kg;
- water - 7 liters.
I grind the grass and fill a container with a volume of 20 liters. Then I add ash and crumbled stale bread. I fill it with water, cover it with black plastic and leave it in a warm, sunny place for 7 days to ferment.
I use the resulting infusion for the autumn feeding of fruit bushes:
- raspberries;
- gooseberry;
- currants.
For 1 bush, 1 liter of concentrate is enough. I dilute it with 10 liters of water before watering. I bring in along the perimeter of the root circle.
Another effective method is to dig a 15 cm deep furrow at a distance of 20 cm from the bush. Fertilize it.
Individual fertilization
I regulate the amount of the applied composition depending on the type of shrub.
I adhere to the scheme:
- For gooseberries, I carry out the last feeding in the second half of September.
- For currants - the first fertilization at the end of September. Then, after 14 days, I carry out water-charging irrigation. In October, under each bush I bring in 1/2 bucket of rotted manure.
- For raspberries in the second half of October, I bring in mature manure.
I try not to use nitrogen-containing drugs in the fall. However, sometimes the plants show signs of its deficiency. For example, small yellow foliage. In this case, I take a very small amount of bird droppings, ammonium nitrate or mature compost.
Leaves that look burnt indicate a lack of potassium. Then I slightly increase the dosage of potassium magnesium.
Thin, long shoots indicate that the plant does not have enough phosphorus - I add 2 times double superphosphate with a break of 21 days.
If in the current season the bush has given a small crop with low taste, but at the same time the buds on young shoots are healthy, the plant does not have enough boron. I recommend adding a small amount of boric acid.
Having chosen the correct fertilization tactics in the fall, I get actively fruitful, healthy berry bushes for the next season.
Read also: How to properly prune strawberries after harvest
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