Nutrient deficiencies can greatly affect the performance and productivity of apple trees. When practicing organic farming, most of the fertilisers used are organic, although small amounts of chemical fertilisers are important. Apple trees require various micronutrients in high levels at different growth stages such as Calcium, Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus, Sulphur, and Magnesium. Besides, they require small traces of micronutrients like Molybdenum, Iron, Cobalt, Silicon, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Sodium, Boron, and Chloride. Nitrogen is required in large amounts in the early stages and when the trees are growing vigorously. During the flowering and fruiting stage, NPK formulations with a high potassium percentage should be applied or sprayed.
Some indications of nutrient deficiencies in apple plants include:
• Slightly red leaves indicate lack of nitrogen.
• Yellow and green patches on fruits is an indication of potassium deficiency.
• Corky areas on apple fruits indicate boron deficiency.
• Curling backward of leaves is an indication of phosphorus deficiency.
• Deformed fruits.
The amount of fertilisers required by apple trees varies depending on the soil fertility, manure applied, and the growth stage. Several things can happen when incorrect amounts of fertilisers are applied.
For instance, excessive application of fertilisers makes the plants concentrate on producing a lot of shoots and leaves instead of fruits.
Failing to use fertilisers or applying extremely little fertilisers can lead to nutrient deficiencies, stunted growth, and poor health. Besides, the plants under-perform and their ability to fight pests and diseases reduces.
Know when to apply
• Fertilisers should be applied three times per year.
• The first application should be done before flowering.
• The second application should be made after flowering.
• The third application should be done a month later
However, in the early growth stages, and during vegetative growth, fertilisers can be applied at different times of the year depending on the nutrients required. Fertilisers should, however, be applied at controlled rates. Manure and other organic products should be applied regularly to keep the soil healthy and fertile.
Mulching, especially young plants, minimises the growth of weeds, enhances the soil texture, increases the organic matter, minimises water loss through evaporation, and increases soil micro-organisms.
-
Quick View
Milking Machine
Original price was: KSh 85,000.00.KSh 79,500.00Current price is: KSh 79,500.00.Add to cartOur portable milking machines are widely used in small, medium and large farms. It consists of a vacuum pump, milk pulsator, motor, the claw, liners, rubber tubes and milk bucket. Has low power consumption, stable performance, easy operation, compact, lightweight makes it an ideal choice for most farmers.
-
Quick View
Masters Dairy Meal 70kg
Original price was: KSh 3,200.00.KSh 2,850.00Current price is: KSh 2,850.00.Add to cartA well balanced ration with high quality by pass protein sources. It is fortified with minerals, vitamins and traces elements for extra milk production. Contains yeasacc, a yeast culture that conditions the rumen for maximum milk yield
-
Quick View
Rotating Water Sprinkler
Original price was: KSh 950.00.KSh 880.00Current price is: KSh 880.00.Add to cartWhen the water valve is open, the nozzles of the two nozzles will have two waters at the same time. Due to the effect of water injection, the nozzle will automatically rotate 360 degrees. The nozzle range is pressure controlled.Optional 1/2 and 3/4 connector nozzles, and extended 1/2 adapter nozzles. -
Quick View
CORIANDER DANIA SEEDS – 250G
Original price was: KSh 1,250.00.KSh 965.00Current price is: KSh 965.00.Add to cart- Attractive green foliage
- Highly pungent with finely cut foliage
- Ready for picking within 30 days
- Unique coriander flavour
- Ideal for both local and export markets
- Requires no transplanting
-
Quick View
SC Sungura 301 Maize Seed
Original price was: KSh 590.00.KSh 530.00Current price is: KSh 530.00.Read moreSc Sungura 301 is an Ultra early maturing variety that takes 72-80 days to physical maturity. It is an excellent alternative to Sorghum and Millet cropping. This variety is tolerant to weather challenges, with wide regional adaptation under marginal conditions.
-
Quick View
Heavy Duty Gumboots
Original price was: KSh 3,000.00.KSh 2,530.00Current price is: KSh 2,530.00.Add to cartInjection molded construction for 100% waterproof protection. Flexible upper material stays supple in cold temperatures to make walking easier. Tougher and flexible outsole material for good abrasion resistance. Self cleaning outsole, spits out debris as you walk. Excellent for use in: construction, farming, agriculture and aquaculture.
-
Quick View
FUGO Chick and Duckling Mash
KSh 1,350.00 – KSh 5,100.00Select optionsFUGO Chick and Duckling Mash feed contains a coccidiostat to manage exposure levels and control disease, enzymes to release phosphorus and carefully formulated raw materials for increased digestibility resulting in zero mortality, strong bone structure, faster growth rate and high feed conversion ratio.
-
Quick View
Gam Chaff Cutter
KSh 42,000.00 – KSh 65,000.00Select optionsQuality Chaff CutterTwo Blade or Three Blade
Hardened cutting Blade to withstand pressurePortable, high quality, ease of use, and high dependability -
Quick View
Ridomil Gold 250g
Original price was: KSh 1,000.00.KSh 850.00Current price is: KSh 850.00.Add to cartKey crops for this product include vines, cucumber, onion, potatoes, grapes, tobacco, vegetables, citrus, tomato, turf, and ornamentals. It can be applied to foliage, soil, or as a seed treatment.
-
Quick View
Coopers Triatix Stock Spray
KSh 107.00 – KSh 315.00Select optionsTriatix EC is a highly effective ectoparaciticide used for the control of single and multi-host ticks, mange mites, keds, biting and sucking lice on cattle, sheep, goats, camels, pigs and dogs. Triatix is highly effective against strains of ticks that are resistant to pyrethroids and organophosphorus chemicals.
-
Quick View
Fugo Starter Crumbs
KSh 1,100.00 – KSh 5,320.00Select optionsFast Gro Fugo Starter Crumbs: A complete meal for broiler chicks that provide proper bone development for faster and uniform growth as well as resistance to feed borne diseases while maintaining a high growth rate and feed conversion ratio.