Applying base fertilizer to fruit trees in early autumn offers numerous benefits!!!
Release Date:
31 Mar,2026
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Abstract
The optimal temperature for leaf function is 18–25°C, with peak performance around 25°C. When the diurnal temperature range is large, the nutrients synthesized by the leaves are primarily allocated to storage. In September, daytime temperatures generally stay below 30°C but above 20°C, while nighttime temperatures typically hover in the teens Celsius; therefore, from a timing perspective, autumn basal fertilization is best applied in September.
September is the peak period for root growth and also the peak time when nutrients synthesized in the leaves are translocated and stored in the main roots and major branches. When fertilization causes the cutting of thick roots, two new roots will emerge within half a month to 20 days, which not only shortens the root transport pathway but also enhances the nutrient-absorbing capacity of the new roots and increases the overall root mass, thereby expanding the root absorption area.
By September, the mid-early-maturing varieties have already been harvested, and the late-maturing Fuji apples are also nearing maturity. Shoot growth on the trees has either nearly ceased or has already stopped, with almost all the nutrients synthesized by the foliage being allocated to storage. Applying fertilizer in September enhances leaf function, promoting greater nutrient accumulation; this results in more stored reserves, which in turn supports vigorous leaf expansion next year, improves fruit set, encourages earlier shoot elongation followed by timely cessation of growth, reduces the “gap” between harvests, shortens the period of nutrient translocation, and further facilitates a 40-day increase in the number of cell divisions in young fruits after flowering—laying a solid foundation for larger fruit. Moreover, ample stored reserves enhance frost resistance during bloom. With abundant reserves, spring shoots grow longer while autumn shoots remain shorter; the rapid “green-up” following petal fall is also facilitated, and early shoot elongation coupled with early cessation of growth promotes flower formation in the current season. Additionally, because of the high level of stored reserves, the basal leaves of new shoots emerging next year will be larger.
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