Mango fertilizer: a fertilization program for mango trees

Haifa's fertilizers provide an effective source of potassium and nitrogen for the mango tree. Furthermore, Multi-K fertilizer has a positive effect on the fruit retention, fruit size and yield

I. Young, non-bearing trees.

Recommendations for Fertigation

Suggested by Chatpracha  Sonklien, Agronomist of Haifa-Thailand

Soil type: Medium - Heavy.
Plant Density: 125 - 156 tree / Ha.
Non-Bearing trees: (1-3 years).
Based on 150 irrigation days/year.

Application rates should be adjusted according to soil and leaf analysis, wherever available.

II. Mature, bearing trees.

Nutrients removal in 1 MT/Ha of yield.

Nutrient levels (%) in leaves of high yielding mango trees

A general guideline for splitting K application in fertigation programs for mango

Recommendations for foliar sprays in mango, prevailing in the Philippines (source: Kital)

Multi-K:

1. First Spray: When leaves are in mature-dormant stage.
2. Second Spray: Oftentimes, if flowering is poor or does not occur, a second spray using low concentration of KNO₃ should be applied 10-14 days after the first spray. This procedure can increase flowering in mango.

During wet months  (July to November): 2 to 2.5% KNO₃ is recommended.
During dry months (December to May): a lower concentration of 1- 1.5% KNO₃ is recommended.

Multi-NPK:

Foliar feeding:

Any fertilizer applied to the tree via the soil cannot be utilized by the developing flowers; hence, foliar spray is needed. When Haifa Potassium Nitrate is sprayed on the tree it becomes a fast and effective source of potassium and nitrogen.

It is recommended to spray twice:

First spray: Apply 1 to 2 percent KNO₃ solution at about 42 days after flower induction. The first application is done to encourage fruit setting and minimize fruit drop.

Second Spray: For the second spray, apply 1 to 2 percent KNO₃ solution
at about 65 days after induction. This is done to increase fruit size.

Fruit retention & Yield increase:

First spray: When panicles in shoot are 3-15 cm.

Second spray:  When 50% to 100% of panicles are in anthesis.

Effect of Multi-K sprayed on mango trees during flowering on fruit retention, fruit size and yield

S.A Oosthuyse, 1996, South Africa

Introduction

Fruit retention and size are typical problems in mango cultivars “Tommy Atkins”, “Kent” and “Haden”, which are grown in the dry subtropical regions of South Africa.
In these cultivars, the fruit often becomes overly large, and does not obtain prime prices in the export markets of Europe.
The solution to these problems is a treatment that increases fruit retention and, at the same time, reduces fruit size.

Materials and Methods

Multi-K foliar spraying at 2% or 4% was applied either once during the flowering period, when the inflorescence were in full-bloom, or twice during this period, first when the inflorescence were developing and subsequently when they were in full-bloom.

After the main period of fruit drop, the number of fruits on each tree was counted. At harvest, the fruits on each tree were individually weighed.

Results

In “Tommy Atkins”, one or two applications at 4% Multi-K were most effective in increasing fruit retention. Increased retention was not accompanied by a reduction in fruit size.

In “Haden”, one application with 4% Multi-K was the most effective treatment for increasing fruit retention. This increase was also accompanied with a reduction on fruit size and an increase on tree yield.

Table 1: The influence of one application of 4% Multi-K on “Haden” yield and quality

The fruit size was successfully reduced on “Heidi” and “Kent” such that the fruit generally fell into the desirable size class of  “8” (450 to 550 g).

Multi-K application to “Tommy Atkins”, “Haden” and “Kent” trees during the flowering period is now a routine commercial practice in South Africa.

Macro elements removed by 1 ton marketable product

Source: Kinoch: VOLHOUBARE LANDBOU, RSA. Processed by Frans Lourens, Haifa Chemicals, RSA May, 1999.

Plant analysis guide

Nutrient sufficiency ranges (source: A & L, Agronomy Handbook, Ankerman & Large Eds.)

Fruit and nut trees

Need more information about growing mangos ? You can always return to the mango tree fertilizer .