Developing a fertilisation strategy in organic pome fruit (BIOFRUITNET Practice Abstract)

Mineralisation and soil fertility are increased by using organic fertilisers. As a result, soil fatigue is prevented, and environmental sustainability is increased. Practical recommendation It is recommended to take the following steps to determine the soil structure and chemical/physical properties: • Developing a fertilisation strategy requires soil analysis (every five years). Through this method, deficiencies, imbalances, or excesses of nutrients can be detected. To learn more about this topic, check the ‘further reading’ section at the end of this document. • Foliar analysis reveals the actual nutrient status of the crop, both qualitatively (optimal ratio of different nutrients) and quantitatively (the percentage of nutrients that the plant has managed to absorb). • The 'spade test' allows us to examine soil fertility, soil texture and the effectiveness of tillage. • Visual observation allows the grower to empirically understand the current state of the orchard (e.g., plant vigour, leaf colour). • It is advisable to carry out a comparison with the previous analyses of the main micro- and macronutrients and soil pH. The nutrient balance will enable you to develop a fertilisation strategy. • It is advisable to leave the soil free of weeds under the row when fertilising. This practice avoids competition for nutrients between the weeds and the main crop. • To avoid nitrogen depletion in the soil, it is advisable to sow legumes (fodder and grain legumes) in the orchard in rotation. • For proper nutrient supply, it is advised to evaluate the nutritional content of each commercial fertiliser product chosen to establish the actual availability of each major nutrient (N, P, K).