Precision management of apple nutrition in poor and variable soils

June 2016 | Presented by Tienie du Preez | Future Orchards® presentation, Parts 1 and 2

Tienie du Preez presents a precision approach to apple nutrition for orchards where soils are poor, variable or difficult to manage. Rather than relying on a standard fertiliser recipe, the presentation argues for block-specific programs that integrate soil characteristics, plant analysis, irrigation water, crop demand and the interactions between nutrients.

A central theme is the need to remove limiting factors before expecting a fertiliser program to perform. The presentation advocates using available technology and monitoring tools to understand variation within blocks, then tailoring inputs to the actual needs of the trees. Du Preez also discusses open-hydroponic style fertigation, where balanced nutrients are applied continuously through drip irrigation to give the root system a more consistent supply.

The material reinforces that nutrition should be managed as an integrated system rather than as isolated nutrient corrections. Leaf and soil results, previous applications, crop load and expected production all need to be considered together so that the program supports fruit quality, yield and efficient input use.