Principles of orchard nutrition

June 2009 | Presented by AgFirst | Future Orchards® slideshow

This Future Orchards® presentation outlines core principles of orchard nutrition and the role of balanced nutrient supply in supporting growth, flowering, fruit set and fruit quality. It provides a practical framework for understanding how nutrient demand changes through the production cycle.

The slides emphasise that nutrition decisions should be based on evidence from soil and plant testing, orchard history and observed tree performance. They also illustrate how the timing of nutrient applications can influence where nutrients are stored and used within the tree, including the value of autumn and spring applications for elements such as boron.

The presentation is best used as a foundational reference for orchard nutrition planning. Its central message remains relevant: test regularly, understand the role and timing of each nutrient, and manage the orchard as a dynamic biological system rather than following a fixed annual fertiliser recipe.