Nutrition and fertilizer application system for fruit crops

A feature of this group of crops, which is taken into account during fertilizer application, is that they grow in the same place for a long time. Most crops have a powerful root system, which occupies a significant volume of soil. Therefore, their fertilizer system differs significantly from the fertilization of the previously discussed crops.

Nutrition and fertilization of fruit crops are usually considered in two groups:

• pome fruits (apple, pear, quince);
• stone fruits (cherry, sweet cherry, plum, cherry plum, peach, apricot).

The placement of the root system in fruit trees varies: in pears, it is located at a greater depth than in apples. In cherries, sweet cherries, and plums, the root system is more superficial than in pome fruits.

The diameter of the circle occupied by roots is 1.5–2 times greater than the diameter of the tree's canopy. The density of roots within the canopy projection is 3–4 times greater than outside it. In fruit trees, every skeletal root is connected to a specific part of the above-ground system. Therefore, it is best to apply fertilizers evenly around the plant.

Pome fruits grow in a slightly acidic environment, while stone fruits prefer a neutral one. High content of water-soluble salts and absorbed sodium in the soil has a strong negative effect on the growth of fruit plants.

For fruit crops, two stages of nutrient uptake are identified:

• from the beginning of the growing season until the end of shoot growth and harvesting (this ensures the growth of shoots and leaves, fruit formation, bud setting for the following year's harvest, and active nitrogen consumption);
• from harvest until late autumn (fruit bud development continues, the plant grows in girth, and reserve nutrients are stored; moderate nitrogen and good phosphorus-potassium nutrition are required for frost resistance).

When applying fertilizers, it must be taken into account that an excess of nitrogen causes deterioration in color and wateriness of the fruits.

Fertilizers (organic and phosphorus-potassium) are applied in three periods: before planting, for young trees, and for fruit-bearing plantations.

Pre-planting fertilizer is applied under trenching or deep ploughing. Manure or compost with phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is used as pre-planting fertilizer. Application rates at an average level of soil nutrient availability are:

Manure, t/ha	P (kg/ha)	K (kg/ha)
40	150–300	120–200

In this case, fertilizers are not placed directly into the planting pits. If fertilizer is used, 7–12 kg of humus, 60–100 g of P2O5, and 24–36 g of K2O are placed into the pits. Mineral fertilizers are poured onto the bottom of the pit, isolating the nursery plant's root system with a 10–15 cm layer of unfertilized soil.

Pre-planting application of organic and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers is sufficient for young trees until they reach fruiting. If the trees are in good condition, nitrogen fertilizers are not required; if growth is insufficient, N60 is applied.

In fruit-bearing orchards, fertilizers are applied annually. Semi-rotted manure is applied once every 3–4 years by broadcasting at a rate of 30–40 t/ha. Poultry manure is applied as top dressing at 15–20 centners/ha. In case of moisture deficiency, the soil is kept under bare fallow. In other cases, green manure is used. Under conditions of excessive moisture and irrigation, ammonium and amide nitrogen fertilizers are preferred.

Soil nutrient availability is determined using agrochemical maps.

Table 200– Grouping of fruit orchard soils by content of available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium in the 0–60 cm layer, mg/100 g of soil

 Availability Level Phosphorus Potassium by Chirikov by Machigin by Maslova by Machigin Very low and low <15 <2 <20 <15 Medium 15–20 2.1–3.5 20–40 15–30 High >20 >3.5 >40 >30

Fertilizer doses on different soil types depending on soil nutrient availability are shown in table 201. With a yield of pome fruits of more than 200 centners/ha and stone fruits of more than 100 centners/ha, the fertilizer rate is increased by 15–25%. If phosphorus or potassium rates are increased, the average nitrogen rate is also increased to the same level. In case of reducing the phosphorus and potassium rates, the average nitrogen rate is left unchanged. Adjustment of fertilizer rates based on the nutrient content in the leaves of the crops is also carried out.

Depending on the type and age of the fruit orchard, fertilizers are applied in 1–3 "lines" on each side of the tree row. The first one is applied under the canopy to a depth of 10–15 cm, and each subsequent one is 5–10 cm deeper. In orchards with 3.5 m row spacing, fertilizers are applied in the middle of them in one "line". The depth of application is determined by preliminary excavation of roots. Roots with a diameter of more than 7–10 mm must not be damaged. Organic fertilizers are applied by broadcasting, on heavy soils at 15–20 cm depth, on light soils at 20 cm or more.

The entire dose of mineral and organic fertilizers is applied in autumn. In orchards where nutrient losses due to leaching or runoff are possible (sandy and loamy sand soil, high water table on slopes, excessive moisture, irrigation), the base fertilizer is applied in late winter or early spring. One top dressing is applied, and in high-yield years

– two: the first with nitrogen fertilizers 2–3 weeks before flowering, the second in June – at the end of the tree growth slowdown. If tree growth is good (the length of the annual shoot growth is greater than 20 cm), phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is used; with weak growth – nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer.

Proper calculation of mineral nutrition is the foundation of stable productivity in an orchard. In the Krasnodar Krai, the application rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium depend directly on the soil-climatic zone and the current soil nutrient availability. The operational dosage grid is oriented towards a target yield of pome fruits within 100–200 centners/ha and stone fruits within 80–100 centners/ha.

Zone	Soil	Nitrogen (N) rate, kg/ha a.i.	Soil P₂O₅ availability, kg/ha a.i.			Soil K₂O availability, kg/ha a.i.
			Low	Medium	High	Low	Medium	High
Northern	Ordinary chernozems	115	80	65	35	110	90	45
Central	Typical and leached chernozems	135	155	130	65	155	130	65
	Ordinary chernozems	115	80	65	35	110	90	45
Western delta	Alluvial	160	155	130	65	125	105	50
	Meadow	105	125	105	50	125	105	50
Anapa–Taman	Southern chernozems	110	55	45	30	60	50	30
	Chestnut	100	95	80	40	100	85	40
	Ordinary chernozems	130	95	80	40	125	105	50
Southern foothill	Typical and leached chernozems	135	155	130	65	155	130	65
	Meadow	120	145	120	60	145	120	60
	Grey forest	110	130	110	55	130	110	55
Black Sea	Alluvial	150	130	110	55	90	75	40
	Brown forest	140	95	80	40	155	130	65

Fractional nitrogen application allows for increased fertilizer efficiency and avoids leaching. In the Black Sea zone of the North Caucasus, the annual rate of nitrogen fertilizers in fruit-bearing orchards is distributed depending on the planned yield. For a planned harvest of up to 200 centners/ha, 60% of the nitrogen is applied before the growing season, and the remaining 40% — 2–3 weeks after flowering ends. If a higher yield is expected, the scheme is divided into three parts: 50% before the growing season, 30% two weeks after flowering, and 20% after the physiological drop of excess fruit set.

The timing and depth of incorporation of base fertilizers determine their availability to the tree root system. Phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied in the autumn or winter period. Nitrogen fertilizers are used before the start of the growing season or directly during it.

• Incorporation of simple nitrogen fertilizers — 10 cm
• Incorporation of complex nitrogen fertilizers — 20–40 cm
• Application depth of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers — 20–40 cm
• Boron dose when applied to the soil — 1–1.5 kg/ha a.i.

Microelements activate metabolic processes during critical developmental phases of trees. They are used in early spring at the start of the growing season, during flowering, and during the fruit set period. Tree treatment with micro-fertilizers is carried out according to recommended schemes.

• Boric acid: for foliar top dressing in the flowering phase, use a 0.01–0.05% solution.
• Manganese sulfate: carry out spraying with a 0.1–0.5% solution.
• Zinc sulfate: before bud break, treat trees with a 3% solution; after flowering, with a 0.3–0.4% solution. Repeat the zinc treatment after 2–3 weeks.

Nutrition features of tea plantations

Tea cultivation in the subtropics of the Krasnodar Krai requires careful selection and preparation of the plot. Optimal for the crop are brown forest soils rich in humus on reddish-brown or yellowish-brown clays, which are distinguished by high water-holding capacity. Conversely, coastal yellow soils are poor in humus and nutrients. Without deep preliminary cultivation and land reclamation, tea grows slowly in such areas, producing a low-quality harvest.

The tea bush is extremely sensitive to deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Harvesting is accompanied by regular removal of green mass, which depletes the soil. To maintain the productivity of plantations, it is necessary to timely compensate for the nutrient extraction. The condition of the plants should be monitored using soil and plant analyses in combination with visual diagnosis.

With every 4–5 tons of tea leaf per hectare, the following is removed from the soil:

• 80 kg of nitrogen, 35 kg of phosphorus, and 46 kg of potassium directly with the leaf harvest;
• a similar amount of nutrients with raw material for Lao-cha (coarse leaf) and pruning material;
• an additional volume of elements spent on building vegetative and generative organs of the bush and consumed by soil microflora.

Nutrient deficiencies can be determined by external signs of plant starvation:

• Nitrogen deficiency: leaves become smaller and yellow, intensity of shoot formation and flush formation drops sharply.
• Phosphorus deficiency: leaves acquire a dark anthocyanin color.
• Potassium deficiency: plants shed their leaves.

Fertilizer application scheme when establishing a plantation:

1. During deep ploughing of the plot before sowing seed or planting nursery plants, apply phosphorus at a rate of 200–300 kg/ha active ingredient and potassium at a rate of 100–120 kg/ha active ingredient.
2. Immediately before planting, add 2–3 kg of peat, 25 g of superphosphate, and 50 g of nitrophoska to each planting hole.

Nutrition of citrus crops: mandarin and lemon

Mandarin belongs to high-intensity crops, therefore it requires increased doses of nutrients to obtain stable yields. Special attention should be paid to organic fertilizers (manure, peat-compost, and green manure crops): they improve soil structure, water-air and temperature regimes of the soil, and also directly increase the frost resistance of the trees. Processed peat-compost is incorporated directly into the soil or used as mulch.

• Organic fertilizers for mandarin — 60–100 t/ha
• Manure before planting lemon — 60–80 t/ha
• Mineral base fertilizer for lemon — P600K150
• Organic matter for lemon up to 5 years old — 10 kg per plant
• Organic matter for lemon from 10 to 20 years old — 20–30 kg per plant

Mineral nutrition of mandarin is provided through ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, superphosphate, and potassium salt. Application rates and timing of mineral fertilizers are determined taking into account the age of the trees and soil conditions. Moreover, the top dressing scheme is strictly tied to the phases of the growing season.

1. Autumn: application of phosphorus fertilizers during the main autumn tillage.
2. Early spring: application of ammonium sulfate.
3. March (before flowering): application of 60% of the full rate of ammonium nitrate.
4. Period until June 15 (after flowering): application of the remaining 40% of ammonium nitrate.

For lemon, pre-planting preparation of the soil and strict dosage of nitrogen as the tree grows is extremely important. The first nitrogen top dressing (40% of the annual rate) is carried out immediately after deep tillage at the beginning of the growing season, strictly before the start of budding and flowering. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are applied in a targeted manner — based on data from agrochemical analysis of the soil and farm cartograms.

Tree age or yield level	Nitrogen fertilizer rate per tree
1–5 years	50–60 g
4–5 years	80–100 g
6–7 years	150–200 g
Yield 5–10 kg	200 g
Yield 11–15 kg	250 g
Yield 20 kg	300 g
Yield more than 20 kg	450 g

Fertilization system for persimmon and fig

In young persimmon orchards (up to 8–10 years), mineral fertilizers are applied in moderate doses: N90–100, P60–90, and K30–40. When trees enter the period of full fruiting, these rates are increased by 30–40%. Nitrogen is divided into two periods: the first part is applied during spring ploughing, the second in July. To maintain soil fertility, persimmon inter-rows are sown with winter green manure crops.

On young fig plantations (up to 5 years), the nitrogen fertilizer dose is N50–80. For mature plantations, the rate is increased to N160–200. In spring, 60% of nitrogen is applied in the form of ammonium sulfate, and in July — the remaining 40% as ammonium nitrate, incorporating the fertilizers to a depth of 5–7 cm across the entire width of the inter-row spaces.

Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers for fig are applied in autumn. On fruiting plantations, superphosphate at a rate of P160–200 is incorporated to a depth of 15 cm during autumn-winter tillage. Potassium in the form of potassium sulfate or potassium salt is applied at a rate of K100. In young plantings, phosphorus fertilizers are distributed in bands, keeping a distance of 10–15 cm from the plants, and in mature orchards — across the entire width of the inter-row spaces.

Nutrition regimes for subtropical crops and growing nursery plants in nurseries

The efficiency of mineral nutrition of subtropical fruit crops directly depends on strict adherence to dosages at different stages of plant life. Applying full mineral fertilizer to feijoa plantings increases yield by 75%. When establishing a plantation, up to 10 kg of organic matter, 100 g of phosphorus, and 60 g of potassium are applied per plant. In mature fruiting feijoa plantations, the maximum effect is ensured by the rate of N90P120K60, which is applied during digging.

For olive trees, application rates of nutrients are calculated strictly according to the age of the plantations. In young plantations, a mixture of N50–70P60–80K20–40 is applied. In plots aged 15–20 years, dosages are increased to N200–250P200–250K60–80. Once trees pass the 20-year threshold, the base fertilizer application rate is increased by another 40–50%.

Pomegranate develops best on deep, humus-rich loams, as well as on gravelly and calcareous soils. For young plantations up to 5 years of fruiting, an application rate of N120P90K60 is recommended. In subsequent years, as the trees grow, the application rate is increased by 30–40%.

When growing hazelnuts, it is critically important to balance nitrogen nutrition. Nitrogen deficiency leads to yellowing of leaves and a shortening of the growing season, while its excess impairs nut quality due to shell thickening and provokes excessive shoot growth. The need for phosphorus increases in spring and summer during kernel formation, and potassium increases yield, but its excess creates a risk of alternate bearing. In young hazelnut plantations, N60P60K60 is applied, and in mature ones, N120P120K120. To improve the soil in the row spacings of young plantings, winter cover crops (lupine, serradella, vetch, or overwintering pea cultivars) are sown in early October and ploughed in during the spring — from the second half of April to early May.

Bay laurel actively responds to organic and mineral top dressing. For mature plantations, the rate is N140–160P120–140K80–100, with phosphorus being incorporated to a depth of 15 cm during autumn-winter tillage. In young plantings, phosphate fertilizers are applied in bands at a distance of 10–15 cm from the plants, and in mature plantations, they are distributed across the entire width of the row spacings.

In subtropical nurseries, top dressing is adapted to the propagation method and crop type. When growing tea seedlings from seed, 3 kg of nitroammophoska per 1 m³ of soil (with pH 4.5–6.0) is added to the containers, and plants are additionally fertilized at a rate of 0.5 kg of nitroammophoska per 1000 containers. When growing citrus rootstocks, nitrogen top dressing is carried out at a dose of N60–80. To root pomegranate cuttings, ammonium nitrate is applied at a dose of N40–50. The maintenance schedule for tea cuttings in containers is structured step-by-step:

1. Two months after root formation, apply 0.4–0.5 g of nitroammophos or a mixture of 0.1–0.2 g of ammonium nitrate and 0.2–0.3 g of superphosphate per container (polyethylene bag).
2. Carry out irrigation with clean water to distribute the elements or deliver the nutrient solution directly with the irrigation water.
3. Repeat the top dressing 2–3 more times (a total of 3–4 irrigations per cycle) at intervals of 25–30 days.

Calculating fertilizer application rates in vineyards based on nutrient uptake

The fertilization system for grapevines is based on calculating the balance of nutrients in the soil. Total uptake is defined as the product of the mass of all annually formed vine organs and the concentration of elements within them. The balance method allows for compensating for annual nutrient losses; however, an agronomist must additionally account for risks of leaching and soil water erosion. The actual volume of uptake depends on the vigor of the vines, planned yield, age of the vineyard, and the chosen training system.

• Yield increase of feijoa from mineral fertilizers — 75%
• Yield increase of grapes on dry farming — 17–23%
• Yield increase of grapes under irrigation — 32–44%
• Incorporation depth of phosphorus for bay laurel — up to 15 cm

On average, for every 100 centners of grape bunches, 18–23 kg of nitrogen, 6–8 kg of phosphorus, 34–40 kg of potassium, 5–6 kg of calcium, and 2.0–2.5 kg of magnesium are removed from the soil. When calculating application rates for a specific planned yield and vegetative mass of the vines, averaged balance indicators are used. These data allow for adjusting mineral fertilizer doses taking into account the biological needs of the crop. The calculation takes into account the uptake of elements by both the entire above-ground mass and the marketable part of the harvest separately.

Nutrients	Yield ~100 centners of bunches/ha (13 centners of leaves, 10 centners of shoot tips, 13 centners of pruned wood)		Yield ~200 centners of bunches/ha (15 centners of leaves, 10 centners of shoot tips, 10 centners of pruned wood)
	Total, kg/ha (g/ha*)	Excluding leaves, kg/ha (g/ha*)	Total, kg/ha (g/ha*)	Excluding leaves, kg/ha (g/ha*)
Macronutrients, kg/ha
Nitrogen	68–83	36–45	72–114	52–72
Phosphorus	19–22	13–15	22–38	19–30
Potassium	96–102	73–76	100–153	93–124
Calcium	66–74	31–34	79–105	40–50
Magnesium	16–18	8–16	15–20	10–11
Micronutrients, g/ha*
Manganese	170–200	78–90	202–233	100–112
Boron	156–169	104–115	221–243	164–183

Nitrogen nutrition of grapevines requires particularly precise regulation. With optimal nitrogen supply, shoot growth is activated, overall vine productivity increases, and more sugars accumulate in the berries. However, an excess of this element provokes serious technological and phytosanitary problems.

A deficiency of phosphorus causes growth retardation, and impairs the ripening and frost resistance of the wood. With adequate phosphorus supply, sugar accumulation is enhanced and wine quality is improved. An excess of phosphorus, especially in carbonate soils, can hinder the uptake of zinc and iron and lead to chlorosis.

A deficiency of potassium leads to a decrease in the winter hardiness of plants, sugar content in berries, and shoot ripening. With a severe potassium deficiency, weak growth is observed. With adequate potassium supply, the quality and aromatic properties of wine are improved.

Fertilizers in vineyards are applied before planting, at the time of planting, and during the growing season in the form of basal fertilizer and top dressing.

Pre-planting fertilizer application ensures favorable nutritional conditions for grapes over a long period. Before ploughing, fertilizers are distributed evenly over the surface using fertilizer spreaders and incorporated with a trench plough with a skim plough to a depth of 50–70 cm. In this process, fertilizers enrich the layers where the bulk of the roots will be located with nutrients. Application rates are set depending on the level of soil fertility (Table 206; Smirnov K.V. et al., 1982).

Table 206 – Fertilizer application rates for trench ploughing in a vineyard	very low	low	medium	high	very high
Organic, t/ha	80–100	60–80	40–60	30–40	0
Phosphorus, a.i. kg/ha	600–800	400–600	200–400	200–300	0
Potassium, a.i. kg/ha	800–1000	600–800	400–600	200–400	0

At-planting fertilizer application is used to create favorable nutrition for young plants in the first period of life, increase the survival rate of nursery plants, and accelerate growth and the onset of fruiting:

• For hydromechanized planting, fertilizers are applied in the form of a solution. To do this, 10% stock solutions of ammonium nitrate are prepared (2–3 days in advance) and an extract is used. For every 100 l of water in the hydro-drill tank, add: 2.4 l of ammonium nitrate solution, 5.4 l of superphosphate, and 2.0 l of potassium salt.
• When planting in holes, 2–3 kg of humus, 10–20 g of ammonium nitrate, 50 g of superphosphate, 10–20 g of potassium chloride or potassium sulfate are added and mixed with the soil. A layer of soil 3–5 cm thick is spread on top.

Young vineyards where pre-planting fertilizer was applied according to recommendations are not fertilized in the first 2–3 years. In subsequent years, until full fruiting, 1/3 of the rate for mature plantations is applied. Top dressing is carried out if necessary.

If fertilizers were not applied before trenching, they are applied annually depending on soil availability (kg/ha of a.i. nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium):

• very low availability – 60–80 each;
• low – 50–70 each;
• medium – 40–60 each;
• high – 30–50 each;
• very high – 10–20 each.

Fertilizing fruit-bearing vineyards: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers are used depending on the level of soil fertility.

Table 207 – Grouping of soils by content of mobile phosphorus and exchangeable potassium in the 0–60 cm layer, mg P2O5 and K2O per 100 g of soil Phosphorus Potassium Content according to Chirikov according to Machigin according to Chirikov according to Machigin

 Very low and low <10 <2 <10 <15 Medium 10–20 2.0–3.0 10–20 15–25 High 20–30 3.0–4.5 20–30 26–35 Very high >30 >4.5 >30 >35

Organic fertilizers are applied at a rate of 20–60 t/ha once every 2–6 years. Mineral fertilizer rates are set according to soil types, depending on the planned yield, water availability, and the condition of the plantations (Table 208; Serpukhovityna K.A., 1982). Chemical leaf analysis data is also used to adjust the doses established by soil analysis.

Chernozems, grey forest soils, and other fertile soils

100–120 Sufficient 80 100 120

80–100 60 80 100

60–80 40 60 80

100–120 Insufficient 70 90 110

80–100 50 70 90

60–80 40 60 80

100–120 Sufficient 100 120 140

80–100 90 100 120

60–80 80 90 100

100–120 Insufficient 90 100 120

80–100 80 90 100

60–80 60 80 90

100–120 Sufficient 90 100 120

80–100 70 90 100

60–80 60 80 90

100–120 Insufficient 70 90 100

80–100 60 80 90

60–80 45 65 80

Sod-carbonate, rubbly, stony, sandy soils

100–120 Sufficient 100 120 140

80–100 60 90 120

60–80 45 65 90

100–120 Insufficient 60 80 100

80–100 45 65 80

60–80 35 50 65

100–120 Sufficient 100 120 140

80–100 60 90 120

60–80 45 65 90

100–120 Insufficient 90 100 120

80–100 45 65 90

60–80 35 50 65

100–120 Sufficient 150 180 200

80–100 100 150 180

60–80 80 120 150

100–120 Insufficient 100 150 180

80–100 80 120 150

60–80 65 80 120

For fruit-bearing vineyards, a calculation method is also used to determine fertilizer rates based on nutrient uptake for the planned harvest and soil nutrient availability.

It is recommended to apply nitrogen fertilizers annually, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers annually if soil availability is low, once every 2–3 years if medium, and once every 3–4 years if high.

Basal fertilizer is applied in the autumn after harvesting. Organic fertilizers and the main part of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied in bands to a depth of up to 50 cm; nitrogen fertilizers are applied in the spring to a depth of 20–30 cm.

Root and foliar top dressing are carried out based on plant observation results 10–20 days before flowering, during berry growth, and berry ripening.

For root top dressing of fruit crops, use nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers in doses from 15 to 40 kg/ha of active ingredient. If necessary, apply micronutrients: 1 kg of boron, 3 kg of manganese, 1 kg of zinc, and 0.25 kg of molybdenum per hectare. Keep in mind that root top dressing is only effective when there is sufficient soil moisture.

Perform foliar top dressing with weak neutral solutions. The optimal time for application is during morning or evening hours. Spraying with nutrient mixtures can be combined with plant protection treatments against pests and diseases. The application rate of the working solution is 600 l/ha.

Fertilizer	Concentration of working solution, %
Ammonium sulfate	0.3–0.5
Superphosphate	5–6
Potassium chloride	0.7–1
Boric acid, zinc sulfate, and ammonium molybdate	0.03 each

Specific nutritional requirements of berry bushes and strawberries

When working with berry bushes (black and red currant, gooseberry, raspberry), consider an anatomical feature: each plant root is directly connected to a specific part of its above-ground system. Because of this, fertilizers must be distributed strictly on both sides of the row.

Black currant and gooseberry grow best in slightly acidic soil. Gooseberries have an important nutritional characteristic: until the end of flowering, the bushes develop mainly at the expense of previously accumulated reserve substances. After flowering and until the berries are fully ripe, active nutrient uptake from the soil begins, especially nitrogen.

Raspberry tolerates a moderately acidic environment well. Its period of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake is highly extended in time and continues until the end of summer.

The following basic agrotechnical standards apply to currants, gooseberries, and raspberries:

• Annual manure application — 20–30 t/ha
• Mineral fertilizer dose — N40–60Р40–60К40–60
• Incorporation depth for currant and gooseberry — 10–16 cm
• Incorporation depth for raspberry — 12–15 cm

Incorporate organic, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers for berry bushes in the autumn under winter ploughing. Apply nitrogen fertilizers in the spring for cultivation. If a high yield is expected, perform additional top dressing during the green fruit set phase.

Strawberry prefers a moderately acidic soil reaction. The plant's root system lies shallow — in the 0–20 cm layer, which requires targeted nutrient distribution. Nutrient consumption is uneven across developmental phases:

• Before the start of flowering, strawberry absorbs only 15–20% of the total seasonal volume of nutrients.
• From flowering to the end of harvesting (about 1.5 months), plants assimilate 40% of nitrogen, as well as 55% of phosphorus and potassium.
• During the harvesting period (over 3 weeks), peak consumption of phosphorus and potassium occurs — about 40% of the total volume. Nitrogen, at the same time, is absorbed evenly throughout the entire growing season.

When establishing a strawberry plantation on chernozems, apply 30–40 t/ha of manure under ploughing together with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers at a dose of Р100–120К100–120.

For fruit-bearing strawberry plantations, use the following seasonal fertilizer application scheme:

1. In spring, apply nitrogen fertilizers at a dose of N20–30.
2. After harvesting, conduct a second nitrogen top dressing at a dose of N30–40.
3. In autumn, apply Р50–60К40–60 into the inter-row spaces at a depth of 8–10 cm during the primary tillage.