In recent years, more and more growers have realized the importance of autumn fertilization in their orchard, vineyard or olive grove.
Where does this need come from? What are the significant benefits?
In fact, it has been proven, through analyses and scientific research, that the vegetative cycle of the plant does not end at the moment of harvest, but continues until the arrival of winter temperatures (below 10°C), just before winter dormancy.
Indeed, during this period of time, plants accumulate nutrients to be used the following spring during the vegetative growth phase.
More specifically, until the leaves completely fall, the plants absorb nutrients through intense root activity (fruit trees until the end of October and vines in November), which will constitute nutritional reserves for the next growing cycle.
To ensure good fruiting in the next growing year, the accumulation of sugars, amino acids and trace elements is very important, as a guarantee for good flower fertility. Another essential element is nitrogen, as from vegetative growth to flowering, the absorption of this element is moderate and the growth of shoots and flowering takes place at the expense of reserves. It is important to mention that the ideal period for carrying out autumn fertilization is between September and October, using fast-acting fertilizers.
The results that can be obtained from autumn fertilization (supported by many years of experiments) are a better vegetative-productive balance, increased flower fertility, increased production and finally a reduction in production rotation, a fundamental point – key to maintaining high profitability of orchards.
Another factor that should not be underestimated is temperature: temperatures in early autumn allow good absorption (the important thing is not to drop below 10-12 °C). The fertilization period can also vary depending on the crops and the region.
However, it is important not to confuse autumn fertilization with spring fertilization: they are complementary to each other, without one excluding the other. This must be taken into account in order not to exceed the doses of fertilizers provided annually.
Autumn fertilizers for use directly in the soil
TOP LINE
The recommended products are Top N 13-0-0 and Top 7-5-14: both of these products are part of a series with high nutritional efficiency and low environmental impact (suitable for use in organic farming as well).
The high nutritional efficiency is given by the differentiated release of nitrogen and other nutrients: the FCH (Fully Controlled Hydrolysis) technological process, on which the TOP series is based, contains organic carbon in a fully bioavailable form as well as the innovative APR (Rhizosphere Protein Activator) molecule. The product acts at soil level by activating the activity of microorganisms present in the soil and at root level, increasing the formation of active roots, improving the absorption of nutrients.
Autumn fertilizers for foliar applications
BORINC FAST
Provides crops with boron and zinc, two essential microelements for the development of flowers and fruits, for the metabolism of proteins, sugars and for the strengthening of plant tissues.
Post-harvest applications are recommended to increase the plant’s resistance to low winter temperatures and to ensure better vegetative growth the following spring.
FLORAL 20-20-20
Like all the preparations in the Floral Line series, it offers maximum efficiency in foliar nutrition and, in addition, the high purity of the nutrients it contains allows for quick and complete dissolution. Floral 20-20-20 allows the correct amount of fundamental nutrients to be administered to the plant, including microelements, to restore the natural nutrient reserve and for the plants to better cope with vegetative growth in the coming spring.