Mango tree Fertilization

Mango tree nutritional requirements – Mango Fertilization program

Mangoes are deep-rooted and require deep, well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5-6.5. More specifically, in a mango orchard with a plant density of 140 trees per hectare (56 trees per acre), with an annual yield of 1 ton/hectare, it has been calculated that more than 6 kg of N, 2 kg of  P₂O₅, 7.5 kg of K₂O, 5.5 kg of Ca and 3 kg of Mg are removed per hectare (or 5.4 lb of N, 1.8 lb of  P₂O₅, 6.7 lb of K₂O, 5 lb of Ca and 2.7 lb of Mg per acre).

For a vigorous mango tree, annual manure application is advisable. Where manure is absent, additional complete fertilizers such as T.S.P or N-P-K 17: 17: 17 may be added and are necessary to stimulate the early growth and rapid development of young fruit-bearing trees. Mango trees need sufficient amounts of magnesium except for the 3 basic nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). For this reason, many farmers choose to use complete fertilizers that also contain magnesium (like 6-6-6-2, N-P-K-Mg).

You are advised to apply 200-300 grams (7-10 oz) of complete fertilizer for one-year-old trees in two equal doses per tree. Mix 300-500 grams (10-17.6 oz) of complete fertilizer for older trees and 200-300 grams (7-10 oz) of urea per tree. Split the recommended dosage in two; apply at the start and before the end of the rainy (monsoon season) season.

The usual method of applying fertilizer to young and bearing trees is to dig 10-15 holes or use the ring method of fertilizer application by digging a canal around the base of the tree, approximately 3-5 inches deep, following the tree canopy. The fertilizer is then placed into the hole and covered with soil. For bearing trees, apply 1.5-2.5 kg (3.3-5.5 lb) of complete fertilizer per tree.

The usual method of applying fertilizer to young and bearing trees is to use the ring method of fertilizer application by digging a row around the base of the tree, approximately 7.6-13 cm (3-5 inches) deep, following the tree canopy. The fertilizer is then placed into the row and covered with soil. Remember to maintain a distance of 45-90 cm (18-35 in) from the tree trunk. Each fertilizer application must be followed by a light, controlled irrigation. Fertilizers must not be worked into the soil.

In mango fields where drip irrigation is applied, the farmers can also apply fertigation (applying fertilizers through the irrigation system). Micronutrients of complementary amounts of K can be applied with foliar spraying. Many fruit orchards are also low in Boron, and the trees should be sprayed every year with 100 g borax or 75 g Solubor/100 l water.

We strongly advise all farmers to consult their local agronomist or extension office before applying any fertilizers.

Quantity of fertilizer per year per tree according to age (guidelines) 

References

https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/horticulture/FERTILIZER%20SCHEDULE%20FOR%20FRUIT%20CROPS.pdf

https://nhb.gov.in/pdf/fruits/mango/man007.pdf

Find more information in the book: “Success in Agribusiness: Growing Mango successfully” written by James Mwangi Ndiritu

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Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Mango

Mango Tree Information and Variety Selection

Mango tree Propagation

How to cultivate mangos for profit – Mango production – An overview

Planning and Planting a Mango Orchard

Mango Water Requirements and Irrigation Systems

Mango tree Fertilization

Most Common Pests Affecting Mangoes

The most important Mango Diseases

Mango: Yield, Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling