Papaya Plant Care – Irrigation and Fertilization of Papaya plants

Water requirements and Irrigation of Papaya

Watering is essential for achieving the best plant growth and fruit production. The soil should have good drainage. Papaya plants are very sensitive to even short periods of flooding. They can lose their vigor and, in extreme cases, even die. On the other hand, papaya plants that experience drought stress may drop flowers, leaves, and young fruit and produce small fruit of low sugar content. Plants growing in soils with a capacity to hold water should not be overwatered. In growing regions that receive regular precipitation, irrigation may only be needed to supplement rainfall. In areas with limited rainfall, growers may need to supply up to 10 gallons (38 liters) of water per tree daily during the fruit-bearing period. Generally, irrigation to grown-up papaya plants is given once in 7-10 days in winter and 4-5 days in summer.

Papaya Irrigation Systems

The ring irrigation system has been found effective as it helps prevent collar rot as there is no direct contact between the water and the stem portion.

Fertilization of Papaya – Nutrient needs of papaya plants

Papayas are fast-growing plants that require an abundant supply of nutrients to be highly productive. Supplemental fertilization is particularly important in soils with low fertility. Papaya is a fast-growing plant that can produce flowers and fruits throughout the year. Fertilizers should be applied 15-20 cm (6-7 inch) from the stem in a 10 cm (3.9 inch) trench.
Depending on the density of planting you can have 1500 to 1700 plants per acre at 1.5 x 1.5 m (59 x 59 inches) or 450 plants per acre at 3 x 3 m (118 x 118 inches) planting distances. The last one is more recommended as the plants will have more space to grow and absorb the nutrients from the ground.
Inorganic fertilizers can be used as top dressing, applying 220 grams (7 ounces) of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium per plant per year (220 kg/hectare or 196 pounds/ acre). Usually, it is applied every 60 days. Excessive nitrogen should be avoided as it can promote plant and foliar growth and cause.
Organic fertilizers can be applied regularly throughout the year to promote growth, strengthen the plants and increase the yield.

When to fertilize your papaya plants

Before planting, to ensure good root development, you can add organic material to the soil. You can fill the pits with 20 kg (705 ounces) of topsoil and 20 kg manure (705 ounces) (and 1 kg bone meal). The application of 300g N/pit (10.5 ounces N/pit), [330 kg/ha or 290 pounds/acre] , has been shown that it can increase the yield.
If you are going to plant the seeds, you can apply a 14-14-14 slow-release fertilizer or mulch 3 – 4 weeks after the planting.
If you are planting young papaya plants or seedlings (6-12 inches) tall. You can apply 0.5 ounces (14 gr) of slow-release fertilizer 14-14-14 per tree. After that, you can apply 4 ounces (110 gr) per month per tree (after the third month after planting). The conversions are 45 kg/ha or 40 pounds/acre.
When the plant is seven to nine months old, apply 1 to 2 pounds of a 14-14-14 fertilizer per plant once per month. During autumn and winter, when the growth is slower, reduce the amount and the frequency. Another solution is to apply 250 g (9 ounces) of a 10-10-10- 5 mixture (with 30% nitrogen from natural organic sources) at planting time or shortly after [270kg/ha or 240 pounds/acre]. This fertilizer is applied every two weeks and should gradually increase to 750 g (26 ounces) until the plants are 7 to 8 months old, (830kg/ha or 740 pounds/acre).
In fully productive trees, papaya should be fertilized once every two months. Each plant needs approximately 90 grams (3 ounces) of urea, 150 grams (5.3 ounces) of superphosphate and 140 grams (4.9 ounces) of muriate of potash. Overall, the total requirements are 250g (8.8 ounces) N, 250g P₂O₅, and 500g (17.6 ounces) K₂O per plant per year. The conversions are 270kg/ha or 240 pounds/acre N, 270kg/ha or 240 pounds/acre P₂O₅, and 540 kg/ha or 580 pounds/acre K₂O.
Additionally, you can apply 7 – 10 kg (240 – 353 ounces) of farmyard manure per plant twice per year.
Another solution that can be applied is fertigation, which can save 25-30% fertilizer. You can apply 50 g (1.7 ounces) N, 50 g K₂O, and 50g P₂O₅ with drip irrigation every two months per plant.

For Further reading

Papaya Interesting facts, Nutritional value, and Health benefits

Papaya plant information

Papaya Soil Preparation, Planting, and Plant density

Papaya propagation and Pollination

Papaya Plant Care – Irrigation and Fertilization of Papaya plants

How to cultivate papayas for profit – Complete papaya production guide

Papaya Plant Major Pests, Diseases and Weed Management

Papaya Harvest,  Yield and Storage

Papaya Handling, Grading, and Packing

References

• https://nhb.gov.in/pdf/fruits/papaya/pap005.pdf
• https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AE540
• https://www.wifss.ucdavis.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Papayas_PDF.pdf

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