The quality of date palm fruit depends on choosing the best fertilizer and applying it correctly and at the right time. In this comprehensive guide from Al-Talib Store, we will take you through scientifically sound steps to understand all aspects of date palm fertilization, from the small offshoot to the mature palm producing tons of premium dates. Whether you are looking for the best fertilizer for date palms after pollination, the best fertilizer for date palms after flowering, or even fertilizing young palms, we have the solution.
Why is fertilizing palm trees different from fertilizing other trees?
The nutritional needs of palm trees differ from those of any other fruit tree for several reasons:
- A long and continuous production cycle: The palm tree blossoms, bears fruit, and ripens its fruit over months, which means that it consumes nutrients continuously without interruption.
- The nature of desert soil in Saudi Arabia: Our soil is generally poor in organic matter, highly saline, and dry. This necessitates special fertilizers that first improve the soil and then nourish the palm tree.
- High potassium requirement: Palm trees consume enormous amounts of potassium compared to other trees, especially during the stage of fruit enlargement and improving their color and taste.
Therefore, it is preferable to use the best fertilizer for palm trees that balances macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients such as iron, zinc and manganese.
Comparison of the best types of fertilizer for palm trees
Here's a quick comparison of 7 options available at Al Talib Store:
- NPK 20-20-20: With a balanced concentration, used before insemination and suitable for all stages.
- Potassium sulfate: With a high concentration of potassium, it is used after pollination and flowering and is suitable for fruit enlargement.
- Urea 46%: With a concentration of nitrogen only, it is used in the spring (for greening) and is suitable for young palm trees.
- Organic compost: slow decomposition and used throughout the year as well as for soil improvement.
- Compound foliar fertilizer: It is characterized by rapid absorption and is used after pollination and is used to treat severe deficiencies.
If you want the best fertilizer for palm trees in general, choose a mixture of NPK 20-20-20 with potassium sulfate and organic compost from Al-Talib store.
The best fertilizer for increasing date fruit yield and improving its quality
Potassium is the best fertilizer for increasing date fruit yield and improving quality. Here are the steps to use it to increase fruit yield and improve quality:
- Use potassium sulfate with a concentration of 52% K2O, not potassium chloride (chlorine is harmful to palm trees).
- Add magnesium sulfate (agricultural Epsom salt) to improve potassium absorption.
- Spray the leaves with a solution containing potassium phosphate at the beginning of fruit set.
This causes the date to increase in size by 30%, increase sugars, and have a uniform color free of blemishes.
Fertilizing palm seedlings in the first years
Fertilizing young palm trees differs from fertilizing fruit-bearing palm trees. Here is a fertilization plan for seedlings from Al-Talib Store:
- 1-3 months after planting: Only humic acid with irrigation to stimulate root growth.
- April-June: NPK 10-20-10 fertilizer (high phosphorus) + compost around the seedling.
- Months 7-12: NPK 15-15-15 + Micronutrients.
- Year 2: Introduce potassium sulfate in small quantities (0.5 kg/year).
- Do not apply chemical fertilizer directly to the stem of the sapling; dig a small trench around it at a distance of 30 cm.
The best fertilizer for palm trees according to the variety type
Here is the best fertilizer for palm trees according to the type of variety, whether it is Sukkari, Ajwa, Khadari or Barhi:
- Sukkari dates: require more potassium than any other variety (40% more) to raise their sugar content. Use potassium sulfate + magnesium sulfate.
- Ajwa dates: They prefer heavy organic fertilizer (compost + farmyard manure) to bring out their distinctive flavor.
- The green variety (Barhi): requires moderate nitrogen and medium potassium. Focus on calcium to prevent fruit cracking.
- The Nabut Ali variety needs more micronutrients (iron and zinc) than others to avoid yellowing.
You might be interested in: The best fertilizer for trees in the summer
Fertilizing palm trees in sandy and saline soils
Most farms in Saudi Arabia suffer from sandy soils that dry out quickly or are saline. Therefore, soil improvement must be the first step.
For sandy soil
- Increase the organic (compost) doses to 40 kg per palm tree annually.
- Use a slow-release fertilizer so it doesn't wash away with irrigation.
- Add humic acid and moisture-retaining polymers.
For saline soil
- Start by adding agricultural gypsum (2-3 kg/palm) 15 days before fertilization.
- Use potassium sulfate, not potassium chloride.
- Avoid urea and use calcium nitrate as a source of nitrogen.
How to properly apply the best fertilizer for palm trees, step by step
Here's how to properly fertilize palm trees, step by step:
- Dig a circular trench around the palm tree, 50-100 cm from the trunk (depending on the size of the palm tree).
- The trench should be only 15-20 cm deep, not reaching the deep roots.
- Spread the fertilizer evenly in the trench.
- Cover it with soil immediately.
- Water the palm tree thoroughly immediately after fertilization.
- For foliar fertilizer: Spray before sunrise or after sunset, adding an adhesive.
- Never put fertilizer in the palm tree's root ball (the area near the trunk), as this causes the trunk to rot and burns the apical roots.
Common mistakes in palm fertilization that reduce production
Here are some fertilization mistakes that cause root burns:
- Fertilizing dry soil will burn the roots immediately. Therefore, you should water first, then fertilize.
- Excess nitrogen after pollination produces many green leaves and few small fruits.
- Neglecting micronutrients causes yellowing of the top (iron deficiency) or swelling of the fruit (boron deficiency).
- Fertilizing small palm trees with the same dosage as large ones: this causes the seedling to die.
- Storing fertilizer in humid and hot environments reduces its effectiveness. Therefore, it should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Successful date palm cultivation begins with choosing the right fertilizer for each stage, from fertilizing young palms to the post-pollination stage, culminating in large, high-quality fruit. Don't hesitate to visit Al-Talib Store to find the perfect fertilizer for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fertilizer for palm trees in general?
A mixture of NPK 20-20-20 with potassium sulfate and organic compost, available at Al Talib store.
What is the best fertilizer for palm trees after pollination?
Potassium sulfate 52% + chelated boron, for fruit set and fruit formation.
What is the best fertilizer for palm trees immediately after flowering?
Potassium sulfate 52% + chelated boron, in the post-pollination stage is the high potassium stage to ensure that small fruits do not fall off.
How should young palm trees aged 2-3 years be fertilized?
Using a phosphorus NPK fertilizer 10-20-10 in very small quantities (0.5 kg/year) with compost around the sapling and not on the trunk.
Can only organic fertilizer be used for palm trees?
Yes, but the yield will be low. The local variety is beneficial for improving the soil, but you need to add chemicals to meet the high potassium requirement.