Avoid Costly Nutrient Losses This Winter with Smart Post-Harvest Fertilization

As harvest begins to wrap up across California orchards, attention must turn to post-harvest nutrient management — a critical component of long-term orchard sustainability. Effective post-harvest fertilization supports nutrient replenishment, root and bud development, and overall orchard health, ensuring trees are well-positioned for the upcoming growing season.

The Importance of Post-Harvest Nutrition

Trees utilize significant amounts of nitrogen, potassium, sulfur, and other essential nutrients during the growing season. Post-harvest applications enable the replenishment of these nutrients and promote storage in roots and woody tissues, facilitating early growth in the following season. While in-season fertilization addresses immediate crop demand, post-harvest strategies focus on establishing a foundation for consistent, high-quality yields.

Adapting to Anticipated Dry Conditions

Industry observations indicate the possibility of a below-average winter rainfall. Under these circumstances, conventional dry fertilizers such as SOP, gypsum, and compost may remain on the soil surface, limiting incorporation and nutrient availability. Exposure to sun and wind can further reduce efficacy, resulting in potential losses that compromise orchard performance. Historical accounts highlight instances where unincorporated fertilizer required retrieval months after application.

Optimizing Fertilizer Efficiency with The Ag Center Products

Liquid fertilizers provide a reliable solution for ensuring nutrient delivery under dry conditions, facilitating uniform distribution and incorporation into the root zone. The Ag Center offers several products to support post-harvest applications:

• 7-21-0+Zn+Fe – A phosphorus-forward formulation with nitrogen support that aids in root development and energy transfer post-harvest, helping trees recover and prepare for the following season.

• 5-0-7.1+Micros– A liquid solution providing essential micronutrients that improve nutrient balance, address hidden deficiencies, and support orchard resilience after the stress of harvest.

• 8-4-6-4Ca – A balanced NPK fertilizer designed for post-harvest feeding, supplying nitrogen for storage, phosphorus for root strength, and potassium for stress tolerance and bud formation.

  
  

In addition, incorporating soil surfactants such as Aqua Grab (water penetrant) and Aqua Vault (water-holding formulation) improves nutrient penetration and retention, mitigating the effects of limited precipitation and environmental exposure.

Recommendations for Growers

• Assess orchard nutrient requirements based on soil and tissue analyses.

• Consider liquid fertilizer applications and surfactants when rainfall is uncertain.

• Schedule dry fertilizer applications to coincide with anticipated precipitation for maximum effectiveness.

  
  

Contact The Ag Center

For tailored post-harvest fertilization solutions, including liquid fertilizers, soil surfactants, and specialized nutrient products, contact The Ag Center today. A team of professionals can provide you with customized recommendations to safeguard nutrient investments and optimize orchard performance, ensuring your operation is prepared for the next growing season.

Visit www.theagcenter.com or call (208) 454-5700 for more information and product orders.