If there is a lack of potassium in the soil, apple trees develop typical deficiency symptoms. We'll show you how to recognize this nutrient deficiency and give you valuable tips for proper nutrition for your fruit tree.
How does a potassium deficiency manifest itself in the apple tree and what helps against it?
Potassium deficiency is primarily reflected in theleaves, which begin to dry out from the edge The entire apple tree appears limp and the fruit tastes bland. If there is an acute deficiency, special potassium fertilizers can help, which you can even make yourself in an environmentally friendly way.
Which symptoms can I recognize this nutrient deficiency?
The youngshootsare noticeableweakand thenew leaf shootsremainssmall. The leaves initially turn brown, curl up from the edge and wither. Potassium deficiency mainly occurs in older apple trees that have been in the same place for a long time.
Which potassium fertilizers are suitable for apple trees?
There are variouspotash fertilizers on the market,which can be used in the home garden and which reliably eliminate the nutrient deficiency:
- Patent potash or potash magnesia: Well tolerated by plants, fast-acting, low in chloride.
- Potassium sulfate: Apple trees respond well to this fertilizer, which contains a lot of sulfur.
- Wood ash: In addition to the high potassium content, this fertilizer provides plenty of calcium. However, only ash from untreated wood should be spread in your own garden. In addition, due to the alkaline effect, there is a considerable risk of overcalcification.
Which plant manures eliminate the potassium deficiency in apples?
Comfrey and dandelion manureas well asFernwort broth are very rich in potassium and are ideal for supplying the apple tree with this important nutrient.
- Comfrey manure: Add 1 kilogram of fresh, chopped comfrey leaves to 10 liters of water and allow to ferment.
- Dandelion manure: steep 2 kilograms of dandelion leaves and flowers in 10 liters of water.
- Fernwort broth: Add 1 kilogram of dried or 5 kilograms of fresh fern to 10 liters of water and let it stand for a day. Heat for half an hour and leave to cool.
How can I prevent a potassium deficiency in the apple tree?
Potassium deficiency can almost always be avoided through balanced fertilization andstrengthening the apple tree with the plant manures already mentioned. You should also make sure that the fruit tree is watered sufficiently during long dry periods.
Tip
Apple trees prefer organic fertilizers
Apple trees are comparatively undemanding fruit trees that respond very well to organic fertilizer. For older trees, add about four liters of mature compost to the tree disc. You can enrich this with a potash fertilizer or horn meal as needed. The first fertilization takes place in spring, a second one at the end of May or beginning of June.