In a recent video*, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) researchers Dr Nigel Swarts and Dr Peter Quin talk about new research findings that may change the way we manage nitrogen fertiliser in cherry orchards.

CaTs® is a clear liquid fertiliser containing calcium and sulfur that reduces the harmful effects of salt such as sodium in the soil, and it can work as a soil amendment.

Summertime can be hard on crops.

CaTs® is a clear liquid fertiliser containing calcium and sulfur that reduces the harmful effects of salt such as sodium in the soil, and it can work as a soil amendment.

The time between fruit harvest and fresh spring flush is a good opportunity to ensure that nutrients depleted during the growing and harvesting season are replenished.

Extreme temperatures affect fruit trees and lately, the weather has been all over the place.It can be difficult for plants to recover after damaging weather conditions such as excessive heat, hail, frost and flood.

With the cool start to the season, we are seeing several fruit tree crops slow in moving through their phenological stages.

Losses in fruit production can be due to inadequate plant nutrition. Diseases such as tip burn, blossom end rot and bitter pit are all caused by calcium deficiency.

Warm weather can stress many fruit tree crops, slowing growth and reducing productivity. David Cavallaro, Business Manager, said Stoller Australia has a program that is specifically designed to help crops recover from stress, so they can take full advantage of improved conditions and fulfil their yield potential.

Leaf testing should start early in the season.Starting early allows time for adjustments to be made to a nutrient program, and for those adjustments to have an effect.

Fruit trees and all plants grown in Australia’s tough agricultural environment are at risk of becoming stressed. Drought, pests and diseases, poor nutrition and other harsh weather conditions can all play havoc with a plant’s productivity and production, negatively affecting your crop.

As we approach the coming season and bud break, we need to ensure that we give our tree crops the best chance to maximise yield and quality in the coming season.