When and what kind of fertilizer do you use on your pecan trees?

Answer 1

There is no quick answer. Start with a soil sample. The results of the soil sample test will help your fertilizer supplier provide a mix of all the nutrients needed. If you indicate what the soil sample is for (pecans), the test lab will also provide recommendations along with the results of the test. At least, mine does. As a rule of thumb, I've always heard that high-nitrogen fertilizer is needed. However, my recent soil sample test results suggest 1 pound of nitrogen per inch of trunk diameter applied at the dripline, 15 pounds per acre phosphates, and 60 pounds per acre potash. Along with the fertilizer, it is suggested that I apply 3000 pounds of lime per acre because my pH is only 5.1. Zinc is required for rapid and complete leaf growth from spring budbreak through June. There are foliar sprays available that contain zinc and nitrogen. For my orchard, the gameplan has been this: apply the foliar spray and broadcast the fertilizer (at least 16-16-16) around the dripline of each tree every two weeks until the soil nutrient levels are more satisfactory. Then, I will switch to a higher nitrogen level broadcast fertilizer and continue the foliar sprays until the end of July. This means another soil test is required to measure the effectiveness of the applications. I have not mentioned the application of pesticides or fungicides. In my part of Texas, these are also necessary. The application of these chemicals and the timing is important for certain destructive insects and diseases. Like I said, no quick answer.

Answer 2

Spring tends to be the time for the application of nitrogen or zinc fertilizers to pecan trees. The application is made about halfway through March. With growers, there may be additional treatments in April, May and June if the orchard is extensive and the nut production is heavy.

Generally, pecan trees don't need the phosphorus and potassium of N [Nitrogen] P [Phosphorus] K [Potassium] fertilizers. So a pecan grower may use a 33 [N] - 0 [P] - 0 [K] fertilizer. But fertilizing may not be something that has to be each and every year. The decision of whether or not to fertilize needs to be done as the result of soil nutrient, soil pH, and nut and leaf production checks.