1. Objectives of Fertility Management
- Promote healthy root and shoot growth for strong trees.
- Enhance resin production in mature trees.
- Improve soil health, microbial activity, and nutrient cycling.
- Reduce dependency on synthetic fertilizers for sustainable, eco-friendly cultivation.
2. Compost Teas
- Definition: Liquid extracts made from composted organic matter, rich in microbial populations and nutrients.
- Benefits:
- Provides nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients.
- Introduces beneficial microbes that suppress pathogens and enhance nutrient uptake.
- Improves soil structure and water-holding capacity.
- Preparation:
- Use mature compost free of chemicals or disease.
- Mix 1:5 ratio of compost to water.
- Aerate for 12–24 hours to increase microbial activity.
- Apply as soil drench or foliar spray.
- Application:
- Seedlings: 1–2 times per month.
- Mature trees: 3–4 times per year, especially during active growth or resin induction periods.
3. Mycorrhizal Inoculation
- Definition: Symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots, improving nutrient and water uptake.
- Benefits:
- Enhances phosphorus and micronutrient absorption.
- Improves drought tolerance and root growth.
- Promotes soil microbial diversity and overall tree vigor.
- Application:
- Apply mycorrhizal spores or granules directly to the root zone during planting.
- Can also be used as a soil drench for existing trees.
- Ensure no fungicides are applied immediately before or after inoculation.
4. Organic Fertilizers
- Types:
- Composted manure: Chicken, cow, goat, or horse manure.
- Plant-based compost: Leaf litter, rice hulls, or crop residues.
- Vermicompost: Nutrient-rich worm castings.
- Benefits:
- Slow-release nutrients for long-term growth.
- Improves soil structure, water retention, and microbial activity.
- Application Rates (general guideline):
- Seedlings (nursery/polybags): 50–100 g per plant per month, diluted or incorporated into soil.
- Young field trees (1–3 years): 500–1000 g per tree, applied in 2–3 splits per year.
- Mature trees: 5–10 kg per tree, applied near the drip line, avoiding direct contact with trunk.
5. Integrated Fertility Management Practices
- Combine compost teas, mycorrhizal inoculation, and organic fertilizers for maximum benefit.
- Use mulch to retain moisture and improve nutrient cycling.
- Monitor soil pH (optimal 5.5–6.5), organic matter, and nutrient levels to adjust applications.
- Avoid over-fertilization, which can promote weak shoots and reduce resin quality.
Key Takeaways
- Fertility management should be holistic, combining microbial, organic, and mineral sources.
- Compost teas provide immediate nutrient availability and microbial support.
- Mycorrhizae improve nutrient uptake and drought resilience.
- Organic fertilizers provide long-term nutrients and enhance soil health.
- Proper fertility management leads to strong seedlings, healthy field trees, and higher-quality resin production.
