Benefits of Applying Base Fertilizer to Peach Trees in Autumn

I. Deep Application for Soil Improvement and Enhanced Fertility

The topsoil is rich in nutrients and organic matter, making it yang. Below 20 centimeters, organic matter is scarce and soil activity is poor, rendering it yin. This condition is unfavorable for root growth and results in relatively low carbon utilization. Under such circumstances, most of the finer roots tend to grow in the shallow soil layer, thereby reducing the peach tree’s drought resistance. Therefore, autumn base fertilization should primarily rely on farmyard manure and bio‑organic fertilizers. The goal is to enhance soil physical and chemical properties by deep tillage—creating trenches for application—so that topsoil and fertilizer are thoroughly mixed. This process of blending subsoil, topsoil, and fertilizer is known as soil amelioration, which improves the physicochemical characteristics of deeper soil layers, increases aggregate stability, and enhances the underlying soil profile. With higher organic matter content, soil fertility is boosted, enabling deeper root systems to efficiently absorb and utilize carbon. Improved aeration also encourages roots to grow more deeply, strengthening drought resistance and ensuring better water and nutrient retention. When water and nutrients are supplied in a balanced manner, stress tolerance is enhanced, physiological disorders are mitigated, and vigorous tree growth coupled with high yields becomes reliably assured.

II. Pruning Roots and Renewing Nutrients

Applying base fertilizer in autumn and deeply tilling the soil to improve soil structure is akin to artificially pruning the root system. For whole‑orchard broadcast application, the practice typically spreads outward from the base of the tree, progressing from shallow to deeper layers—this is one method of orchard‑wide cultivation and fertilization. Alternatively, trench‑fertilization can be employed, using radial trenches, ring‑shaped trenches, or multiple pit‑planting techniques. However, care should be taken to avoid damaging roots thicker than 1 cm. By deliberately “disrupting” the roots, and taking advantage of the relatively high soil temperatures at this time—which coincide with the peach tree’s second peak of root growth—the wounds will develop callus tissue and produce new roots within 10 to 15 days; this process is known as root renewal. Coupled with autumn base fertilization that replenishes substantial nutrients, the roots grow vigorously and healthily, creating favorable conditions for nutrient storage and laying a robust material foundation for next year’s flowering and fruiting.

3. Can enhance photosynthesis

Applying base fertilizer in autumn, when temperatures are favorable and root activity is enhanced, allows organic matter to be directly absorbed, transformed, and utilized by the roots. This boosts leaf photosynthesis, increases the production of organic nutrients, and promotes greater nutrient storage. Even weak trees can be revitalized, strengthening their stress resistance and ensuring they withstand frost damage and cold‑induced flower‑bud injury during bloom.

IV. Can promote the development of high-quality flower buds

Everyone knows that high‑quality flower buds lead to good fruit set, and such buds can only be developed through proper autumn management by peach growers. By applying a well‑formulated, fully balanced base fertilizer in the fall to boost leaf photosynthesis, not only do stored reserves increase, but more importantly, the morphological differentiation of flower buds is promoted. This period is critical for flower bud differentiation. In addition to applying autumn base fertilizer to replenish nutrients, it is essential to ensure that the entire tree is well‑ventilated and receives ample sunlight, so that developing fruiting branches, leaves, and even individual twigs and foliage are all exposed to light. Only then can favorable conditions be created for flower bud differentiation, allowing the calyx, petals, stamens, and pistils to develop fully. A perfect combination of fertilization and autumn pruning is what produces plump, high‑quality flower buds.

V. Reducing the Occurrence of Deformed Fruits

Especially in early‑maturing varieties, deformed fruits are highly likely to occur, primarily because autumn management—such as fertilization and leafy autumn pruning—is neglected, and soil moisture levels are even less carefully monitored. To reduce the incidence of deformed fruit, it is essential to apply base fertilizer, carry out leafy autumn pruning, and maintain appropriate soil moisture. When drought conditions prevail, timely irrigation not only boosts fruit set but also significantly curtails the formation of deformed flowers, thereby greatly diminishing the occurrence of twin or triplet deformed fruits.

It is essential to prioritize the application of organic fertilizers and to supplement with a balanced combination of organic, inorganic, and microbial fertilizers, thereby formulating a complete‑nutrient fertilizer.