By Jovita Mirembe
Growing trees is one of the businesses that is done today by many farmers to earn a living.
Anthony Tumwine, an Agronomist says that if you want to grow a healthy tree, you should fertilize it.
An Agronomist is an expert in the study of soil management and crop development.
He, however, says that before fertilising a tree, understand its rooting system because most of the tree’s absorbing roots are located under the canopy, extending beyond the drip line, not at the trunk’s base.
Tumwine says that another factor that should be considered before is assessing the fertilisation method.
‘’Testing should be done in this soil to determine which nutrients the tree needs. Observing the tree while looking for signs of nutrient deficiency like discoloured leaves or slow growth, helps you get the right fertilisation for your tree,’’ Tumwine says.
Choosing the right fertilizer
Tumwine says that using a slow-release, rough fertiliser with a choice for a balanced NPK ratio unless otherwise suggested by soil tests, is the best formula.
Applying fertiliser
“The fertiliser should be applied under the tree’s canopy, extending just beyond the drip line,” he says.
According to Tumwine, a farmer should use the Broadcast method because fertilisers are spread evenly over the root zone.
“Creating shallow wells around the drip line for deeper penetration is a good idea and watering the area thoroughly after fertilising is preferred but avoid letting water pool around the trunk,” he explains.
Additional Tips
Tumwine says that avoid watering the tree trunk directly, water the tree’s roots, not its trunk or leaves because the leaves or trunk will most likely rot.
Ensuring good soil drainage will also prevent root rot, he says.
