To each their own. I am not trying to make this a pissing contest. While I am not involved and not a member (yes, social driven and a load of BS) as a past member of couty RFCs, I would not chose to be a member again. On the other hand, I do hear a lot of crap from actual members and it is a social joke. Are there some with great knowledge, yes. Do they jhave some great speakers, yes...but I believe you do not need to be a member to attend.
Back to the fertilizer, you say an all inclusive slow release is better...some disagree, especially for young trees. Jonathan Crane for one (from his publication for Annonas):
"During the first 2 to 3 years after planting, growing a strong, vigorous tree is the goal (Table3). It is recommended that any fruit that sets during the first year or so be removed so that the tree will grow vigorously. After the third year, the emphasis changes to cultural practices that enhance flowering, fruit set, and fruit development. These include reduced frequency of N-P2O5-K2O applications and close attention to irrigation from flowering to harvest during prolonged dry periods.
Fertilizer recommendations are based on experience and observation. Frequent applications of small amounts of nitrogen-containing fertilizer and watering during the growing season when there are prolonged dry periods is recommended (Table 2). After the third year, trees will begin to bear fruit and the strategy is to reduce the number of applications of nitrogen-containing fertilizer. Minor element sprays to the foliage should contain magnesium, zinc, and manganese (some also contain boron, molybdenum and iron). Foliar sprays are most efficient from April to September.
Young trees should be fertilized with a complete fertilizer every six to eight weeks during the growing season. A complete fertilizer is a fertilizer containing a source of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potassium (K) (many also contain a source of magnesium, Mg). By-convention fertilizer formulas are written as the percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P2O5), and potassium oxide (K2O) (e.g., 6-8-9, 6% nitrogen, 8% phosphate and 9% potassium oxide). Acceptable mixtures include 6-6-6 or 8-3-9 or some similar material. Suitable fertilizer formulations for sugar apple include 2-8-8, 4-8-8, 6-6-6-3 or 8-3-9-5 or similar materials. Frequent applications at low rates will provide a more constant nutrient supply and reduce the potential for leaching of nutrients beyond the roots due to heavy rainfall."
Also, as I stated, 8-3-9 can be purchased from different sources however the makeup should be different as Excalibur's blend is cutomed ordered and supposed to be different in the minor element package contained within. Like I said, Excalibur's 8-3-9 was or was supposed to be different when compared to what the PBCRFC's 8-3-9 they most recently sold.
Topic: Palm Beach Rare Fruit Tree Fruit Sale March 28, 2015 (Read 12412 times)