Author Topic: 0-0-51 Fertilizer?? (Read 9861 times)

puglvr1 · « **on:** February 18, 2012, 03:32:51 PM »

How many are using 0-0-51 or something similar (high Potassium) fertilizer now for their mango trees?

I found this short video from fairchild's that recommends using it.
http://www.fairchildgarden.org/VideoPreview/?videoURL=%2Fuploads%2Fillumanet%2Fvideos%2FLow%20Nitrogen%2Eflv&widescreen=1&videoTitle=Nutrition%20for%20Mangos#GUID

Also found this link that says to use it twice a year in S. FL. Once the end of Feb. and again in April. Anyone out there have any thoughts or comments...I don't want to over do it and do more harm than good now that they are blooming...Thanks!!
http://southfloridahorticulture.com/v2/mangos/

Scroll down the "fertilizer" section...I'm trying to get the best production out of my trees without risking losing the blooms and the future fruits. Appreciate it!

Nancy

Sleepdoc · « **Reply #1 on:** February 18, 2012, 03:51:13 PM »

I use it.

Once when blooming and then again about 2 months later after fruit set. I have also heard of a Thanksgiving and Valentines day schedule..

puglvr1 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 18, 2012, 04:09:37 PM »

Thanks sleepdoc! How much do you think I need to add to my 4-5 year old Mango trees...they're appx. 5-6ft tall. Do you think a light sprinkling around the canopy is sufficient...also do you water it in right away? thanks, sorry for all the questions but I've never used it before.

I've called around and the closest one I can find is 0-0-60...I'm guessing this is close enough?

Sleepdoc · « **Reply #3 on:** February 18, 2012, 04:21:05 PM »

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Granular-Sulfate-of-Potash-0-0-50-Fertilizer-48-Pounds-/170613568011?pt=Fertilizer_Soil_Amendments&hash=item27b95c720b#ht_1354wt_922

I think it may be important to use the sulfate of potash, not certain though.

The above link is what I bought. I used 100lbs or so for 20+ trees, 4 of these trees being 20+ feet tall. I sort of haphazardly apply it, kind of eyeballing the rate of application. I believe I had read somewhere to apply it at the rate you would apply a typical NPK granular.

Hope that helps. Maybe someone more informed can give better specifics..

Sleepdoc · « **Reply #4 on:** February 18, 2012, 04:25:36 PM »

Another link with some application rate info

http://www.southfloridahorticulture.com/v2/mangos/

Tropicalgrower89 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 18, 2012, 04:50:26 PM »

Quote from: Sleepdoc on February 18, 2012, 04:21:05 PM

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Granular-Sulfate-of-Potash-0-0-50-Fertilizer-48-Pounds-/170613568011?pt=Fertilizer_Soil_Amendments&hash=item27b95c720b#ht_1354wt_922

I think it may be important to use the sulfate of potash, not certain though.

The above link is what I bought. I used 100lbs or so for 20+ trees, 4 of these trees being 20+ feet tall. I sort of haphazardly apply it, kind of eyeballing the rate of application. I believe I had read somewhere to apply it at the rate you would apply a typical NPK granular.

Hope that helps. Maybe someone more informed can give better specifics..

Here is his website. It's a little cheaper there. http://www.kelp4less.com/

zands · « **Reply #6 on:** February 18, 2012, 05:30:41 PM »

I bought some straight potassium sulfate at Universal Enterprises Supply Corp. which is the 0 0 50 mentioned here...phone up and ask. No nitrogen no phosphate just a simple potassium compound which is pretty water soluble so I'm thinking should be spread out but less and more often

http://universalsupplycorp.com/location.html

Universal Enterprises Supply Corp.
2171 Blount Road
Pompano Beach, Florida 3306
(954) 979 – 0600 phone
(800) 432 – 3009 phone
(954) 971 – 2505 fax
uesco@aol.com

FloridaGreenMan · « **Reply #7 on:** February 18, 2012, 05:33:23 PM »

I started using 0-0-51 last year on my 3 in ground mango trees. It should only be used for larger fruiting mangos and not smaller trees. Small trees still require nitrogen to bulk up and get to fruiting size. Once they get bigger and start holding fruit, then use 0-0-51 at least twice per year. This information was confirmed in a conversation with Dr. Campbell at Fairchild. One of my mango grower friends uses 0-0-51 on all his trees and gets better fruit quality and much less mango split.

happyisland · « **Reply #8 on:** February 18, 2012, 06:30:07 PM »

Does anyone know if there is any reason not to use potassium more than twice per year on mature trees?

puglvr1 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 18, 2012, 06:32:00 PM »

Thanks so much for all your help everyone!! I appreciate the links as well. I will try and find it locally if I can. I prefer not to have to pay for shipping if I don't have too....You've all been a great help!

puglvr1 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 18, 2012, 06:58:18 PM »

I noticed on one of those links from Ebay that there is a "Granular Potassium Sulfate 0-0-50" and a
" powder Potassium Sulfate 0-0-50". I'm guessing these are identical but just comes in a different form? Wonder if the granular would be easier to apply? Thanks!

zands · « **Reply #11 on:** February 18, 2012, 07:13:00 PM »

Quote from: puglvr1 on February 18, 2012, 06:58:18 PM

I noticed on one of those links from Ebay that there is a "Granular Potassium Sulfate 0-0-50" and a
" powder Potassium Sulfate 0-0-50". I'm guessing these are identical but just comes in a different form? Wonder if the granular would be easier to apply? Thanks!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Potash-Fertilizer-Powder-Potassium-Sulfate-10-pounds-/170676600765?pt=Fertilizer_Soil_Amendments&hash=item27bd1e3fbd#ht_805wt_905

Granular better for on ground fertilization. Will dissolve more slowly than the powder which is great for hydroponics and foliar sprays. If powder is a better buy then you apply it less but more often. The stuff I bought locally is granular.

puglvr1 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 18, 2012, 08:16:19 PM »

Quote from: happyisland on February 18, 2012, 06:30:07 PM

Does anyone know if there is any reason not to use potassium more than twice per year on mature trees?

Its just a guess but maybe since its only supposed to be used once while its blooming and again when the fruits have set its not necessary to apply it again when its going into growth mode...plus it might be too much Potassium in the soil (overload) and cause some root problems?

Zands, Thank you...I think the Granular will work better for me too.

natsgarden123 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 19, 2012, 12:53:11 PM »

Is there any reason NOT to apply fertilizer to a blooming tree? I use Palm fertilizer, per Excalibur recommendations- I have a small mallika ( which was spayed with roundup and probably over-fertilized a few months ago, ironically) that has blooms all over and that has leaves that look nutrient deficient. Should I fertilize it?

Sleepdoc · « **Reply #14 on:** February 19, 2012, 12:59:56 PM »

I can see what does seem like fertilizer burn on the leaves.

It's so small, I personally wouldn't let it hold fruit.

My plan would be to just leave it alone, let the panicles hold fruit up until pea size, then remove them.

After that, carefully fertilize and let it gain some size over the growing season.

Just my 0.02

Cookie Monster · « **Reply #15 on:** February 19, 2012, 02:08:05 PM »

If the tree is showing symptoms of nutrient deficiency, then the likely cause would be that the excess fertilizer damaged the feeder roots. Giving it more fertilizer would further damage the tree and just exacerbate the problem. It can take many months for the full effect of the damage to be visible. Once the health of the tree starts to improve, you could give it a foliar micronutrient spray.

natsgarden123 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 19, 2012, 05:20:09 PM »

Thanks for the advice

Let it be

sunworshiper · « **Reply #17 on:** February 24, 2012, 09:32:58 AM »

I'm a bit slow responding. But I use it. I found a local source that had 0-0-60. Seems close enough. I use 2oz per inch of trunk diameter per tree in Feb & April.

At other times throughout the year I do foliar nutrient sprays, mushroom compost & chelated iron soil drenches. So far, seems to be working well. With any luck I'll get my first fruits this year on my Cogshall.

puglvr1 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 25, 2012, 10:47:06 AM »

Hi SunW, I also thought the 0-0-60 would be close enough...especially since it was the only one I could find locally (No one had the 0-0-50) around here, but then I came across this article. Thought I would pass it along if you wanted to read it...I'm NO expert so I really can't comment on either one since I've never used it. The article suggest the 0-0-50 might be the better choice.
http://fertilizerbrokerage.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26&Itemid=53

sunworshiper · « **Reply #19 on:** February 25, 2012, 06:40:47 PM »

Interesting article. Mine is Hi-Yield brand muriate of potash. Label has no info on sulphur content. I used it last year, and my trees did great. Hard to say if they would do differently without it. I think at the small amounts I'm using there will be little difference if there is a bit of excess sulphur. the article has a lot of merit if you have a significant amount of acreage. But for me, this cost $7 for a 4lb bag, vs not being able to find 0-0-50 in a quantity less the $100 worth via mail order. My bag will last me 3-4 years. Those mail order amounts would be a lifetime supply for a hobbyist! But good to know that it can change the ph levels. Let us know what you decide to do.

puglvr1 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 25, 2012, 07:22:20 PM »

That's an Excellent point Sun! Especially since your trees are still small and you use very little per tree, I'm sure what you're using will do just fine.

I did however find an Ebay Seller that sells a small 5 lb. bag of 0-0-50 for $6.99 (granular) but there is shipping of course. At least its an option I can use as a last resort.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Granular-Sulfate-Potash-0-0-50-Fertilizer-5-Pounds-/170613571332?pt=Fertilizer_Soil_Amendments&hash=item27b95c7f04

News:

Author Topic: 0-0-51 Fertilizer?? (Read 9861 times)

natsgarden123

natsgarden123