Explore key principles of mango tree fertilization, including timing, nutrient needs, and common pitfalls, to promote healthy growth and abundant fruit yields.
When is it most beneficial to apply fertilizer to mango trees to support flowering and fruit set?
Explanation: Applying fertilizer just before the rainy season provides nutrients at a crucial growth phase, supporting flowering and fruit set. Applying during peak summer or after harvest misses this active period. Fertilizing in mid-winter is less effective since growth slows during dormancy.
Which primary nutrient is especially important for mango fruit development and size?
Explanation: Potassium plays a major role in fruit development and improving fruit size and quality. Calcium is important for cell structure, iron and zinc are vital micronutrients, but they are not the main nutrients driving fruit development in mangoes.
Mango leaves showing yellowing between the veins (interveinal chlorosis) may indicate a deficiency of which nutrient?
Explanation: Magnesium deficiency often causes interveinal chlorosis in leaves. Nitrogen deficiency typically results in overall pale or yellow plants, while boron and phosphorus deficiencies usually show other distinct symptoms rather than interveinal yellowing.
Which outcome is a likely risk of over-fertilizing mango trees with nitrogen-rich products?
Explanation: Too much nitrogen tends to promote leaf and branch growth at the expense of flowering and fruiting. Improved sweetness and faster flowering are not typical results of over-fertilizing with nitrogen, and pest resistance may actually decrease due to weaker plant health.
Which statement best describes a benefit of using well-rotted farmyard manure (organic fertilizer) for mango trees?
Explanation: Organic fertilizers such as farmyard manure enrich soil structure and encourage beneficial microbes. They do not cause immediate increases in fruit size or year-round flowering, and they are less likely to cause root burn compared to chemical fertilizers.