Feed Your Persimmon Right! Quiz

Explore key facts and best practices for fertilizing persimmons to optimize tree health and fruit quality. This quiz covers nutrients, timing, and common mistakes in persimmon orchard care.

1. Optimal Fertilizer Timing

   When is the most appropriate time to apply the main annual fertilizer to established persimmon trees for optimal nutrient uptake?

   1. After leaf fall in late autumn
   2. Late summer during fruit ripening
   3. Mid-winter when trees are dormant
   4. Early spring before bud break

   Explanation: Early spring before bud break is ideal because it supports new growth and ensures nutrients are available when the tree needs them most. Late summer can promote unwanted vegetative growth, mid-winter is inactive for nutrient uptake, and after leaf fall misses the crucial growing period.

2. Nutrient Needs of Persimmons

   Which macronutrient is most critical for flower and fruit development in persimmon trees?

   1. Phosphorus
   2. Nitrogen
   3. Calcium
   4. Magnesium

   Explanation: Phosphorus is essential for flowering and fruit development in persimmons. Nitrogen mainly promotes foliage growth, calcium supports cell wall development, and magnesium aids chlorophyll production but is less directly linked to flowering and fruit set.

3. Symptoms of Over-Fertilization

   A persimmon grower notices lush vegetative growth but few fruits. Which fertilization issue is most likely causing this problem?

   1. Potassium deficiency
   2. Low soil pH
   3. Excessive nitrogen application
   4. Insufficient irrigation

   Explanation: Too much nitrogen encourages leaf and shoot growth at the expense of flowering and fruiting. Potassium deficiency can affect fruit quality but not vegetative excess, low soil pH affects nutrient uptake more generally, and poor irrigation primarily leads to stress and reduced growth.

4. Soil Testing Value

   Why should a soil test be conducted before fertilizing persimmon trees in an orchard?

   1. To determine current nutrient levels and guide precise fertilizer application
   2. To prevent all weed growth
   3. To guarantee pest-free conditions
   4. To increase soil porosity

   Explanation: Soil tests measure nutrient levels, ensuring fertilization targets actual tree needs and avoids over- or under-application. Soil porosity, weed prevention, and pest control are not direct outcomes of soil testing.

5. Organic Fertilizer Practices

   Which organic amendment is commonly used to improve the fertility and structure of soils for persimmon trees?

   1. Rock phosphate dust only
   2. Well-rotted compost
   3. Ammonium nitrate
   4. Urea

   Explanation: Well-rotted compost provides nutrients and enhances soil structure, supporting long-term tree health. Urea and ammonium nitrate are synthetic fertilizers, and rock phosphate dust supplies only phosphorus without broader organic benefits.