Feeding Young Persimmons Quiz Quiz

Explore essential practices and nutrient management techniques for fertilizing young persimmon trees in horticultural settings. Learn about timing, methods, and the importance of specific nutrients for healthy tree establishment.

1. Optimal Timing for Fertilizer Application

   When is the most appropriate time to apply the first round of fertilizer to newly planted persimmon saplings in a temperate climate?

   1. Early spring after bud break
   2. Mid-summer during fruit drop
   3. During the seedling's dormant winter period
   4. Late autumn after leaf fall

   Explanation: Applying fertilizer in early spring after bud break supports new growth as the tree resumes activity. Mid-summer is too late for optimal early development, late autumn application risks nutrient leaching, and dormant winter application is ineffective since the tree is not actively taking up nutrients.

2. Nutrient Importance for Persimmon Growth

   Which essential nutrient should be emphasized during the establishment phase of young persimmon trees to promote healthy root and leaf development?

   1. Chlorine
   2. Nitrogen
   3. Potassium
   4. Magnesium

   Explanation: Nitrogen promotes vigorous root and leaf development, which is critical for young trees' early growth. Potassium mainly supports fruit quality, magnesium is important but less critical initially, and chlorine is a micronutrient needed only in trace amounts.

3. Correct Fertilizer Placement

   How should granular fertilizer ideally be applied for young persimmon trees to maximize uptake without harming the plant?

   1. Buried deep below the main root ball
   2. Spread in a circular band just outside the drip line
   3. Placed directly against the trunk
   4. Scattered uniformly all over the soil surface

   Explanation: Applying fertilizer in a circular band outside the drip line encourages roots to grow outward and access nutrients efficiently. Placing fertilizer against the trunk can burn it, burying deep below roots doesn't reach active feeder roots, and scattering everywhere may waste nutrients.

4. Organic Matter Use in Fertilization

   What is a recommended organic amendment to use with fertilizer to improve soil health for young persimmons?

   1. Raw manure
   2. Pure sand
   3. Well-rotted compost
   4. Sawdust from treated wood

   Explanation: Well-rotted compost adds nutrients and improves soil structure safely. Raw manure can burn young plants and introduce pathogens, sawdust from treated wood may contain harmful chemicals, and pure sand does not contribute significant nutrients or organic matter.

5. Signs of Overfertilization

   Which symptom may indicate that a young persimmon tree has received too much fertilizer?

   1. Leaf tip burn and wilting
   2. Enhanced fruit set in the first year
   3. Uniform lush dark green growth
   4. Early autumn leaf coloration

   Explanation: Leaf tip burn and wilting are common signs of overfertilization due to salt buildup in the soil. Uniform lush dark green growth is desirable (if not excessive), enhanced fruit set can happen in older trees but is not related to overfertilization, and early autumn coloration is usually unrelated.