Feeding Young Persimmons Quiz Quiz

Explore best practices and principles for fertilizing young persimmon trees to promote healthy growth and fruiting while avoiding common pitfalls in horticultural nutrition.

1. Choosing Fertilizers for Young Persimmons

   Which type of fertilizer is most suitable for young persimmon trees establishing in their first year in well-prepared garden soil?

   1. Balanced granular fertilizer with moderate nitrogen
   2. Potassium-only supplement
   3. High-nitrogen lawn fertilizer
   4. No fertilizer at all

   Explanation: A balanced granular fertilizer with moderate nitrogen supports early vegetative growth and root development. High-nitrogen lawn fertilizer can burn roots and lead to excessive leafy growth. Potassium-only supplements lack the nitrogen and phosphorus young trees need. Omitting fertilizer entirely may limit growth if soil fertility is moderate or low.

2. Timing Fertilizer Applications

   When is the ideal time to apply the first fertilizer to a newly planted persimmon sapling during the growing season?

   1. At the end of the growing season before dormancy
   2. About 2–4 weeks after planting when new leaves emerge
   3. The day of transplanting
   4. Only after the tree produces its first fruits

   Explanation: Waiting 2–4 weeks allows the roots to settle before fertilizer is applied, reducing burn risk. Fertilizing at transplant can damage roots. Applying at dormancy does not benefit growth, and waiting for fruiting delays nutrient support needed for young trees.

3. Nitrogen Management in Young Trees

   What is a key risk of over-applying nitrogen fertilizer to young persimmon trees?

   1. Stunted shoot growth
   2. Premature fruit set
   3. Excessive shoot growth with poor root development
   4. Increased resistance to pests

   Explanation: Too much nitrogen leads to rapid leafy growth but weak roots, making trees prone to stress. Premature fruiting is unlikely in young trees, increased resistance is not an effect of excess nitrogen, and stunted growth is usually from deficiency, not oversupply.

4. Selecting Micronutrients for Persimmons

   Which micronutrient is most crucial to monitor in persimmon tree soils to prevent leaf yellowing and poor growth?

   1. Aluminum
   2. Lead
   3. Sodium
   4. Iron

   Explanation: Iron deficiency often causes chlorosis in persimmons, leading to yellowing and poor growth. Sodium, aluminum, and lead are not essential plant nutrients and can be harmful if present in high amounts.

5. Organic Amendments and Tree Nutrition

   How can well-rotted compost support young persimmon nutrition compared to synthetic fertilizers?

   1. Gradually releases nutrients and improves soil structure
   2. Increases soil acidity rapidly
   3. Provides an immediate high dose of nitrogen
   4. Prevents all nutrient deficiencies without other inputs

   Explanation: Compost releases nutrients slowly and increases soil organic matter, helping water retention and structure. It does not provide an immediate nitrogen boost, drastically alter pH, or eliminate the need for supplemental fertilization if deficiencies exist.