Soil Type Texture | Temperature Range | Watering Schedule | Fertilizer Program | Mulching Method
For a 5-Year Cultivation Cycle (Pre-Inoculation Phase)
| Tree Age | Time (Months) | Fertilizer Type | Application Rate | Notes |
|---|
| 0–3 months | Immediately after planting | Organic compost/vermicast | 1–2 kg per seedling | Mix with topsoil during transplanting |
| | Starter NPK (e.g., 16-20-0) | 1 tbsp/tree | Repeat every 30 days |
| 4–12 months | Quarterly | Chicken/goat manure | 2–3 kg/tree | Apply in a ring, 30 cm from base |
| Monthly | NPK 20-10-10 | 2 tbsp/tree | Supports vegetative growth |
| 1–2 years | Every 2 months | NPK 14-14-14 or 10-10-10 | 3 tbsp/tree | Balanced growth and root development |
| Quarterly | Dolomite/lime (if acidic soil) | 100 g/tree | Regulates pH for better nutrient uptake |
| Dry season | Mulch with dry leaves/rice husks | – | Preserves soil moisture and adds organic matter |
| 2–3 years | Every 2 months | NPK 12-12-17-2 (with Mg) | 3–4 tbsp/tree | Boosts woody growth, trunk diameter |
| Quarterly | K-rich organic blend (banana peel compost, ashes) | 1–2 kg/tree | Prepares tree for stress/resin induction |
| 3–5 years | Every 2 months | NPK 10-10-20 or 8-12-24 | 4–5 tbsp/tree | Increases K for heartwood development |
| Every 6 months | Seaweed extract or foliar spray (trace elements) | As per label | Enhances immunity & stress tolerance |
| Before inoculation | 1–2 months before | Reduce or stop nitrogen inputs | – | Avoids excess leafy growth; encourages tree to enter defense mode |
APPLICATION TIPS:
- Apply early morning or late afternoon, preferably before rain.
- Rotate chemical and organic sources to avoid soil nutrient fatigue.
- Water well after applying chemical fertilizer to help absorption.
- Increase fertilizer quantity as the tree ages, especially for high-density plantations.
Optional Add-ons for High-Performance Orchards:
| Additive | Purpose | Frequency |
|---|
| Trichoderma or Mycorrhizae | Enhances root uptake and tree immunity | Every 6 months |
| Humic/Fulvic Acids | Boosts soil structure & nutrient uptake | Monthly during growth phases |
| Booster Tea (vermi- or compost tea) | Microbial support & foliar feed | Biweekly foliar spray |
