Fertiliser considerations fieldday: Katikati, 21 June 2023

NZ Avocado invites you to join us on Craig and Tamzin Ramsay’s orchard to discussion some of the key considerations around fertiliser application. Wednesday, 21 June 2023 from 1.00pm – 3.00pm at 46 Prestidge Road, Katikati.

Growers may have recently received fertiliser recommendations following soil and leaf testing in autumn. With financial and environmental sustainability a keen focus at the moment, what are some of the key considerations to critically assess current fertiliser use? Craig and Tamzin have a young orchard where they are endeavouring to keep their trees smaller on tighter spacing. They have been using the plant growth regulator paclobutrazol on their orchard and it’s use will be discussed along with cautions around application methods and risk if it ends up on fruit. NZ Avocado staff will be present to share information and guide discussion on the following topics.

• Role of key nutrients
  • Nitrogen, calcium, boron
• How much is enough/too much?
  • Removal from orchard system
  • Tree optimums
  • Regional considerations
• Fertiliser plans and application methods
  • Role of soil biology
  • Replacement and timings
  • Hard fertilizer, fertigation and foliar application
• Regulatory situation and outlook
  • Fresh water farm environment plans. What are they and who’s affected?