Mango Nutrition

Nutritional Requirements of Mango Trees

Optimal mango productivity both in yield and fruit quality depends on a well-balanced supply of essential nutrients. Mango trees require macronutrients and micronutrients supplied through soil-applied (basal) fertilizers, organic amendments, and foliar applications.

Macronutrients

Required in large quantities and essential for structural and physiological functions:

• Nitrogen (N) – vegetative growth and canopy development

• Phosphorus (P) – root development, energy transfer, and early growth

• Potassium (K) – fruit quality, water regulation, disease resistance

• Calcium (Ca) – cell wall strength, fruit firmness

• Magnesium (Mg) – chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthesis

• Sulphur (S) – protein synthesis and enzyme activation

Micronutrients

Needed in small quantities but critical for enzymatic and reproductive processes:

• Copper (Cu)

• Iron (Fe)

• Zinc (Zn)

• Manganese (Mn)

• Boron (B)

These nutrients support flowering, fruit set, fruit development, and overall physiological balance.

Role of Soil Amendments and Testing

• Organic manure improves soil structure, enhances microbial activity, increases nutrient-holding capacity, and slowly releases nutrients throughout the season.

• Soil testing before planting is essential for determining nutrient deficiencies, pH status, and fertilizer requirements for optimum mango establishment.

Importance of Proper Mango Nutrition

Adequate and balanced nutrition ensures:

• Vigorous early plant establishment

• Sustained vegetative growth and canopy formation

• Improved flowering, fruit set, and fruit retention

• Reduced fruit drop and minimized deformities

• Enhanced tolerance to stress and physiological disorders

• Improved fruit quality (appearance, size, flavour, firmness, and taste)

• Increased yield and consistent productivity

Fertilizer Application Strategy

Mango trees have distinct nutrient requirements at different growth stages. Fertilizer application must align with the phenological stages for maximum nutrient-use efficiency.

1. Early Growth Stage (Seedling Establishment)

This stage includes germination, seedling emergence, and early vegetative development.

• Seed Treatment:
  Soak seeds in OPTIMIZER at 20 ml/1 L for 6–12 hours to enhance germination speed, uniformity, and root development.

• Foliar Applications:
  Apply any of the following to support early root and shoot formation:

  • LAVENDER – 20 ml/20 L

  • GOLDCHANCE SUPER START – 50 g/20 L

  • ZINCABOR– 20-30 ml/20 L

• Basal Application:
  Mix HUMIPOWER AT 1KG + 50KG DAP and Apply to stimulate root establishment due to its high phosphorus content.

2. Juvenile Stage (Vegetative Growth)

During this stage, the tree focuses on canopy expansion, photosynthesis, and carbohydrate accumulation necessary for future reproductive growth.

• Foliar Feeding:

  • LAVENDER – 20 ml/20 L

  • GOLDCHANCE SUPER GROWTH – 50 g/20 L

• Basal Application:

  • Mix 1kg of HUMIPOWER with 50kg CAN for nitrogen supply

  • Other nitrogen-rich fertilizers such as NPK 23:23:0 may also be applied to maintain robust vegetative growth.

3. Flowering, Fruit Set & Maturity Stage

This stage includes floral induction, flowering, fruit set, and fruit maturation periods highly sensitive to nutritional imbalances.

• Foliar Fertilizers:
  Apply products designed to stimulate flowering, enhance fruit set, and improve fruit size and quality:

  • GOLDCHANCE FLOWERS & FRUITS – 30ml/20 L

  • GREENPHITE – 40 ml/20 L

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• Productivity Enhancing Nutrients:

  • BIODISTINCTION XTRA 700  

  • EURO GOLD

  • VITABOR GOLD

  • FERRARI GOLD CalMaBoSul
    These address deficiencies, promote reproductive success, and reduce flower or fruit abortion.

• Basal Fertilizers:
  Apply potassium-rich formulations such as NPK 17:17:17 to support fruit development and quality.

Important Technical Notes

1. Biostimulant Application

• OPTIMIZER at 10 ml/20 L may be applied at any growth stage to enhance physiological processes, improve stress tolerance, stimulate chlorophyll formation, and accelerate vegetative and reproductive growth.

2. Foliar Application Efficiency

• Always incorporate INTEGRA (3 ml/20 L) with foliar sprays.
  INTEGRA acts as a sticker, spreader, and penetrant, enhancing nutrient uptake through leaves.

3. Soil Conditioning and Fertility Management

• Mix all basal fertilizers and organic manures with HUMIPOWER.
  HUMIPOWER improves soil structure, increases nutrient availability, buffers soil pH, and reduces leaching and runoff losses.

4. Frequency of Application

• Foliar feeding should be repeated weekly or as recommended based on crop conditions and nutrient demand.