As harvest season comes to an end, many growers and PCA’s are discussing post harvest nutrient applications. Many perennial crops across the west are finishing off the season stressed because of inadequate rainfall and in some cases, inadequate irrigation.
Post harvest nutrient needs include Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, Zinc and Boron
Nutrient TECH has 2 products that are important components for most post-harvest applications: TECH-SPRAY Hi-K and TECH-GRO B-17 Boric Acid Spray™.
TECH-SPRAY Hi-K 0-26-28 is a water-soluble liquid concentrate that is a combination of Phosphate and Potash derived only from phosphate sources. Many growers find the inclusion of Phosphate with their Potassium source to be ideal. Phosphorous is essential for fall root development and an important energy source as trees come out of dormancy next season. Potassium is very active in plant-water relations and aids in drought and freeze resistance.
TECH-GRO B-17 Boric Acid Spray has been shown to supply the most effective, safest form of Boron for plants. Including Boron in post-harvest nutrient programs has many benefits, particularly in spring health of floral parts including pollen tubules.
| TECH-GRO B-17 | Solubor | Borosol 10 | |
| Form of Boron | Boric Acid with Polysorbygen | Sodium Tetraborate | Reacted Boric Acid |
| % Boron | 17% | 20.50% | 10% |
| % Sodium | 0% | 10.50% | 0% |
| Effect on water pH | slightly lowers pH | Raises pH | Greatly raises pH |
Zinc is another important nutrient to apply post-harvest, especially in deciduous trees in the Pacific Northwest where zinc deficiency is a problem. Depending on your specific needs, we have 3 zinc containing products that are often recommended: TECH-FLO Beta, CVN Zinc 10%, or Zeta Zinc 22%. Ask your PCA or review our product guide to determine the best products to include in your post-harvest program.
Don’t forget- what you apply now will determine your bud break and fruit set next spring.
