Fertilizer recommendations for sustainable production of orchard fruit in the south of Vietnam.
Bui Xuan Khoi, Mai Van Tri
Author Affiliation: Southern Fruit Research Institute (SOFRI), PO Box 203 My Tho, Tien Giang, Vietnam.
Extension Bulletin - Food & Fertilizer Technology Center : 10 pp.
Abstract : Vietnam possesses favourable conditions for the development of fruit crops. In 2000, fruit crops were planted on 541?000 hectares, producing a total of 4.9 million mt of fruit. Most tropical fruits are grown in the southern part of Vietnam. They include durian, rambutan, mangosteen, mango, dragon fruit [Hylocereus undatus], and star apple [Chrysophyllum cainito] (carambola). Seventy percent of fruit production is in the south, concentrated in two main regions: the Mekong Delta and the southeast. The southeastern region is hilly, and most of its soils are Acrisols, Ferrisols or Alisols. Among the limiting nutrient factors are a low organic matter content, a low pH and a low level of calcium, magnesium and potassium. In the Mekong Delta, most orchard soils are alluvial (Fluvisols and Gleysols). Limiting nutrient factors are low levels of calcium, magnesium and available phosphorus, and high levels of free aluminium and iron. Fertilizer recommendations for fruit growers in the two regions focus on overcoming these limiting factors. Fertilizer recommendations for some major fruit trees (durian, dragon fruit, longan, pummelo, orange, mandarin, mango, mangosteen and rambutan) in southern Vietnam are presented.