Litchi is a popular fruit crop grown in states like Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of the North-East. It is a long-lived perennial tree that requires proper nutrition throughout the year to produce healthy shoots, strong flowering, and good-quality fruits. Since litchi trees absorb nutrients slowly and continuously, a balanced and timely fertilizer program is important for achieving better yield and maintaining tree health. Understanding the recommended fertilizer dose helps farmers manage the orchard more effectively.
The fertilizer requirement of litchi depends on the age of the tree. Young plants need nutrients for rapid growth, while mature trees need more for fruiting. In general, litchi responds well to a combination of organic manure and chemical fertilizers.
For young litchi plants (1–3 years old), applying around 10–20 kg of well-decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) per plant every year helps develop a strong root system and healthy canopy. Along with this, farmers can apply 100–200 g of nitrogen (N), 50–100 g of phosphorus (P₂O₅), and 50–100 g of potassium (K₂O) per plant per year. These nutrients support vegetative growth and early branching.
For medium-aged trees (4–7 years), the fertilizer dose should be increased as the tree grows larger. Farmers can apply 25–40 kg of FYM, 300–500 g nitrogen, 150–250 g phosphorus, and 150–250 g potassium per plant annually. This helps in developing a strong framework and supports the early stages of flowering and fruiting.
Fully mature fruit-bearing litchi trees (8 years and above) need higher doses to support heavy flowering and fruit load. Generally, 50–60 kg of FYM, 600–1,000 g nitrogen, 400–600 g phosphorus, and 400–600 g potassium per tree per year are recommended. Organic manure improves soil texture, moisture retention, and microbial activity, while chemical fertilizers supply readily available nutrients.
The time of fertilizer application is also important. Litchi trees benefit from three main stages of nutrient supply:
After harvest (June–July):
This helps the tree recover from fruiting stress and promotes new shoot growth. Apply FYM and a portion of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during this period.
Before flowering (December–January):
At this stage, applying phosphorus and potassium helps strengthen flower buds and increases fruit-setting potential. Only light nitrogen should be used, as excess nitrogen may increase vegetative growth instead of flowering.
During fruit development (March–April):
Moderate amounts of nitrogen and potassium help in proper fruit development, size improvement, and prevention of fruit cracking.
Litchi trees also respond well to micronutrients such as zinc, boron, and magnesium. Spraying these micronutrients during the growing season helps improve shoot health, flowering, and fruit quality. Boron, in particular, reduces fruit cracking and improves sweetness.
Proper irrigation management supports nutrient uptake. Overwatering should be avoided, especially during the winter months, as it may reduce flowering. Mulching with straw or dry leaves helps conserve moisture and improve soil fertility.
By following the recommended fertilizer doses based on tree age, along with timely application, organic manure, micronutrients, and good irrigation practices, farmers can maintain healthy litchi orchards and achieve high-quality yields year after year.
