Sweet cherry farmers in California, aware of the short window to make nitrogen management decisions, are adopting new approaches to maximise yield. Historically relying on leaf sampling and critical values, the project 'Development of a Nutrient Balance and Nutrient Demand Model for Nitrogen Management in Cherry Trees' introduced new fertiliser management tools.
The project demonstrated that adjusting nitrogen applications according to tree demand and seasonal uptake patterns can optimise fertiliser use in mature cherry trees. Nitrogen requirements were calculated based on fruit production and perennial tissue growth, providing useful guidance to growers.
Cherry trees were sampled to determine the nitrogen removal coefficient and the nitrogen required for perennial tissue growth. The results showed variations between cherry varieties, influencing the total nitrogen fertiliser requirements for the season.
To optimise nitrogen efficiency, a strategy was recommended that considers the estimated nitrogen requirements minus available nitrogen from other sources. In addition, applications of organic fertilisers and soil conditioners should be scheduled during the periods of highest nitrogen uptake, from November to September.
| Variety | N Removal Coefficient (lbs. N/1000 lbs. of fresh fruits) |
| Rainier | 2.74 |
| Coral | 2.73 |
| Bing | 2.32 |
| Weighted Average | 2.59 |
| Variety | N for Perennial Growth (lbs. N/acre) |
| Rainier | 28.99 |
| Coral | 28.41 |
| Bing | 27.51 |
| Weighted Average | 28.30 |
The impact of the project is significant, promising to set new standards for nitrogen management in cherry trees. Synchronising fertiliser applications with tree demand and seasonal uptake patterns can optimise fertiliser use and significantly reduce nitrogen losses. These findings are shared with growers through the Cherry Board of California and the University of California Fruit and Nuts website, helping to improve agricultural practices in the region.
To learn more about this project and other ongoing and completed FREP projects, visit the website: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/frep/Research.html.
Read the full article: California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
Table and images: California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
13 Jun 2025
A study in Puglia and Veneto shows how intensive farming and conventional orchard practices harm wild pollinators, reducing cherry yield and quality. Organic management proves to be a promising alternative in simplified agricultural landscapes today.
15 May 2025
Drosophila suzukii larvae actively modify the environment inside ripening fruits to support their development. A German study reveals surprising strategies of ecological niche construction through tunneling, microbial activity, and natural fermentation.
26 Dec 2025
In 2024, cherry consumption in the European Union reached 629,000 tonnes, marking a +4.5% increase on an annual basis and reaching its highest level in ten years. Production, imports and exports are also growing, with Italy and Spain among the leading countries.
25 Dec 2025
La Junta de Extremadura ha distribuito 904.540 euro nel secondo pagamento dell’aiuto straordinario 2024 per i cerasicoltori colpiti dal maltempo. La misura, parte del Decreto Legge 3/2025, prevede un’ultima tranche da un milione di euro in arrivo nei prossimi giorni.
