Knowing the best fertiliser for Moringa trees will ensure that your plantation grows faster and healthier. Unlike other plants discussed on our blog, the moringa tree is less sophisticated in nutritional requirements. The moringa tree will grow well with an all-purpose fertiliser but thrive better if organic fertiliser is used.
The moringa tree is native to Northern India, but it can now be found in several world regions such as Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The tree will do well in subtropical and tropical climates and has an ideal growing temperature of 21- 35 degrees Celsius. The tree can be grown from tree cuttings or seeds.
It is essential to know that the moringa tree is also referred to as a drumstick plant. For best results, it is advisable to sow the moringa seeds from March-May or July -to October.
Benefits of a Full-Grown Moringa Tree
The moringa tree has several benefits to the farmer and the ecological system. The leaves can be consumed as vegetables because they are rich in proteins and vitamins such as B and C. The moringa leaves also have minerals such as iron and calcium, and they are also an excellent source of amino acids and cystine. Other benefits of planting moringa trees are:
They Are a Source of Fodder- The leaves and the branches can be used to feed cattle and camels because they are rich in fodder.
It is a Source of Fibre- Moringa trees can be used as a raw material to produce ropes, cellophane, and textiles.
Apiculture- During most of the year, the moringa tree produces flowers that provide nectar to honey bees.
Protects against skin infecting bacteria- Moringa trees contain a fungicide that protects the body from skin-infecting bacteria.
Apart from protecting the skin from bacteria, the bark and roots treat cardiovascular problems. In countries such as the Philippines, tree leaves are prescribed to anaemia patients because of their high iron content.
Moringa is also used in other parts of the world, such as Nigeria, where the Yoruba and Hausa tribes use leaves to clean their pans and pots. In Sudan, the locals use it to treat bee honey and clarify sugarcane juice. In other African tribes, the leaves are used to make medicine for the treatment of treat flu.
Best Fertiliser for Moringa Trees
If you plant the moringa tree, you should have a good understanding of fertiliser management. Fertiliser management ensures that the soil’s natural ability to provide nutrients is met. As a farmer, your main goal is to ensure that there are sufficient nutrient levels on the ground-based on the nutritional requirements of the moringa tree.
Moringa trees do not require a lot of fertiliser. However, they should have adequate phosphorus during the growth stage to stimulate root growth. Another important nutrient that will be needed in plenty is nitrogen. Nitrogen is essential because it will stimulate Leaf canopy growth.
Moringa Tree Fertilization Schedule
When the trees are young, we recommend the use of organic fertiliser. We recommend only using a quick-release fertiliser if you are using commercial fertiliser. Quick-release fertilisers are better because of the sensitivity of the stems and roots. Essential nutrients for the moringa tree are phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium and zinc.
As the tree matures, it will develop a complex root system making it possible for the plant to absorb nutrients from a wide area. In addition, because they have already matured, it is okay to fertilise them at least once every 12 months. However, if a soil test detects a nutrient deficiency in the soil, you will be required to add fertiliser.
We recommend the following moringa tree fertiliser schedule:
- If you are using NPK, the recommended ratio should be: 150:150:100g
If you are cultivating moringa outdoors, the best option for fertilising your plant will be chicken manure. For better yields, we advise you use chicken manure while also adding biochar. If the moringa plant is planted in a pot, you should add 1 lb of manure for every 5 gallons of soil.
If your rear ship and goats, you can use their droppings as manure because the manure contains 3% nitrogen, 1% phosphorus and 2% potassium.
Best Fertiliser for Moringa Based on Nutrient Deficiencies
You can tell that the moringa tree has nutrient deficiency by looking at the following symptoms:
Nitrogen Deficiency- nitrogen deficiency is characterised by the presence of light green leaves on the moringa tree. The leaves are also small, indicating that the plant is not feeding as it should.
Potassium Deficiency- You should add more potassium to the soil if you spot dead leaf tips and mottled leaves on the plant.
Maintenance and Harvesting
To grow healthy and robust moringa trees, you will need to plant them in an area that will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight. As the moringa tree grows, do not forget to prune the plant at around 8 inches tall.
Apart from promoting plant growth, pruning can also make it easier to increase the number of trees on your farm. This is because the cut branch can be used to grow another plant.
We like the moringa tree because every part of it can be used after harvesting. For example, the bark can be used to make textiles, the branches can be used as fodder for the cattle, and the leaves can be used as a vegetative crop.
The leaves can be harvested after six months of planting. However, this will depend on how well the tree has been taken care of. If the plant has been neglected, the harvest time can increase to 12 months.
In conclusion, the best fertiliser for moringa is what meets the plant’s nutritional requirements. For example, if a soil test determines that your land is nitrogen deficient, applying a nitrogen-based fertiliser instead of a general fertiliser is better. A general fertiliser might result in a chemical imbalance that might reduce yields.
If you would like to know more about moringa tree farming, or if you have any questions about the best fertiliser for moringa, do not hesitate to send us a message via the Whatts app button on the website.