Page 307 - FRUTAS DEL TRÓPICO

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caRambola (AverrhoA CArAmbolA l.) pRoduction

3. Establishment of natural or construction of manmade wind breaks

4. Irrigation system(s) installation for watering and possibly fertilizing. Microsprinkler or drip is

common.

Planting carambola trees

The best time to plant a carambola tree is during the rainy season. Select a sunny, wind protec-

ted sites with well-drained soil. Plant only healthy, vigorously growing trees. A common range
in plant density is 358-476 trees/ha although much higher densities are used in Southeast Asia.

After planting, water the tree in, tamping the soil around the base of the tree lightly. Apply a

very small amount of fertilizer when the trees begin to grow.

Fertilizer practices for carambola trees

Young trees should receive 100 to 200 g of a mixed fertilizer containing nitrogen (N), phospho-

rus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) every 30 to 60 days. During spring and summer, a

minor element mix (manganese, zinc, boron, etcetera.) may be applied 4 to 5 times per year

to neutral to low pH, sandy soils but, should be applied foliarly if trees are growing in high pH

and/or calcareous soils. Iron sulfate may be applied 4 to 8 times per year to neutral to low pH

sandy soils. Chelated iron materials should be used for trees growing in high pH, alkaline, and/

or calcareous soils. Mix the chelated iron with water and drench into the soil around the base
of the tree.

Mature trees should receive 450 g to 2.3 kg of a mixed fertilizer containing nitrogen (N),

phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) every 2 to 4 months. Like young trees,

minor element foliar applications and soil drenches of chelated iron materials should be applied

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