20/01/2026
January 2026, it is generally not recommended to apply DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) fertilizer to apple trees in Shopian, Kashmir. Or in other district Instead, the first application of chemical fertilizers, including DAP, is typically scheduled for late February to early March.
Recommended Timing for DAP
For apple orchards in the Kashmir valley, the standard fertilizer schedule is as follows:
Early Spring (February–March): This is the ideal time for the first dose. Experts from the Horticulture Department of Jammu & Kashmir advise applying the full dose of DAP approximately 15 to 21 days before flowering.
Winter Preparation: While organic manures like well-rotten FYM or vermicompost can be applied during the winter months (November to March) to improve soil health, chemical fertilizers like DAP are more effective when the tree is waking up from dormancy and can actively absorb nutrients.
Why Avoid January for DAP?
Dormancy: In January, apple trees in Shopian are in deep dormancy due to extreme cold. Applying DAP during this period is inefficient as the roots have almost nil water and nutrient uptake.
Leaching Risks: If applied too early during heavy winter snowfall or rain, DAP residues can be leached from the soil before the tree can utilize them in the spring.
Soil Conditions: Fertilizers should not be applied to too wet or frozen soil. Proper moisture and slightly warmer soil temperatures in late February/early March are necessary for effective nutrient absorption.
Standard Dosage for Mature Trees (15+ Years)
When you do apply DAP in late February or March, the recommended dosage per mature tree is:
DAP: 750 grams
Urea: 1500 grams (applied in split doses)
MOP (Muriate of Potash): 2500 grams (applied in split doses)