Growing Pears – Crop Nutrition 101

What soil type, pH and climate do pears prefer?

Pears prefer a pH of 6-7, sunlight in the canopy, warm days, cool nights and adequate irrigation.

• Well-drained, fertile soil: Pears grow well in fertile loamy or sandy-loam soils that offer good drainage.
• Slightly Acidic to Neutral: Pears grow best in soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. They can tolerate a slightly wider range but prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Pears grown in higher pH, calcareous soils need iron.
• Warm Growing Season with Winter Period: Pears require a temperate climate with a distinct winter period to break dormancy and ensure proper flowering and fruit set. A warm growing season to produces higher-quality fruit.
• Deep Watering with Irrigation: Pear trees need consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Deep watering encourages root development and helps the tree access moisture during dry periods. Drip or micro-sprinklers are the main irrigation method, with overhead sprinklers used in June/July to cool the canopy and water cover crops between the rows if they have them.

Key Nutrients

• Boron is critical for flower bud formation. 
• Low potassium and nitrogen can reduce fruit size. 
• High N is detrimental to fruit quality. 

Pear production relies on several key nutrients for optimal growth and fruit quality. The essential macros (NPK) play a crucial role in the development and overall tree health. However, the importance of secondary macros, like sulfur, magnesium, calcium, and micronutrients like boron, iron, zinc, and manganese should not be understated. They all play a critical role in ensuring optimal growth.

Nutrient Requirements

Nutrient balance is key to quality yields. For pears, fertility recommendations are based on general fertility guidelines and tissue analysis. 

N = 15-60 lbs lbs. per acre 1.65 to 2 lb N per ton of crop per acre per year (#N/t/A/yr) 

Role of Nutrients:  

• Low potassium and nitrogen can reduce fruit size. 
• Excess N can decrease fruit quality.  
• Calcium and potassium are important for fruit quality and storage. 
• Boron is critical for flower bud formation. 
• Deficiency of boron can go unnoticed for several years before symptoms are observed. WSU recommends 0.5 lb of actual boron per acre applied as a foliar at prepink or postharvest (fall when leaves are still green to build up good flower bud formation) plus a surface broadcast soil application every three years or when soil tests are below 0.5 mg/kg. Pears grown in higher pH, calcareous soils need iron. 

Different nutrients can influence your harvest quality and yield. 

+ = improving 

– = decreasing 

+/- = different results, depending on the rate of nutrient applied 

At the right rate and time: N++, P+, K++, Mg+, Ca++, S+, B+ 

Overcoming Nutrient Challenges

• Soil pH and Nutrient Availability:
  • In calcareous soils with high pH, nutrient availability of micronutrients like iron and zinc is limited. Using acidifying fertilizers (like Nova PeKacid or Agrolution pHLow) or soil amendments to lower soil pH and increase the availability of micronutrients like iron and zinc is often recommended.
• Nitrogen Management:
  • In areas prone to nitrogen leaching, such as sandy soils or regions with high precipitation, balancing nitrogen is crucial to support growth without excessive vegetative growth or pollution; precision nitrogen application techniques, such as split-applications, and using slow-release or controlled-release fertilizers, like Agrocote, can help minimize leaching.
• Calcium Deficiency and Bitter Pit:
  • Acidic soils or soils naturally low in calcium can lead to calcium deficiency and disorders like bitter pit; applying calcium-containing fertilizers or soil amendments and using foliar sprays during critical growth stages can ensure adequate calcium levels and prevent bitter pit. Our studies have shown Agrolution pHLow 15-6-27 +3.3 Ca and Polysulphate to be a great fit for pears.
• Potassium Management:
  • All pear-growing regions, especially those with low potassium levels or those prone to leaching, face challenges in ensuring optimal potassium for fruit size, color, and flavor; applying the right potassium fertilizers is essential.
• Boron and Pollination Issues:
  • In sandy soils or soils low in boron, maintaining sufficient boron for proper pollination and fruit development is a challenge; applying boron-containing fertilizers (like Nova FLOW) as foliar sprays during bloom periods can improve pollination and fruit set.
• Nutrient Imbalances:
  • Nutrient imbalances vary based on soil types and historical practices, requiring comprehensive soil testing to assess nutrient levels and ratios; developing a balanced fertilizer program helps avoid deficiencies or toxicities. We suggest incorporating multi-nutrient fertilizers, like Polysulphate, and having an integrative approach that includes foliar, fertigation, and post-harvest applications of nutrients.
• Sustainability and Environmental Impact:
  • Intensively farmed areas face challenges in minimizing nutrient runoff or leaching to protect water quality and soil health; adopting precision agriculture techniques (like variable rate application), cover cropping, and incorporating amendments can enhance nutrient use efficiency and improve soil health.

Tailored nutrient management plans account for regional soil characteristics, climate factors, and sustainable practices to support healthy pear orchards and maximize fruit production. If you have questions about your crop nutrition planning, connect with one of the team. We’re happy to help.