Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Scientia Horticulturae

Volume

361

Publisher

Elsevier BV

Publication Date

4-23-2026

Journal Article Version

Version of Record

First Page

1

Last Page

18

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Abstract

Variable-rate fertilization is increasingly promoted in perennial orchard systems, but its effectiveness remains difficult to predict because tree responses are often inconsistent and strongly conditioned by site-specific constraints. To address this, we evaluated soil-based and vigor-based zoning frameworks across four commercial tart cherry (Prunus cerasus) orchards representing contrasting soil conditions, canopy structures, and management histories. Within each orchard, management zones were defined using either soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) or satellite-derived canopy vigor. Fertilization strategies were implemented by varying fertilizer application timing among zones using split-application approaches while maintaining a constant total fertilizer rate. Tree-level canopy structure was monitored over three seasons using UAV photogrammetry, ground-based LiDAR, and mobile ceptometry to quantify changes in canopy volume and density. Responses differed strongly among orchards. In healthy, high-vigor systems, both zoning frameworks moderated canopy expansion relative to the uniform-rate (UR) control, redistributing growth across management zones. In mature or structurally constrained orchards, fertilization strategies produced weak or negligible responses regardless of zoning approach. Soil-based zoning more consistently captured persistent growth limitations, whereas vigor-based zoning often reflected transient canopy conditions and performed inconsistently in closed-canopy systems. These results indicate that spatially targeted fertilization in perennial orchards functions primarily as a structural management tool rather than a short-term optimization strategy, and that its effectiveness depends on orchard system state and the ability of zoning frameworks to represent stable soil-driven constraints. These findings provide a broader framework for precision nutrient management in perennial orchard systems, with relevance to orchard regions globally where fertilizer response is conditioned by persistent soil and site conditions, canopy structure, and management history.

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