Determining fertilizer needs for newly planted orchards is challenging. This is due to the desire to grow the trees as rapid as possible while considering the risk of uptake burn and irrigation system inefficiencies. To determine the optimal fertilizer plan, the amount and type of nitrogen and other nutrients need to be considered. Nitrogen: Rate studies conducted in California have found that tree growth seems to peak with 3-4 ounces of nitrogen application per tree. This is based on three different studies – one located near Arbuckle, CA and the other two in Merced County. Within the most recent studies in Merced County, applications were made every three weeks from April through July for a total of six applications. A total of 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 ounces of actual nitrogen was applied during this period to replicated plots using a NPK blended fertilizer. The source of nitrogen did not create a difference in trunk caliper in the multiple studies within Merced County. Very simply stated, “nitrogen is nitrogen.” There are benefits, however, to the various nutrients that are within fertilizers. If soil levels of phosphorous or potassium are low, utilizing an NPK blend would provide an addition of these major nutrients. The same could be said about calcium-containing fertilizers. If these nutrients are at sufficient levels for plant growth, however, there is minimal benefit from adding additional amounts. Potassium and Phosphorous: Within California conditions, phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) do not appear to be the limiting factor with most soils. The two trial locations within Merced County were located on sandy soil and found no increase in growth from the inclusion of P and K within the fertilizer programs. This does not mean that these major nutrients are not important, rather that many soils contain adequate levels of