Enhancing Citrus Nutrient Programs

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agent Mongi Zekri recently discussed numerous ways growers can enhance their nutrient programs for better tree and fruit performance.

TIPS FOR MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

Zekri offered the following tips for adjusting a fertilizer program.

• Leaf sampling and analysis is a useful management tool for fertilizer decisions.
• The best indication of successful fertilizer management practices is having leaf nutritional standards within optimum ranges.
• Trends in leaf nitrogen and potassium over several years provide the best criteria for adjusting rates within recommended ranges.
• Soil analysis is useful for determining the pH and concentrations of potassium, calcium and magnesium.

SOIL TESTING

Soil testing is most effective when done annually, Zekri suggested. “Choose a lab you trust and stick with it,” he said.

The Extension agent said soil analysis results should answer these questions:

• Does the grove need to be limed?
• Is the soil calcium and magnesium status OK?
• Is soil potassium OK?
• For old groves, what’s the copper status?

BENEFICIAL TOOLS

According to Zekri, the use of compost, animal manures, biosolids, organic fertilizers and mulch in citriculture is very beneficial.

He said humus, the end product of decayed organic matter, is an important component of healthy soils and has many great benefits. Humus improves soil structure and has very high water-holding and nutrient-storage capacity.

FERTIGATION ADVANTAGES

Zekri cited numerous advantages of fertigating trees, including:

• Growers have labor savings of more than 90% compared to ground applications.
• Fertilizer is applied in small doses and placed in the wetted area where most active roots are. This will increase the efficiency of fertilizer applications, allowing reduced amounts of fertilizer and reduced production costs. It also lessens the potential of groundwater pollution caused by fertilizer leaching.
• Nutrients are already in solution. They are available to plants sooner than when applied dry on the soil surface.
• Fertigation provides savings on equipment and energy because no tractor or spreader are needed.
• Nutrients can be applied even when soil conditions prohibit conventional equipment entry into groves.

Zekri presented this information during a virtual seminar on Aug. 13 that addressed sustaining citrus production in the HLB era.

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