Leaf tissue analysis is a key to building a good citrus fertilization program in North Florida and South Georgia, according to University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers. The researchers are Muhammad Shahid, assistant professor of horticulture, and postdoc scholar Shahid Iqbal, both with the North Florida Research and Education Center.
“Leaf tissue analysis determines the nutrient status of the plant itself,” the researchers wrote. “It reveals which nutrients are being absorbed and whether they are reaching critical levels for optimal growth and fruiting. This is particularly valuable for diagnosing deficiencies or toxicities early before visual symptoms become severe. Soil testing helps identify pH, salinity and the availability of essential nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and other micronutrients.
“For cold-hardy citrus, leaf sampling is typically conducted in late summer (July–August) when nutrient levels in mature leaves are stabilized. This time allows us to evaluate the sufficiency of in-season fertilization and adjust future nutrient applications.”
Shahid and Iqbal suggested the following steps for collecting leaf samples:
- Select mature, non-fruiting spring flush leaves from 4- to 6-month-old growth.
- Avoid immature leaves due to their rapidly changing composition.
- Collect 20 to 30 leaves from each sampling area.
- Collect the leaf with the petiole.
- Avoid leaves that are diseased, insect-damaged or dusty.
- Use a clean bag for the sample storage and label the bag with the proper identification number to avoid confusion.
- Send to a certified lab for tissue analysis, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, manganese, iron, boron and copper.
- Timely submission of soil and leaf tissue samples to the laboratory is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable nutrient analysis results.
The other key to building a good citrus fertilization program in North Florida and South Georgia is soil sampling, Shahid and Iqbal noted. Read their suggestions for soil analysis here.
Source: UF/IFAS
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