A new study examines the critical role soil pH plays in determining citrus root development, nutrient absorption and overall tree health. It offers insights for growers facing declining production challenges due to biotic restraints such as HLB disease and abiotic stresses such as low or high soil pH.
The study looks at citrus root morphology across a range of soil pH levels, analyzing how different conditions influence root architecture, growth patterns and overall nutrient uptake. Findings indicate that soil pH plays a crucial role in determining root elongation, branching and absorption efficiency of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. When soil pH falls outside the optimal range, citrus roots exhibit reduced growth and efficiency, limiting the plant’s nutrient uptake capacity and ultimately affecting fruit yield and quality.
Researchers report that maintaining an optimal soil pH:
- Enhances root morphology and fine-root density
- Improves uptake of key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients
- Supports greater tolerance to stresses including disease pressure and nutrient imbalance
The study emphasizes that targeted soil amendments, improved monitoring and region-specific management practices can help stabilize citrus productivity and support long-term sustainability of the industry.
The results of this study have significant implications for citrus production, particularly in regions where soil pH variability poses challenges to sustainable agriculture. By adjusting soil pH through proper amendments, growers can enhance nutrient availability, optimize root function and improve overall crop resilience.
Study authors are Duplicate Sambani, Diane Bright, Tripti Vashisth and Davie Kadyampakeni. All are researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Citrus Research and Education Center. Sambani, the lead author, is a PhD student; Bright is a biological scientist; Vashisth and Kadyampakeni are associate professors.
See the full study, The Influence of Soil pH on Citrus Root Morphology and Nutrient Uptake Efficiency, here.
Source: American Society for Horticultural Science
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