Regular Leaf Nutrient Analysis Improves HLB-Affected Trees

Abstract

Nutrition management is complex! Multiple factors affect the nutrient uptake and availability to the tree. For example, high soil pH can limit the uptake of soil-applied micronutrients such as Zn and Mn; Or oxide forms of nutrients might be less available than nitrate or sulfur forms. Moreover, the time and method of nutrient application can affect the availability of nutrient to the trees. In the last decade, we have gained a significant amount of information about citrus nutrition, and researchers are confident in saying, ‘No one size fits all’ when it comes down to fertilizer programs. Each grove is unique and therefore, a fertilizer program needs to be carefully formulated to fully exploit the tree’s yield potential.