See the benefits of using controlled-release fertilizers for citrus from the UF/IFAS Tip of the Week.

“Soil fertility is a keystone to a productive citrus grove in Florida,” according to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. It adds that “In the era of huanglongbing (HLB), the need to fine-tune soil fertility takes on even more importance.” Unfortunately, as the article shares, Florida’s sandy soils can be problematic. Read all about it below!

Florida Soils

The article points out that Florida’s sandy soils “are great for drainage to reduce flooding stress of citrus trees in many cases,” but they are not so great for holding nutrients. One reason for this “is low cation exchange capacity, which limits availability of nutrients to tree roots.”

Another reason why Florida’s sandy soils are not great for fertilizers is that it’s hard for the fertilizers to be held in the soil; “fertilizer applied during the growing season, especially in summer months, can be washed through the soil profile and out below the rootzone (or rhizosphere), where the roots meet the soil and take up nutrients.”

Controlled-Release Fertilizers for Citrus

The article maintains that researchers have found advantages in using controlled-release fertilizers for citrus. The article shared that “fertilizers, particularly controlled-release fertilizers (CRF), seem to help keep trees healthier during the rainy growing season, thus promoting canopy density and fruit set.”

The article shared these tips for using CRFs:

  • “Use polymer-coated micronutrients in the fertilizer product. Solely coating the macronutrients is likely not as helpful.”
  • “Apply CRFs of 6-, 9- or 12-month duration two times per year to ensure continuous year-round nutrient availability.”
  • “When customizing fertilizer blends, growers need to pay attention to soil and leaf tissue testing.”
  • “Consult UF/IFAS Extension agents or faculty for guidance.”

Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions -or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.