Explore the relationship between calcium and magnesium deficiency in Florida citrus, and what to do about it!
In our last blog, we looked at magnesium deficiency in Florida citrus, thanks to the information shared in a UF/IFAS blog article; we shared information on the symptoms, causes, and solutions. However, calcium and magnesium deficiency can often go hand in hand, especially in some Florida soils. See the recommendations from UF/IFAS on what to do when calcium is behind the magnesium deficiencies in your Florida citrus grove, below.
Calcium and Magnesium Deficiency
The article shared that “It is often difficult to increase Mg and K uptake with fertilizer applied to calcareous soils. High calcium (Ca) levels suppress Mg and K uptake by citrus trees through the competition of Ca, Mg and K.
In cases where soil-applied fertilizer is ineffective, the only means of increasing leaf Mg or K concentration is through foliar application of water-soluble fertilizers, such as magnesium nitrate, potassium nitrate (KNO3) or monopotassium phosphate. A solution of 20 pounds KNO3 per 100 gallons of water has been shown to raise leaf K, especially if applied several times during the year.
For citrus on noncalcareous soils, nitrogen and potassium fertilizer applications with a 1:1 ratio of N to K2O are recommended.
If leaf testing on calcareous soils reveals that high levels of soil Ca may be limiting K uptake, the K2O rate should be increased by 25% to have a N:K2O ratio of 1:1.25.”
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.