See the highlights of UF/IFAS research for integrated nutrient management through the use of orange peel powder.
In our blog series on integrated nutrient management, from a recent Citrus Industry article, we shared the details of two citrus studies: one into controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) and another into the use of nitrogen and phosphorus; these studies are being conducted due to Florida citrus growers’ sentiments that nutrient recommendations were based on pre-HLB research that did not reflect needs of citrus trees in the HLB era. The article also shared information about the use of orange peel powder as soil amendment. See the highlights below.
Benefits of Orange Peel Powder
The article shared that “The application of orange peel powder as an organic fertilizer and soil conditioner constitutes a sustainable and effective strategy to enhance citrus plant development by promoting nutrient recycling and potentially improving orchard productivity.”
Benefits of using the powder include:
- It “is a source of primary macronutrients — such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — and also provides secondary nutrients and micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc and manganese. Following soil incorporation, these elements are progressively released through microbially mediated decomposition and mineralization.”
- It “can increase soil organic matter and cation exchange capacity, thereby enhancing nutrient retention and supporting longer-term nutrient availability to the root system. Effects are often more pronounced from the second application onward.”
- It “may contribute to soil pH buffering and to improvements in soil physical and hydraulic properties, including increased water-holding capacity and enhanced aeration. This promotes a more favorable environment for root development.”
- It “can also stimulate the soil microbiota, increasing microbial biomass carbon and elevating the activity of enzymes such as catalase, urease and sucrase. Collectively, these enzymatic responses support nutrient cycling and the decomposition of carbonaceous organic matter.”
- “In terms of vegetative development and yield, studies conducted in citrus groves have shown that the application of orange peel powder can result in up to a 30% increase in tree canopy volume, greater cumulative yield and improved average fruit weight at harvest.”
- It provides a “natural biopesticidal and nematicidal action… Peels contain essential oils rich in limonene and other terpenoids with demonstrated toxicity against a range of pests and insects, thereby supporting ecologically-based phytosanitary management.”
- It “optimizes the physiological performance of citrus plants and contributes to mitigating environmental problems caused by the improper disposal of industrial residues, promoting a more productive and resilient citrus production system.
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.