Explore tips for conducting leaf tissue analysis to, along with soil testing, round out your citrus fertilization program.
In a recent blog, we shared tips on soil testing from UF/IFAS, which researchers labeled as “a key to building a good citrus fertilization program.” The other key, according to the same UF/IFAS researchers, is leaf tissue analysis. In a Citrus Industry article that shared the information from UF/IFAS, they maintain “Soil testing helps identify pH, salinity and the availability of essential nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and other micronutrients.” Leaf tissue analysis adds to that by allowing growers to determine “the nutrient status of the plant itself… It reveals which nutrients are being absorbed and whether they are reaching critical levels for optimal growth and fruiting. This is particularly valuable for diagnosing deficiencies or toxicities early before visual symptoms become severe.” See the researchers’ recommendations for optimal leaf tissue analysis below.
Leaf Tissue Analysis for Your Citrus Fertilization Program
Then researchers recommended the following tips when utilizing leaf tissue analysis as part of your citrus fertilization program:
- “Select mature, non-fruiting spring flush leaves from 4- to 6-month-old growth.
- Avoid immature leaves due to their rapidly changing composition.
- Collect 20 to 30 leaves from each sampling area.
- Collect the leaf with the petiole.
- Avoid leaves that are diseased, insect-damaged or dusty.
- Use a clean bag for the sample storage and label the bag with the proper identification number to avoid confusion.
- Send to a certified lab for tissue analysis, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, manganese, iron, boron and copper.
- Timely submission of soil and leaf tissue samples to the laboratory is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable nutrient analysis results.
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.