Find tips from the UF/IFAS Tip of the Week for managing micronutrients for citrus as they are more important than ever in the era of citrus greening.

As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection products distributor, Griffin Fertilizer knows how important nutrients are for citrus, especially in the era of citrus greening. However, micronutrients for citrus are important too. A UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article maintained that “Micronutrients are known to improve the accessibility and movement of macronutrients in the plant.” Micronutrients such as boron, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and others help your citrus tree to stay healthy and productive while infected by citrus greening. The article shared tips on making sure your citrus trees have optimal availability of both macronutrients and micronutrients. See them below.

Micronutrients for Citrus

The following tips were shared in the article:

  • “Periodically do a soil test for pH and keep the soil pH between 5.8 and 6.5. Results have shown that this is the optimal range for nutrient availability in citrus-producing soils, especially for trees affected by citrus greening. If the soil pH falls below 5.8, it is highly recommended to apply lime. If the soil pH rises above 6.5, apply elemental sulfur or some acids to lower the pH to the desired 5.8–6.5 range.
  • Perform a leaf tissue test at least once every quarter and make sure every nutrient is in the optimal or high range according to current University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recommendations.
  • Do a soil test at least once a year. But pay attention to the leaf tissue results because while some soil tests may show high nutrient content, the nutrient may not be readily available to the plant.
  • When a leaf nutrient test shows excessive nutrient concentration, consider omitting that nutrient in the next four to six months to make sure it reverts to the optimal or high range. Excessive nutrient concentration may result in too much vegetative growth at the expense of fruit yield and juice quality.
  • Split applications of micronutrients are encouraged. For example, if using fertigation, then apply a minimum of 12 splits per year. If using dry soluble fertilizer, four split applications are ideal. If using controlled or slow-release fertilizer, apply it two to three times per year.”

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.