What is the best fertilizer for citrus?

fertilizers for citrus

A key factor in agricultural productivity is adequate fertilization. Citrus and fruit trees generally require the right balance. For this, it is important to know what is the best fertilizer for citrus. You can buy it or make it at home.

In this article we are going to show you which is the best fertilizer for citrus and what its characteristics are.

Citrus fertilizers

what is the best fertilizer for citrus

Proper fertilization of citrus should be combined with organic and mineral fertilizers. The first is designed to improve the physicochemical properties of the soil, while with mineral fertilizers, you will always provide your citrus fruits with the nutrients they need.

The contribution must be of slow decomposition, preferably compost, although it can also be supplemented with water-soluble foliar or organic fertilizers. Thanks to this type of fertilization, in the long run you will have a more self-sufficient soil in terms of nutrients.

While citrus fruits absorb nutrients throughout the year, especially in spring when they are most needed, coinciding with germination, flowering and fruit set. At this time, the supply of nitrogen (N) is especially important, which favors the synthesis of proteins and forms part of chlorophyll, which favors the growth of trees and the quality of the fruits.

What is the best fertilizer for citrus?

improve the growth of lemons

Insufficient nitrogen produces yellow leaves and smaller fruit, while excess nitrogen can cause excessive growth that reduces yield and quality, as well as favoring pests and diseases. During the ripening of the fruit, it must also provide the following nutrients:

  • The match (P) is used to metabolize sugars and nucleic acids. Its deficiencies give the leaves and stems a purple color and produce thick-skinned fruits with little juice. Its excess hinders the absorption of zinc and copper.
  • Potassium (K) to stabilize yield, increase nitrogen. Its deficiency results in slow tree development and small, thin-skinned fruits. Its excess limits the availability of magnesium and affects the quality of the fruit, which deteriorates a lot.
  • Sulfur (S) is essential for protein synthesis. Its absence would have consequences similar to nitrogen. Pale, curly leaves may be a symptom. Its excess reduces the presence of other elements and can trigger chlorophyllosis.
  • The calcium (Ca) is used for the binding of plant molecules and the absorption of nutrients. Its lack can result in lower yielding crops. Excessive amounts raise the pH by 6, which reduces the absorption of phosphorus, zinc, or manganese.
  • Magnesium (Mg), which produces chlorophyll. Its defects are manifested by partially yellowed leaves and small, acid fruits. Excessive amounts can interfere with calcium availability.

Fertilization method: fertigation and foliar applications

The main method of citrus fertilization application is fertigation. With this technique, through drip, sprinkler or flood irrigation, we distribute the dissolved fertilizer together with the irrigation water. The nutrient requirements of the soil should be calculated based on the expected harvest and, more precisely, factors such as fertilizer history and fertility analysis must also be evaluated. In general, the lower the irrigation efficiency, the more doses per unit area must be increased.

To correct micronutrient deficiencies, but not as a primary system, foliar fertilization can be used. Its advantages are good correction effect, rapid absorption and an absorption rate of up to 90%. For the rectification to be effective, you must have a clear idea of ​​what defects you have to overcome. In this sense, one of the micronutrients that causes the most headaches is iron (Fe), whose deficiency causes chlorophyllosis and must be treated with iron chelates.

How to calculate fertilizer needs

Other supplemental factors that allow you to adjust the estimate as closely as possible to the actual needs of the parcel include: soil type, defects from previous years, foliage analysis, canopy diameter, and water analysis.

In addition, it is important to balance the doses of different nutrients, since the excess of one can inhibit the other. Also keep in mind that the relationship between fertilization and harvest is not linear, so evaluate which dose is more effective in each case. Fertilizing can represent a significant percentage of your citrus farm costs, so making the right decisions is key to making your investment profitable.

What is the best homemade citrus fertilizer

what is the best fertilizer for homemade citrus

Any gardener will greatly benefit from composting at least some compost at home, mainly due to the economic advantages. The smartest thing is to use a composter for better hygiene and comfort. Still others prefer to use a simple plank-based composter, anyway, below we'll explain how it's done.

Put different plant remains in the composter of your choice: leaves, bean scraps, shells and even roots. You can also add ruminant manure or mulch. We will moisten the content with water, put the lid on and let it rest for more than three weeks.

During the fermentation of the manure, We will remove the material and let it air out a bit. Follow these tips and we will obtain a totally natural and free fertilizer. Of course, taking into account that it can smell a bit bad, it is best to keep this lemon tree fertilizer outside.

Tips to improve the quality of organic fertilizers

The variety of types of materials to prepare organic fertilizers will greatly improve its quality, so we have prepared an extra section showing you the best "ingredients" to create an excellent homemade fertilizer for your lemon tree. One of the best ways to enrich the substrate, in addition to the fertilizers that we have already mentioned, is to use earthworm humus, which will greatly improve the quality of your lemon tree fertilizer.

Fertilizing will begin when spring arrives and continue through late fall. If you have already obtained plants, do not fertilize until the second flowering after planting. Of course, give it a quality floor. Lemon trees are uncomfortable with too moist soil. Make sure the soil is well drained and the water is well filtered. Iron supplies will be added through canning or small chelates during the spring bloom.

I hope that with this information you can learn more about which is the best fertilizer for citrus.


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