Citrus Fruits

Nitrogen is typically the limiting macronutrient in citrus production. One-quarter to one-half pound of nitrogen per tree, per year is recommended when using chemical fertilizers. However, when growing citrus organically only a fraction (5-10 percent) of that amount is required because biological activity in the soil fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere and releases nitrogen from organic matter that is applied as compost, cover crops and AGGRAND products. Minor nutrient deficiencies are normally the only other disorders necessitating corrective measures and they are usually corrected with proper fertilization.

Foliar Applications

Foliar application of AGGRAND fertilizers can correct many micronutrient deficiencies and increase citrus crops’ tolerance of drought, heat and cold. When done as a part of the early bloom, summer and fall spray programs, foliar application of AGGRAND fertilizers is often effective in reducing the number of insect pests.

Per-acre mix ratio:

1 gallon AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer and 40 gallons of water. Apply as a fine mist with enough solution to thoroughly cover the leaves. Apply with pre-bloom, post-bloom and summer sprays. Optimize results by adding 1 quart AGGRAND Kelp and Sulfate of Potash to the mix.

To increase the shelf-life of fruit, apply a per-acre mixture of 1 quart AGGRAND Kelp and Sulfate of Potash and 25 gallons of water one to two months before harvest.

To increase penetration of the leaf cuticle, add 1 pint fulvic acid to the spray tank along with the fertilizer and Kelp and Sulfate of Potash.

Rates vary according to soil fertility, cropping history and other inputs that are available. Lower dilution rates are more effective than higher dilution rates. Two or three lighter applications may be more effective than one heavy application. If other constraints only allow one trip over the field, do not exceed 3 percent dilution rate (3 gallons AGGRAND Fetilizer to 97 gallons of water).

To reduce susceptibility to attack of insects and disease-causing organisms, apply a per-acre mixture of 1 gallon of AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer and 20 gallons of water when signs of infestation become apparent.

Soil Applications

Per-acre mix ratio:

2-3 gallons AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer and 50-75 gallons of water. Apply in spring and fall.

Root Applications

Apply with irrigation water 2-4 times per month from pre-bloom periods to one month after harvest (apply more often on lighter soils with low organic matter content). When applying AGGRAND fertilizers with irrigation water use a dilution rate that results in 6-20 gallons of fertilizer per acre/year.

General Applications

Apply 0.5-1.5 quarts per tree, per year or 12-45 gallons per acre, per year (rates depend on tree population, soil fertility and the use of cover crops and application of compost or manure). The total amount includes soil and foliar applications.

The application of compost and composted manure and the incorporation of green manure crops improves soil structure, nutrient- and water-holding capacity of desert soils. Annual medics (medicago spp) such as barrel medic (medicago trancatula), strand medic (m.littoralis) and snail medic (m. scutellata) are low-growing and adapted to neutral to alkaline soils. These species will grow during the cool season and go to seed before summer. They add organic matter and nitrogen to the soil and must be kept short by mowing to 3-5” in height.

Organic Citrus Production in Desert Climates

Soil Factors

Coarser textured soils with good drainage produce the highest yields, but citrus production is also possible with finer textured soils with good drainage.

Posted in Citrus Fruits