Comparative Response of Huanglongbing-Affected Sweet Orange Trees to Nitrogen and Zinc Fertilization under Microsprinkler Irrigation

Qudus O. Uthman, Davie M. Kadyampakeni, Peter Nkedi-Kizza, Neriman T. Barlas, Alisheikh A. Atta and Kelly T. Morgan
Additional contact information
Qudus O. Uthman: Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, 2181 McCarty Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
Davie M. Kadyampakeni: Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, 2181 McCarty Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
Peter Nkedi-Kizza: Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, 2181 McCarty Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
Neriman T. Barlas: Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Rd, Lake Alfred, FL 33850, USA
Alisheikh A. Atta: Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 2685 SR 29 N, Immokalee, FL 34142, USA
Kelly T. Morgan: Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 2685 SR 29 N, Immokalee, FL 34142, USA

Agriculture, 2020, vol. 10, issue 10, 1-15

Abstract: Nitrogen and micronutrients have a key role in many citrus plant enzyme reactions. Although enough micronutrients may be present in the soil, deficiency can develop due to soil depletion or the formation of insoluble compounds. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the adsorption, distribution, and availability of Zn in a sandy soil; (2) compare the effectiveness of foliar and soil application methods of Zn on Huanglongbing [HLB] affected trees; (3) compare foliar application rates of Zn for HLB-affected trees; (4) determine the effect of N rates on yield, soil inorganic N distribution patterns, and tree growth parameters. Tree rows were supplied with three N rates of 168, 224 and 280 kg·N·ha −1 and Zn at single and double recommended rates (recommended rate = 5.6 kg·Zn·ha −1 ) using foliar and soil application methods, in a split-plot experimental design. The results show that Zn concentration in the 0–15 cm soil depth was three times higher than the 30–45 and 45–60 cm soil depths during the study. An adsorption study revealed high Zn (K D = 6.5) sorption coefficients at 0–15 cm soil depth, while 30–45 and 45–60 cm depths showed little sorption. Leaf Zn concentration for foliar spray was two times higher than the soil application method. A nitrogen level of 224 kg N ha −1 improved canopy volume when compared to other N levels at the expense of reduced fruit weight. Foliar Zn application at 5.6 or 11.2 kg ha −1 and N rate at 224 kg ha −1 appear to be adequate for improving the performance of HLB-affected citrus trees.

Keywords: ammonium nitrogen; Citrus sinensis; foliar micronutrient spray; nitrate nitrogen; zinc (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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