Colloidal Nutrition Improves Parameters of Pecan Tree ( Carya illinoinensis ) Soil Health Such as Organic Matter, Available Water, and Electrical Conductivity

Rubén Gerardo León-Chan, Brandon Estefano Morales-Merida, Luis Amarillas, Nancy Varela-Bojórquez and Luis Alberto Lightbourn-Rojas ()
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Rubén Gerardo León-Chan: Instituto de Investigación Lightbourn, Jimenez 33981, Mexico
Brandon Estefano Morales-Merida: Instituto de Investigación Lightbourn, Jimenez 33981, Mexico
Luis Amarillas: Instituto de Investigación Lightbourn, Jimenez 33981, Mexico
Nancy Varela-Bojórquez: Instituto de Investigación Lightbourn, Jimenez 33981, Mexico
Luis Alberto Lightbourn-Rojas: Instituto de Investigación Lightbourn, Jimenez 33981, Mexico

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 11, 1-16

Abstract: Background: Soil degradation and nutrient depletion critically impact pecan ( Carya illinoinensis ) production, reducing yield and soil fertility. Colloidal nutrition, a novel approach involving nano-scale nutrient formulations, could offer potential for soil restoration. Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of colloidal nutrition on key physical, chemical, and biological soil health parameters in pecan tree cultivation. Methods: Soil from two orchards with 30-year-old pecan trees was used where different nutrition treatments were applied: conventional and colloidal. The variables considered included physical, chemical, and biological properties for the assessment of soil health indicators. Results: The colloidal treatment showed low salinity (2020: 2.04; 2021: 0.88 dS/m) and higher levels of humic acids (1.52 g C/100 g soil), available water depth (2020: 305.11, 2021: 350.00 m 3 /ha), and soil organic matter (2020: 2.10%; 2021: 2.11%). Furthermore, 6 of the 17 phytopathogens that were examined were not detected in the colloidal treatment. Conclusions: This study enhanced our understanding of the improvements that colloidal treatment could potentially provide to the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of soil health in pecan orchards.

Keywords: moisture retention; heavy metals; phytopathogens; humic acids (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: 2025
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