Year: 1992
Type: article
Abstract: A study was conducted during four seasons to evaluate the nutrient requirements of `Valencia' oranges converted from flood to a pressurized spray irrigation system. The experiment was a 3×2×2 factorial with 3 N rates (0.34, 0.68, and 1.36 kg/tree/year), 2 P rates (0 and 0.11 kg/tree/year) and with and without added micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu). There were no growth or yield responses to micronutrients. Phosphorus fertilization increased fruit yield, improved juice quality, and reduced peel thickness. There were trends for N to reduce juice quality and increase peel thickness when P fertilizer was not added. Tree growth increased by N fertilization only the first season after conversion. Fruit yield also increased by N but only when P was added. Leaf tissue N concentrations increased with time during the first two years within N treatments. These data suggest that the higher rates of N may only be needed initially after conversion as the tree roots adapt to the new irrigation system.
Source: HortScience
Authors: B.R. Gardner, R.L. Roth, C.A. Sanchez
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2585909396