362 Balanced Nutrient Management in Citrus Grown in Acid Red Soils of Southeast China

Abstract

Citrus is a major fruit crop in the acid red soils (Ultisol) of hilly areas in Southeast China. These soils are normally deficient in P, K, and other elements. Integrated nutrient management is important for sustainable production of citrus in these areas. In this study, a systematic approach was used to identify the limiting factors for plant growth, using sorghum as a test species. Long-term field experiments were conducted with seven different P and K supply levels to determine optimal application rates for citrus (cv. Ponkan), following alleviation of other limiting factors. The primary nutritional limitations to plant growth in red acid soils included: severe deficiencies in N, P, and K, and moderate deficiencies in Ca, Zn, and B. With increasing application of P and K to field soil, N concentrations in citrus leaves decreased up to 60% due to dilution from increased growth, whereas P and K concentrations increased 2-3 fold. After 2 years of fertilizer application, the N: P: K ratio in leaves reached 1:0.5:1 for the optimal P and K treatment. The available P and K in the soils, measured after harvest each year, increased with increasing P and K application rates. However, within each treatment, increase in P and K with additional years of fertilization was modest. Citrus fruit yields generally increased with increasing P and K and reached a maximum at P and K rates of 125 kg P2O5/ha and 500 kg K2O/ha. In 3 years of successive field experiments, the highest net income was obtained by a balanced NPK fertilization practice using N: P2O5: K2O input of 450: 125: 500 kg/ha per year.