Overcoming Fe deficiency in guava (Psidium guajava L.) by co-situs application of controlled release fertilizers

Abstract

Among micronutrient deficiencies, Fe deficiency is the most difficult nutritional disorder to prevent in the fruits of trees growing on calcareous soils. In this study, a pot experiment was carried out to evaluate the potential of co-situs application of controlled release fertilizers (CRF) in alleviating Fe deficiency and improving the growth of fruit trees growing on calcareous soil (pH 9.3). Guava (Psidium guajava L.) seedlings were used as test plants because of their sensitivity to Fe deficiency. Treatments consisted of the following: (1) broadcast application of readily soluble Fe, Zn, Cu, B and Mn fertilizers (Control) or (2) co-situs application of CRF containing N, P, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, B, Cu and Mn (Co-situs). For the Control treatment, CRF containing only N, P and K was used. Both treatments received the same amount of all nutrients. Plants were more chlorotic in young leaves under the Control treatment and the Fe content of young leaves was significantly (least significant difference [LSD0.05]) higher under the Co-situs treatment. Dry matter production of shoots under the Co-situs treatment was 5.2-fold higher than under the Control treatment, and the total accumulations of macro and micronutrients were much higher under the Co-situs treatment than the Control treatment. Total accumulations of N, P, K, Ca and Mg were 5.0, 4.1, 9.6, 3.2 and 2.2-fold higher, respectively, under the Co-situs treatment compared with the Control treatment, and Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn accumulations were 3.2, 4.1, 6.0 and 3.7-fold higher, respectively. Iron deficiency in guava seedlings was successfully alleviated by the co-situs application of controlled fertilizer, proving the high potential of this method in alleviating Fe deficiency in fruit trees growing on calcareous soils.