Correlation of Soil Characteristics and Citrus Leaf Nutrients Contents in Current Scenario of Layyah District

Abstract

Soil with low fertility is a big problem for achieving citrus productivity. In this regard, the management of macro and micronutrients is essential. Macro and micronutrient deficiency decreased the yield and the quality of citrus fruit. It is the need of the hour to classify the soil fertility status under changing climatic scenarios. The current soil fertility survey was conducted to examine the macro and micronutrient status in the citrus production area. In soil, three depths (0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm) were taken for sampling. For leaves, 4–6-months-old non-bearing twigs were sampled from 20 trees per orchard at breast height. Results showed that soil pH (7.1–8.4) was slightly alkaline, electrical conductivity (EC) was non-saline (<4 dSm−1), soil organic matter (SOM) was deficient (<0.86%), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was slight calcareous (<8%), at 0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm depths. The majority of soil samples were low in nitrogen (N) contents at all depths, i.e., (<0.043) 0–15 (85%), 15–30 (97%), and 30–45 (100%) cm depths. Phosphorus (P) was medium (7–15 mg kg−1) at 0–15 cm (60%) but low (<7 mg kg−1) at 15–30 (63%) and 30–45 cm (82%) depths. Potassium (K) was medium (80–180 mg kg−1) at 0–15 (69%), 15–30 (69%), and 30–45 cm (10%) depths. Boron (B) and manganese (Mn) were medium, and Cu was high in 0.15 cm, but all were low at 15–30 and 30–45 cm depths. Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) were low at depths of 0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm. Most citrus leaves were deficient in N (94%), Fe (76%), Zn (67%), and B (67%). In conclusion, soil fertilization is not sufficient for optimum citrus yield because of alkaline pH and slight calcareous soil conditions in this region. Foliar application of nutrients is suggested instead of only soil fertilization, for better nutrient management in citrus orchards.

The Effect of Organic Fertilization on Leaf Mineral Content of Three Citrus Species

“…Citrus fruits are consumed in large quantities globally and are considered one of the main and important types of fruits, It is characterized by a great responsiveness to nutrients, so fertilization and nutrient management affects fruit productivity and quality ]2[, this makes it an important source for the transfer of pollutants resulting from the excessive use of chemicals used in fertilization and prevention or control of epidemics ]3[. A Fertile soil, rich in nutrients is one of the determinants of establishing citrus orchards, the use of environmentally friendly organic fertilizers in citrus orchards will improve production and enhance plant strength in biological resistance to biotic and abiotic stress [4]. The establishment of citrus orchards in the central and southern regions of Iraq, which is known for the low organic content as a result of rapid decomposition and oxidation due to the prevailing climatic conditions in the region and the high summer temperatures as well as the lack of vegetation cover, makes the use of organic materials an urgent necessity in the establishment of these orchards.…”

Spatial distribution and quantification of plant-available nutrients and soil properties in Punjab, Pakistan

“…This, in turn, contributes to environmental conservation and sustainable land use practices. The soils in Punjab are alkaline in nature with low to medium nitrogen (N) content, medium P and medium to high in K (Ahmad et al, 2022). In the region, a healthy amount of soil organic matter (SOM) is 1.29%, whereas soils in Pakistan fall within a wide range from 0.52 to 1.38%, with most soil falling lower than 1% in SOM (Mahmood et al, 2015).…”