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Effects of Soil Phosphorus on Growth and Minor Element Nutrition of Citrus
Author(s) -
Bingham Frank T.,
Martin James P.
Publication year - 1956
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1956.03615995002000030023x
Subject(s) - soil water , orange (colour) , human fertilization , phosphorus , chemistry , phosphate , nutrient , greenhouse , horticulture , monocalcium phosphate , agronomy , zinc , zoology , biology , ecology , fish meal , organic chemistry , fishery , fish <actinopterygii>
The effect of phosphorus fertilization of three different soils on the growth and minor element nutrition of citrus was evaluated in greenhouse studies. These soils were collected from uncultivated areas in San Diego County, Calif., where citrus had benefited from P fertilization. The soils were placed in 3‐gallon crocks and treated with monocalcium phosphate in amounts equivalent to 0, 76, 360, and 900 lbs. P per acre. Budded lemons and/or sour orange seedlings were subsequently planted in these soils. After 6 months of growth the plant tops were harvested, weighed, and analyzed. In later experiments the soils were pretreated with Cu at the rate of 20 ppm. Cu, and tested for P interrelations using only sour orange seedlings as indicator plants. Severe Cu deficiencies were induced in the citrus plants by as little as 360 lbs. P per acre. Plant growth in the soils treated with high concentrations of P was greatly reduced when compared to that of the controls. Typical symptoms of Cu deficiency as well as markedly reduced leaf Cu values were associated with the heavy P treatments. Pretreating the soil with Cu at the rate of 20 ppm. Cu only partially modified the P‐Cu effect. Zinc absorption also was reduced by excessive P fertilization. Iron and Mn appeared to be unaffected.