Articles
Improving zinc management practices in pecan orchards with alkaline, calcareous soils
Article number
1432_15
Pages
109 – 116
Language
English
Abstract
As pecan (Carya illinoinensis) planting has extended outside of its native growing conditions, zinc (Zn) deficiency has become a considerable horticultural challenge for producers.
This is especially the case in semi-arid production areas where alkaline, calcareous soils predominate.
Due to extremely low Zn availability for uptake by pecan tree roots in many commonly used fertilizers when applied to alkaline, calcareous soils, producers usually manage Zn nutrition through foliar sprays of Zn fertilizer solutions.
Unfortunately, Zn is also phloem immobile in pecan trees, making frequent repeated foliar spray applications and complete canopy coverage vital to prevent the occurrence of Zn deficiencies.
This paper reviews the potential for applying Zn to the soil as Zn EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) for the semi-arid pecan production region of the southwestern USA. Benefits of this approach include not only effectively eliminating occurrence of Zn deficiency symptoms, but also higher tissue Zn concentrations, nut yields, shoot growth, and photosynthetic rates.
Even human-health promoting components are enhanced in pecan kernels with soil-applied Zn EDTA. Soil application of Zn EDTA may represent an improvement upon the traditional foliar spray applications in pecan orchards in semi-arid regions.
This is especially the case in semi-arid production areas where alkaline, calcareous soils predominate.
Due to extremely low Zn availability for uptake by pecan tree roots in many commonly used fertilizers when applied to alkaline, calcareous soils, producers usually manage Zn nutrition through foliar sprays of Zn fertilizer solutions.
Unfortunately, Zn is also phloem immobile in pecan trees, making frequent repeated foliar spray applications and complete canopy coverage vital to prevent the occurrence of Zn deficiencies.
This paper reviews the potential for applying Zn to the soil as Zn EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) for the semi-arid pecan production region of the southwestern USA. Benefits of this approach include not only effectively eliminating occurrence of Zn deficiency symptoms, but also higher tissue Zn concentrations, nut yields, shoot growth, and photosynthetic rates.
Even human-health promoting components are enhanced in pecan kernels with soil-applied Zn EDTA. Soil application of Zn EDTA may represent an improvement upon the traditional foliar spray applications in pecan orchards in semi-arid regions.
Authors
R.J. Heerema, J.L. Walworth
Keywords
mineral nutrition, micronutrients, chelates, Carya illinoinensis
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