Macro element status of Mandarin orchards in Southern Turkey

Abstract

Citrus nutrition and fertility of the orchards are not intensively studied in Turkey compared to the size of orchards and amount of production. A survey study was conducted in Eastern Mediterranean Coast of Turkey to evaluate the macro element status of Mandarin orchards and to define potential correlations between the soil parameters and leaf element contents. Twenty five mandarin orchards were selected for the survey study. Soil and leaf samples were collected from each orchard based on the size and uniformity. The amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were measured in soil and leaf samples. The results indicated that there were not apparent nutrient deficiencies in the soils, however, the macro element deficiencies in the leaves were detected. Only a few number of correlations existed between the soil and leaf parameters. Previous fertilizer applications by growers should be considered in the current fertilizer programs.