Author
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Wood, Bruce |
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Submitted to: Pecan Grower
Publication Type: Trade Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2008 Publication Date: 6/15/2008 Citation: Wood, B.W. 2008. Nutrient element interactions. Pecan Grower. 19(3):26-29. Interpretive Summary: Nutrient element deficiency or toxicity is a common problem in commercial pecan production enterprises. Poor fertilizer management triggers or exacerbates such problems. A summary provides background understanding pertaining to antagonistic and synergistic nutrient element interactions occurring in orchard situations. This information enables orchard managers to develop nutrition management strategies for improving orchard profitability. Technical Abstract: The management of overall tree physiological processes for optimization of either orchard yield or profitability is an annual challenge facing orchard managers. Optimization of chemical nutrient element concentrations within this context is often far more challenging than first appears. Tree or orchard problems linked to nutrition imbalances are prone to occur when trees are cultivated in environments substantially different from those in which the species has adapted because of evolutionary forces. This is especially true when aspects of soil chemistry or environment are extreme in one or more characteristics. The likelihood of certain types of nutrient element problems increases when trees or orchards receive substantial soil-applied fertilizer amendments, especially over several years. It is common for orchard managers to accidentally create, or worsen, one nutrient element problem by attempts to correct others. This article presents a brief overview about possible interactions among chemical elements, especially the essential nutrient elements, and highlights specific nutrient interactions potentially affecting nutrition management decisions facing orchard managers. Specific interactions are listed in Tables 1-3. |
