Citrus trees are typically long-lived trees that require good nutrients to thrive and produce quality fruit. Citrus trees need to receive proper, consistent, and balanced nutrition throughout the growing season to create a robust leafy canopy and produce quality fruit with plenty of flavour and juiciness. A citrus fertilizer is essential to providing the tree with the proper nutrients so that it can develop a healthy root system, produce healthy green leaves, and produce good-quality fruit each year.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and several other essential micronutrients (such as magnesium, iron, and zinc) are some of the most important nutrients for citrus trees. When these nutrients are applied to the tree at the right time and in the correct amount, they can be readily absorbed and used by the trees to convert the sun's energy into the energy they will use to create fruit. A quality fertilizer for citrus trees can also improve flowering, decrease the percentage of fruit drop, and create larger, sweeter, and more colorful citrus fruits.

All different types of citrus trees, including lemons, oranges, limes, mandarins, and grapefruits, will all benefit from a consistent fertilization plan. A consistently applied fertilizer for fruit plants will produce an immediate increase in production; however, it will also continue to improve the fertility of the soil and the overall resilience of the trees. By applying a fertilization plan for citrus fruit trees, every grower will see the benefits of higher quality, larger fruit and will continue to enjoy healthy harvests in both commercial agriculture and orchards for many years to come.

Why Fertilizing Citrus Trees Matters for Healthy Growth

Citrus Orchards and Intensive Farming: Citrus Trees are Perennial Fruit Crops with Demands for Nutrients, Especially on Commercial Orchards and in Intensive Agriculture. Continuous Fertilization is Needed for Overall Tree Growth, Flowering and Fruiting in a Given Year. Without Proper Nutrition, Citrus Trees Could Survive, but Will Not Reach Their Maximum Yield Potential.

Right Citrus Tree Fertilizer Provides Roots to Grow, Canopies to Form and Allows Photosynthesis to Occur Most Efficiently. A Citrus Orchard Will Remain Productive for Many Years if Soil Fertility is Maintained Through a Planned Fertilizer Application Program. An Adequate Quantity of Fertilizer will Prepare Citrus for Climatic Stress, Pest Infestations and Nutrient Depletion from Repeated Harvesting.

Importance of Citrus Nutrition in Agriculture

Agriculture includes Citrus, which has a large economic impact on farmer income and export. The nutritional needs of Citrus trees affect agricultural productivity; their fruit quality; as well as their return on investment for the farmer.

Citrus Nutrition is an important part of improving agricultural crops. Benefits include:

• Increased production of Citrus fruit throughout the growing season
• Improving the vigour and length of time Citrus trees will live.
• Increasing the ability of trees to resist pests, diseases, and drought.
• Maintaining a balance of nutrients in the soil that provide for optimum plant health.

A balanced fertilizer is the best choice for growing Citrus trees. The correct level of nutrients are provided for both macronutrient and micronutrient needs, thus minimising Nutrient Deficiencies in Citrus trees that are frequently observed.

How Fertilizer Improves Fruit Yield and Quality

Fertilizers provide essential nutrients to citrus trees, directly influencing what our citrus trees produce, such as the size, color, juice content, and sweetness of the fruit. Selecting a proper fertilizer for your trees will provide all necessary nutrients to the tree at the proper times, including when your trees are in a critical growth period and during harvest.

Proper fertilization provides the following benefits to citrus tree yield and fruit quality:

1) Nitrogen will produce healthy leaves, allowing more sunlight to be captured for photosynthesis.

2) Phosphorus encourages root development and flowering.

3) Potassium increases fruit size, improves flavor, and gives your fruit a longer period of storage after harvest.

4) Micronutrient deficiencies can lead to problems such as yellowing of leaves and poor fruit production.

Understanding Growth Stages That Need Nutrition

Throughout their lifecycle, Citrus have varying levels of Nutritional Demand (eg Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium & many micro-nutrients). "Timing" of Fertilization is as important as what product you choose.

Nutritional Demand increases:

• Vegetative (VEGETATIVE) Growth
• Flowering (Bud & Flowering - PHOSPHORUS & MICRONUTRIENTS)
• Fruit Set (NUTRIENT BALANCE for FRUIT SET and RETENTION)
• Development (POTASSIUM - SIZE QUALITY OF FRUIT)
• Post Harvest (NUTRITION RE-PENISH - RESTORE TREE STRENGTH)

When you use a nutrition specific" Fertilizer for Citrus Fruit at each stage, it will optimise nutrition uptake, reduce waste/over-application, and maintain the consistency of the trees in your orchard.

The Essential Nutrients: What Makes a Great Citrus Fruit Fertilizer?

To grow well, produce leaves, flowers, and develop fruit. The right type of the fertilizer with a good balance of both Macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) and Micronutrients (Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Boron, etc.) is essential for healthy trees which will produce consistently throughout their life cycle as well as producing an excellent crop each year.

In all stages of development (young, intermediate, and mature), it is important that there is a proper balance of nutrients so that the tree can produce optimally throughout its growing season.

Using the best fruit plants' fertilizers to grow citrus plants helps improve soil fertility, support root system development, and increase 

the quality of the fruit produced, making nutrient balance one of the most important keys to successful citrus production

Ideal NPK Ratio for Citrus Trees

Citrus trees thrive best with a citrus-specific balanced NPK ratio. Compared to regular crops, citrus trees require more nitrogen and potassium to sustain their continued growth and cycle of producing fruit.

NPK Ratios for Citrus 

• Young Citrus Trees – 2N : 1P : 1K
• Mature Fruit-Producing Citrus Trees – 3N : 1P : 2K
• Potassium - Heavy Fruiting – Needs to be Increased

Key Micronutrients for Citrus Development

Citrus trees rely on macronutrients as their most important nutrients, but micronutrients also play an important role in citrus health. A complete fertilizer for citrus has to contain micronutrients, or trace elements, to prevent deficiencies in your fruit trees.

1. Magnesium will prevent leaf yellowing.  

Magnesium supports chlorophyll production and photosynthesis, and helps prevent interveinal chlorosis.

2. Iron supports enzymes and root function. 

Iron enhances nutrient absorption for your trees and prevents yellowing of young leaves. Iron is especially important in alkaline soils.

3. Zinc will promote flowering and shoot growth.  

Zinc is necessary for hormone production and promotes the production of new shoots. Zinc deficiency will cause stunted growth.

4. Calcium will improve the firmness of your fruits.  

Calcium strengthens cell walls, reduces the chance for fruit cracking and extends the shelf life of harvested fruits.

Organic vs Synthetic Citrus Fruit Fertilizer Options

The choice of whether to use organic or synthetic fertilizers is determined by the grower's goals, the fertility level, and the production level of the farm (e.g., large-scale or small-scale operation). Both organic and synthetic fertilizers can effectively support plants if they are applied properly.

ORGANIC CITRUS FRUITS FERTILIZERS 

• Organic Fertilizer is Natural Fertilizer:
• Organic Fertilizers Improve Soil Structure and Microbial Activity (Bacteria and Fungi)
• Nutrients are Released Slowly Over Time
• Organic Fertilizers Can Provide Long-Term Benefits for Your Orchard.

Examples of Organic Fertilizers Include; Compost, Manure, Bone Meal, and Neem Cake.

SYNTHETIC CITRUS FRUITS FERTILIZERS 

• Synthetic Fertilizers are Man-Made Fertilizers:
• Synthetic Fertilizers Provide Immediate and Accurate Nutrition
• Synthetic Fertilizers are Easy to Control and to Apply
• Synthetic Fertilizers Can Provide a Rapid Response to Plant Nutrient Deficits

Growers Who Want Predictability Typically Use Synthetic Fertilizers in Commercial Citrus Production.

How and When to Apply Citrus Fruit Fertilizer for Maximum Results

There are a number of things to consider when applying fertilizer to your citrus trees, not only what type of fertilizer you use but also how it is applied. Timing and balance are very important for citrus trees' nutrition and supporting root development, flowering, fruit setting, and fruit growth. Fertilizing at the correct time with a proper citrus tree fertilizer maximizes the uptake of nutrients, minimizes the waste, and increases overall orchard yield.

Citrus trees will respond best when the correct type of fertilizer is applied in combination with their natural growth cycle. If you use too much fertilizer or if you apply it too soon or too late, you may see excessive growth of leaves, drop of your fruit, or loss of nutrients in leachate. Planning your fertilization program provides farmers and growers with an opportunity to develop healthy trees while also producing quality yields by using the proper fertile

Seasonal Fertilizing Guide (Spring–Summer–Fall)

Each growing season presents distinct requirements for each type of citrus tree. Adjusting how much fertilizer you apply seasonally will maximize the benefits you get from your fertilizer program.

• Spring - New leaf growth and flower initiation occur. Fertilize citrus trees with nitrogen-based fruit fertilizer to promote canopy and flower growth.
• Summer - Fruit development into larger size and quality of fruit. Applying balanced NPK fertilizers containing potassium will increase fruit quality and quantity.
• Fall - Preparing trees for dormancy. A light feeding of fertilizer will provide trees with the extra strength they need to support roots, allowing them to withstand the stress of dormancy.
• The application of fertilizers seasonally will allow you to avoid the problems associated with nutrient stress during the active growing season, ensuring your trees retain more of their crop.

How Often to Fertilize Lemon, Orange & Lime TreesProper Application Techniques for Better Absorption

The frequency of fertilizer application is determined by the age of the tree, the condition of the soil and the climate.

• Young trees (1-3 years) should receive fertilizer every 6-8 weeks to promote healthy root & limb development.
• Mature trees (4+ years) should be fertilized two to three times throughout the season to assist with flowering and fruit production, without providing too much vegetative growth.
• For high yielding orchards split fertilization may be an excellent way to enhance the efficiency of nutrient use and reduce waste.
• Feeding regularly and using a quality fertilizer designed for citrus fruit trees will allow for continuous development and consistent yields.

Proper Application Techniques for Better Absorption

Correct fertilizer use increases nutrient availability and decreases the loss of wasted fertilizer.

• Fertilizer should be applied evenly around the base of the tree (drip line), not against the trunk.
• Granular fertilizer should be lightly incorporated into the soil when applying.
• Watering after application helps activate the nutrients in the fertilizer that were applied.
• Do not apply fertilizer when rain is forecasted to be heavy or when temperatures are extremely high.
• Placement and watering ensure that nutrients are more easily absorbed by the roots of citrus trees.

Types of Citrus Fruit Fertilizers: Which One Is Best?

There are special fertilizer requirements when it comes to growing Citrus trees (Citrus spp.), so selecting the correct type of fertilizer will promote healthy trees and the best quality fruit. The optimal fertilizer varies by the time of year and the soil's nutrient status. Knowing which type of fertilizers will be beneficial at each of these times will allow farmers and home gardeners to select the most appropriate nutrient source to provide for the long-term health of their soils, the timing of the results from applying fertilizers to the soil, and their crop demands.

Organic Citrus Fertilizers for Long-Term Soil Health

By providing gradual nourishment to your trees, organic citrus fertilizers will help you build healthy soil for your trees without harming them. Organic fertilizers will also support the continued productivity of your orchard from season to season.

Organic Citrus Fertilizer Benefits Exist:

• Increase organic matter in the soil
• Improved water retention
• Encourage beneficial microorganisms in the soil
• Reduce the likelihood of burning your trees with fertilizers.

Common Organic Citrus Fertilizer Sources:

• Compost
• Cow manure
• Vermicast
• Bone meal
• Neem cake
• Compost Tea

For growers who want to place an emphasis on sustainability in their soil, organic fertilizers can provide a consistent quality of fruit harvest.

Synthetic Fertilizers for Quick, Visible Growth

The primary goal of synthetic fertilizer is to provide fast acting efficiency, allowing plants to react quickly. These types of fertilizers have become very popular within intensive citrus culture.

Benefits of Synthetic Citrus Fertilizer 

• Nutrients are available immediately.
• NPK formulation is known exactly.
• Rapidly develop both canopy and fruit.
• Increase yield over the short term.

When to Apply Synthetic Fertilizers?

• Whenever there is a nutrient deficiency.
• At flowering and fruiting stages.
• When using production systems that require large quantities of fertilizer.

When synthetic fertilizers are used in the proper manner and at proper rates, they produce their maximum yield potential

Slow-Release vs Liquid Fertilizers for Citrus Trees

Citrus trees are fed with slow-release and liquid fertilizers. Soil type, crop stage and management objectives all influence the selection of a fertilizer.

Slow-releasing Citrus fertilisers 

• Nutrients will be released gradually over a period of many weeks or months.
• Decreased nutrient leaching.
• Less risk than that of over fertilisation.
• Baseline feeding is the only situation where slow released fertilisers are most optimal.

A Liquid Citrus Fertiliser 

• Nutrients have the ability to be absorbed by the plant quickly.
• The plant will have the ability to respond to the fertilisation immediately.
• Stress rebound and flowering situations indicate applications of this type of fertilizer.
• Liquid fertilisers need to be applied regularly to maintain adequate nutrient levels.

Top-Rated Citrus Fruit Fertilizers on the Market

To ensure healthy foliage, strong roots, and consistent fruit yields, citrus trees need specialized nutrition. Because of this requirement, many products on the market specifically formulated to provide fertilizer for citrus fruits are available in different nutrient combinations. These fertilizers can enhance fruit size, sweetness, and overall vitality of the tree(s) grown under commercial or semi-commercial agricultural settings. Choosing the correct product will help you achieve maximum fruit size and sweetness from your citrus trees, and ensure that your trees remain healthy and productive.

Best Commercial Fertilizers for Citrus Trees

Citrus fertilizer products are formulated based upon these types of research and trials in agriculture, and thus developed for consistent action across extensive orchards. 

1) Slow Release Commercial Citrus Fertilizer

• Reduces labor and frequency of fertilizer applications by supplying nutrients gradually over a period of many months.
• Reduces nutrient loss due to leaching from the soil into the water (nutrient flow through the soil).
• Ensures that uniformity of trees' nutrition will occur during this same time period. 
• Commonly used by the professional citrus farming industry. 

2) Water Soluble Citrus Fertilizer that Provides Immediate Benefits 

• Produces rapid nutrient supply and uptake by the roots through rapid absorption.
• Plants can be fertigated easily.
• Most effective in times of stress or nutritional deficiency.
• Best to apply when a plant is under irrigation control. 

3) Multi-Crop Fertilizer for Use with Different Types of Fruit Plants (Compatible with Citrus) 

• Can be used for multiple fruit crops including mango, guava, and pomegranate in addition to citrus plants.
• Provides a well-balanced supply of nutrients.
• Can save a grower money on a per-unit basis when purchasing in bulk for fruit crops when multiple fruit crops will be planted together. 

Recommended Organic Citrus Fertilizer Brands

Citrus-based organic fertilizers have many benefits for both soil health and providing important nutrients. These are more popular than ever as part of sustainable farming methods because they leave no residue in the environment.

1. Organic Citrus Fertilizer from Compost Products

• Compost is made from vegetable and animal products.
• Helps with soil structure building, and supporting the growth of beneficial microbes in the soil.
• Provides a gradual release of nutrients over time.
• Safe to use on previous orchards long term.
• Ideal as a base for any type of fruit crop.

2. Neem and Bio-Organic Citrus Mixes

• Commonly found in India and in agriculture in tropical areas.
• An excellent natural nitrogen source.
• Helps prevent pests in the soil from damaging roots.
• Helps roots develop.
• An ideal choice for an environmentally friendly citrus farming system.

3. Vermicomposted Citrus Fertilizer

• An organic source containing high levels of nutrients.
• Provided better access to nutrients than conventional formulations.
• Retains moisture and moisture retention capabilities.
• Increased amounts of beneficial microorganisms.
• Most effective when used with mineral-based fertilizers for maximum production of fruit per acre of land.

Professional-Grade Citrus Blends for High-Yield Farms

High-yield Citrus farms need very specific kinds of fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrition for maximum productivity and profit from each harvest. Professional-grade fertilizers are created to fill these needs.

1) Fertilizer Programs for Citrus Crops  Specific to Citrus Crops

• Typically used in large commercial Citrus orchards
• Customized nutrient ratios developed through soil and leaf testing
• Cumulative improvements to yield year after year
• A common product for export-dependent producers of Citrus.

2) Fertilizer Blends for Fertigation

• Compatible with drip irrigation systems
• Fertilizer directly applied to the root zone
• Increased efficiency of fertilizer utilization
• Reduction of wasted fertilizer
• High efficacy when used in Precision Agriculture

3) High-yield Citrus Fertilizer Plus Growth Enhancers

• Secondary Nutrients and Biostimulants Included
• Promote Better Flowering of Citrus Trees
• More uniform fruit from the tree at harvest
• Greater ability to withstand stress
• Highly reputed as the best material to use when growing Citrus Trees for commercial purposes.

DIY Citrus Fruit Fertilizer: Home Recipes and Natural Alternatives

Citrus tree fertilization using home-made fertilization methods is a very economical and environmentally sound way to maintain optimum nutrition for citrus trees, as well as provide benefits to the soil. Homemade materials are usually made from readily available materials found on a farm or in the home and will provide important nutrients such as Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Nitrogen for citrus trees; therefore, homemade fertilization methods work the best when used in conjunction with continued soil management.

There are many potential DIY fertilizer solutions for citrus tree production, and these solutions are particularly beneficial in small-scale citrus production as well as within greenhouse production systems and for the practice of sustainable farming. Although they do not offer a complete substitute for the traditional commercial fertilization methods, they greatly enhance the ability for trees to maintain health, set flowers and produce fruit when used in conjunction with proper practices.

Compost Tea for Citrus Growth

Composting Tea is a liquid fertilizer that contains dissolved organic matter extracted from composted materials. The solution from composting provides nutrients to improve the soil's ability to retain moisture and provide food for bacteria.

Advantages:

• Provides a source of mild nitrogen along with micronutrients.
• Increases the quantity and diversity of micro-organisms found in the soil.
• Facilitates the uptake of nutrients through root systems.
• Provides protection against disease and pests through increased immunity.

Directions for Use:

• Applying to your soil around root zones every 2 to 4 weeks.
• Spray onto foliage as needed during vegetative state.
• Utilizes composting tea to grow roots of fruiting trees and vegetable crops.

Banana Peel, Epsom Salt & Eggshell Mix

This naturally sourced combination contains 3 major nutrients important for growing Citrus trees: potassium, magnesium and calcium.

• Potassium from banana peels creates larger, sweeter fruits.
• Magnesium from Epsom salts creates healthy green foliage from chlorophyll production.
• Calcium from crushed eggshells increases firmness of fruit and helps build a strong root system.
• Using this mixture will improve flowering and fruit production of citrus trees.

Stop nutrient shortages

• Use with organic matter to improve soil structure.
• Application tip - Use dried/crushed ingredients mixed into the soil close to the drip line of the tree.
• Do this every four to six weeks to nourish your trees while they are producing fruit and use only the best organic fertilizer for growing citrus fruit trees.

Organic Waste-Based Fertilizer for Fruit Plants

Kitchen waste and farm waste may be processed into organic fertilizer, providing great value for producing Citrus and many other fruit crops.

a) Ingredients Typically Used to Make Organic Fertilizer:

1. Kitchen Waste,(Vegetable Peels)

2. Cow Manure (Farm Yard Manure)

3. Green Leaves and Crop Residues

b) The Benefits of this Organic Fertilizer Include:

1. Nutrients Release Will Be Gradually Over Time

2. Increased Organic Matter in the Soil

3. Enhanced Water Retention in Soil

4. Reduced Chemical Fertilizer Use

c) The Best Time to Use:

1.During Soil Preparation or Early in the Growing Season

2.Provide Long-Term Health of Your Orchards

This Organic Fertilizer Will Provide Sustainability of The Soil, Increase Your Citrus Crop Production, And Remain an Excellent Source of Citrus Fertilizer.

Troubleshooting Common Problems: Signs Your Citrus Needs Better Nutrition

Because citrus trees are nutrient hogs, their leaves, flowers, and fruit will show signs of malnutrition if they lack just a few critical nutrients or if they have too much or not enough of the proper nutrients. If a citrus tree is deficient in one or more nutrients or has an incorrect balance of nutrients, it will exhibit symptoms such as yellowing leaves, decreased flowering, and smaller fruit. The best way for a farmer or grower to address these problems is to properly identify the symptoms and correct them as soon as possible with the best fertilizer to use for a healthy yield and good health.

Using the correct fertilizer will guarantee that all nutrients are present in balanced amounts, which enables a tree to take advantage of all nutrients available. Below are some examples of the most common nutrition problems found in citrus orchards and how to fix those problems using the right fruit fertilizer.

Yellow Leaves in Citrus Trees & What They Mean

Citrus trees typically exhibit yellowing leaves very quickly after a nutrient-deficient state has been established. Yellowing usually demonstrates where a tree is lacking on its nutrient spectrum by the pattern of yellowing and the location of yellowing. Most citrus-related yellowing is due to 

one of four nutrient deficiencies 

the following:

• Deficiency of Nitrogen: Pale green or yellow Older Leaves
• Deficiency of Iron: Yellow Young Leaves with Green Veins
• Deficiency of Magnesium: Yellowing Starts at the Leaf Edges and Moves to the Center of Leaf

Soil pH not being ideal: Nutrients are still in the soil, but will not be available to the root structure

Using a complete citrus fruit fertilizer has nitrogen and the necessary micronutrients to restore full leaf color and strength and continue to support the health of the tree. Maintaining proper soil pH and watering practices will make it easier for your citrus trees to absorb all nutrients properly.

Correcting Poor Fruiting in Lemon & Orange Trees

The main reason for the variation of flowering and fruiting on citrus trees is that most of the time, it can be attributed to a lack of proper nutrition, as opposed to insects or disease. The more flowers you have on your tree, the more chance that some of those flowers will turn into fruits. However, if the nutrient balance is not right, the tree may develop a lot of flowers, but the fruit will not be on those flowers when they open. 

Some examples of nutritional reasons for lack of fruiting on citrus trees include:

• Too much nitrogen means more green leaves, but less fruit.
• Not enough potassium leads to smaller, less sweet fruits.
• Not having the right amount of phosphorus prevents a flower from blossoming.
• Not applying the proper timing of fertilizer.

Using the correct type of fertilizer with sufficient potassium will help improve everything about the fruit set, fruit colour, juice content and total yield of citrus fruit trees. 

• Applying fertilizer during blooming, and developing fruit is critical to achieving the same quality of harvest each year.
• Potassium will help make your fruits larger, more delicious and have better quality.
• Phosphorus helps to support flowering and fruit initiation.
• Calcium will help prevent fruit from falling off and help improve the firmness of your fruits.

Identifying Nutrient Deficiencies in Citrus Plants

Different deficiency types for citrus trees are determined by the specific symptoms of each type Once all of the signs of these deficiencies have been observed over time, it becomes evident that the continued lack of a specific nutrient type ultimately leads to poor tree growth and decreased orchard yield.

Citrus-specific nutrient deficiencies and symptoms:

• Nitrogen Deficiency Symptoms - Slow tree growth, Light leaf colour, and Less yield.
• Phosphorus Deficiency Symptoms - Weak root system, Delay in flower development.
• Potassium Deficiency Symptoms - Smaller size and quality of fruit and Leaf Scorching.
• Calcium Deficiency Symptoms - Cracked fruit and Weak Walls.
• Zinc Deficiency Symptoms - Smaller sized leaves, reduced flower development.

Using a general fruit plant fertilizer formulated using the correct amount of representatives from both macronutrient and micronutrient types, would help to lessen the likelihood of certain nutrient availability issues occurring. By testing the nutrients in both your Soil and Leaf samples you will be able to directly manage these critical nutrients in an Agricultural Citrus production setting.

FAQs

Q1. What is the best fertilizer for citrus fruit trees?

A balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen and potassium with essential micronutrients like magnesium and iron works best.

Q2. How often should I fertilize citrus trees?

Citrus trees should be fertilized 2–4 times a year, mainly during active growth periods.

Q3. Can I use general fruit plant fertilizer for citrus trees?

Yes, as long as it provides the correct NPK ratio and micronutrients required by citrus plants.

Q4. Why are my citrus leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves usually indicate nutrient deficiencies, poor soil pH, or improper watering.

Q5. Are organic fertilizers good for citrus fruit growth?

Yes, organic fertilizers improve soil health and support steady, long-term citrus growth.

Conclusion: Choose the Right Citrus Fruit Fertilizer and Reap a Bountiful Harvest!

In order to produce healthy citrus trees and long-lasting yield from citrus production, it is very important to select an appropriate fertilizer for citrus trees. Citrus Trees require specific nutrients in order to achieve a healthy tree structure along with the characteristics necessary for fruitful production. To produce healthy trees that are capable of producing good quality and quantity of fruits, it is important to provide the appropriate amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as the required micronutrients to support healthy root growth and leaf development. With the right timing and proper ratios of these nutrients, the trees will be much more capable of producing larger and juicier fruits with increased flavour and marketability.

The best use of fertilizers for citrus tree production in agricultural systems will keep soil healthy for long periods of time and contribute to the growth of resilient plants. Proper soil testing and the application of fertilizers in the correct way and at the correct time will reduce the amount of nutrients that are lost through leaching and assist in increasing the efficiency of the use of available nutrients. Through the practices of proper management of soils and management of fertilizers conducive to sustainable production of citrus, lower production costs are experienced and reduced environmental impacts occur.

With a strategy in place for the application of the right fertilizers at the correct time and in appropriate amounts, citrus growers can ensure the existence of healthy orchards and the production of reliable harvests year after year. The investment of the right nutrition today, is investing in the sustainability, productivity and profitability of citrus growing operations.