US EPA

4580181 

Journal Article 

Pecan Nutrient Element Status and Orchard Soil Fertility in the Southeastern Coastal Plain of the United States 

Wells, ML 

2009 

Yes 

HortTechnology
ISSN: 1063-0198 

19 

2 

432-438 

10.21273/HORTSCI.19.2.432 

WOS:000279016500028 

This survey addresses the current nutritional status of orchards typical of a large portion of the United States pecan (Carya illinoinensis) industry. A leaf nutrition and soil fertility survey was conducted for commercial orchards in a major production area of the U.S. pecan belt, which is located in southern Georgia. The study sampled pecan orchards from 18 July to 5 Aug. 2005 and 17 July to 3 Aug. 2008. All orchards had a history of commercial level orchard management, and represented a wide range of orchards typical of the region. Results indicate that southeastern U.S. pecan producers should focus their nutrient inputs on nitrogen (N), potassium (K), sulfur (S), and copper (Cu) as needed. The survey results show that leaf N can vary widely by season and among orchard locations. Evidence indicates that many growers could likely forego the soil application of phosphorous (P) and zinc (Zn) until leaf or soil analysis indicates a need. Orchard soil organic matter (SOM) in 2008 averaged 3.63%, and ranged from 1.74% on coarse-textured sandy soils to 5% on sandy loam soils. Both SOM and soil nitrate-N were higher in orchards using clover (Trifolium spp.) as a cool-season orchard groundcover than those using a grass sod only. The mean carbon:S ratio of Georgia pecan orchard soils was 504:1, which may further reduce tree uptake of S from low-S soils. 

Carya illinoinensis; fertilizer; leaf analysis; management; soil health