Phosphorus Uptake by Young Citrus Trees in Low-P Soil Depends on Rootstock Varieties and Nutrient Management

Author(s)

Bachiega Zambrosi, Fernando Cesar ^[1] ; Mattos, Jr., Dirceu ^[2] ; Quaggio, Jose Antonio ^[1] ; Cantarella, Heitor ^[1] ; Boaretto, Rodrigo Marcelli ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Inst Agron Estado Sao Paulo, Ctr Solos & Recursos Ambientais, BR-13012970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Inst Agron, Ctr Citricultura Sylvio Moreira, Cordeiropolis - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis; v. 44, n. 14, p. 2107-2117, AUG 6 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Because low-phosphorus (P) availability limits citrus growth, rootstocks with a relatively high capacity for P uptake are desirable. An experiment was conducted with trees on Cleopatra mandarin (CM) and Rangpur lime (RL). Treatments consisted of P rates (20, 40, and 80 mg kg(-1) of soil) applied in soil layers of 0-0.30 m and/or 0.31-0.60 m, besides an unfertilized control. The P fertilization increased root and shoot growth, and P nutrition was improved as indicated by greater leaf P concentration, P uptake, and P root uptake efficiency (PUE). The P applied in both soil layers improved shoot growth, P uptake, and PUE. Trees on RL took up 23-126% more P and had root systems with greater growth and PUE compared to those on CM. Thus, P uptake by citrus trees in low-P soils can be improved by augmenting the depth of fertilizer application and the use of more adapted rootstocks. (AU)