# How To Identify And Treat Deficiencies In Citrus

- Link: https://rd2.co.nz/how-to-identify-and-treat-deficiencies-in-citrus/
- Published: 2022-07-08T03:04:27+00:00
- Author: RSF Admin

Nutrient deficiencies can have a devastating effect on overall crop health and yields,
if they are not dealt with quickly and effectively. But, with proper testing at 
the correct time, and appropriate interventions, their effects can be reversed. 

## Testing nutrient levels

Before making any decisions about changes to fertilisation schedules and the like,
it’s important to know where you stand with respect to your crops’ nutrient levels.
What nutrients your crops are getting out of the soil will be reflected in their
leaves, making a leaf analysis extremely useful.

A leaf analysis can not only identify nutrient deficiencies but also help you determine
the effectiveness of your fertilisation regime. 

It’s important to take samples at the correct time, and from the right part of 
the crop. Select fully expanded young leaves and petiole on non-fruiting terminals.
Generally the third leaf down from a new growth tip. This is important because, 
if you don’t select the correct leaves, you will not get an accurate result.

## Macronutrient deficiencies

Like all plants, citrus crops need ready access to all three macronutrients: nitrogen,
phosphorus, and potassium. Deficiencies in the macronutrients are all typically 
found first in older leaves. Low levels of nitrogen and potassium both result in
yellowing of the foliage, while a lack of phosphorus causes stunted leaf growth 
with purple or bronze discolouration.

Fruits are also affected, with smaller than usual fruits resulting from a lack of
potassium, and phosphorus deficiency causing fruits to drop earlier with hollow 
cores. Without enough nitrogen, fruit develops a pale and smooth peel.

![selective focus photography of calamondin plant](https://rd2.co.nz/wp-content/
uploads/2022/07/sbulgucu7sg-1024x683.jpg "How To Identify And Treat Deficiencies
In Citrus 1")

### Correcting macronutrient deficiencies

Roots, Shoots and Fruits’,[Synergizer](https://rd2.co.nz/product/synergizer/) product
provides a good balance of macronutrients to help, particularly with nitrogen and
phosphorus problems. And can be applied as a foliar application for when your crop
needs urgent correction. For issues with poor potassium levels, our [K-Forte](https://rd2.co.nz/product/k-forte-powder/)
solution is ideal for your crops’ needs.

## Micronutrient deficiencies

Citrus crops often face shortages of micronutrients, particularly zinc, manganese
and magnesium. A lack of zinc stunts the growth of leaves, and causes a mottled 
yellow pattern to appear on new growth. Manganese deficiency similarly shows up 
on young leaves as dark green veins over a lighter green background. Magnesium, 
by contrast, affects mature leaves, and causes a distinctive v-shaped green pattern
surrounded by yellowing.

Magnesium and zinc deficiencies often result in lower yields. Magnesium is notable
for having a particularly strong impact on seeded fruits over unseeded varieties.
Low manganese can cause smaller fruits that develop softer.

### Correcting micronutrient deficiencies

For specific correction of these micronutrients, you can use our Biomin products
for [zinc](https://rd2.co.nz/product/biomin-zinc-organic-mineral-fertiliser/), [magnesium](https://rd2.co.nz/product/biomin-magnesium-organic-mineral-fertiliser/)
and [manganese](https://rd2.co.nz/product/biomin-manganese-organic-mineral-fertiliser/).
As with our macronutrient fertilisers, these provide an excellent solution to deficiencies
in a fast acting manner. Our [Biomin Booster V](https://rd2.co.nz/product/biomin-booster-v-organic-trace-mineral-fertiliser/)
fertiliser also offers a well balanced mix of trace minerals to protect your produce,
and is effective even on those crops with waxy leaf and fruit.

## Amending the soil

Treating nutrient deficiencies through targeted fertilisation is important, but 
the ongoing health of your crops can be maintained by ensuring the soil is able 
to retain the necessary minerals. Using Roots, Shoots and Fruits’ [Humax](https://rd2.co.nz/?s=humax&post_type=product)
and [Rootella](https://rd2.co.nz/?s=rootella&post_type=product) products can do 
wonders for the stability and water retention properties of the soil, as well as
increasing nutrient bioavailability.  

[Contact us](https://rd2.co.nz/commercial/contact/) to arrange leaf analysis to 
diagnose deficiencies.