Nitrogen and Calcium - Partners for Better Citrus Crops
Spring and early summer are the best times to apply nitrogen to citrus. The demand for nitrogen in citrus is the greatest starting at spring flush through fruit set and sizing.
Nitrate-nitrogen is the preferred form of nitrogen because all citrus readily respond to it. Nitrate-N is immediately available to the crop versus urea or other ammonium-based nitrogen fertilizers which need time to break down and convert to be available to the crop.
Along with nitrogen, calcium is also an essential element that citrus needs for good root growth and overall tree development. Calcium is a critical component of cell walls and membranes so it contributes to improved fruit quality and reduced physiological disorders such as cracking and creasing.
The University of California examined citrus response to different nitrogen and calcium fertilizers in a ten-year study. Scientists found that trees fertilized with nitrate produced larger yields than trees fertilized with ammonium. They also reported a further yield increase when the trees were fertilized with calcium nitrate.
YaraLiva Calcium Nitrate is a superior fertilizer that supplies readily available nitrate-nitrogen as well as 100% water-soluble calcium for a quick crop growth response. YaraLiva Calcium Nitrate is available as dry and liquid formulations so you use whichever form best fits your production practices.
YaraLiva CN-9 is a clear liquid solution containing 9% N and 11% Ca. It is the most efficient way to fertigate calcium to fruits and vegetables. This all-nitrate N formulation is rapidly taken up by plants, even under very cool or very high temperatures. Learn more.
YaraLiva TROPICOTE is a granular fertilizer containing 15.5% N and 19% Ca. It delivers fast-acting nitrate-N that is available to the crop even in cool and wet conditions, together with water-soluble calcium. Learn more.
Vanessa Vicencio
Sales Agronomist at Yara North America - South Central Valley, California