Growth and Nitrogen Status of Young Pecan Trees Using Fertigation

Abstract

The prolonged period from tree planting to first commercial harvest of pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] provides incentive for many growers to intensively manage young trees to induce commercial production as soon as possible. This management includes high nitrogen (N) application rates with or without fertigation. However, there remains little data regarding the effect of N fertilization or fertigation on young pecan trees grown under southeastern U.S. orchard conditions. The objectives of this study were to compare the effects of fertigation with more commonly recommended forms of fertilization on growth and leaf N, phosphorous (P), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn) concentrations of first- through third-leaf pecan trees irrigated with microsprinklers. An optimal growth rate of young pecan trees was obtained as easily with a balanced granular fertilizer application using significantly less N compared with fertigation applications. The minimal treatment differences observed along with the fact that leaf N concentration never fell below the minimum recommended level in any treatment throughout the study supports the supposition that first-year pecan trees require no N fertilizer during the year of establishment. Only modest N application rates are required during the second and third growing seasons. This practice helps to promote optimal tree growth while minimizing excessive losses of N to the environment.