Correction of zinc deficiency in pecan by soil banding

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is common in commercial pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] orchards. Correction by multiple annual foliar spray applications is expensive but effective in eliminating Zn deficiency. Correction by soil application is also expensive and is usually impractical or noneffective. There is a need for more economical and long-lasting methods for satisfying tree Zn nutritional needs. It is reported here that tree foliar Zn needs [(i.e., 50 μg·g-1 dry weight (dw) or greater] are potentially met through one-time "banding" of Zn sulfate (ZnSO 4·7H2O) or Zn oxide (ZnO) onto orchard floors. Zinc needs of 4-year-old 'Desirable' trees growing on acidic soil were satisfied over a 4-year period by a single-banded soil application of either Zn sulfate or ZnO over underground drip irrigation lines at a Zn rate of 2112 g Zn per tree (giving foliar Zn concentrations of 60-115 μg·g_1 dw). Rates of Zn at 264 to 1056 g per tree are occasionally efficacious, but rates less than 264 g Zn per tree (0, 33, 66, and 132) were always ineffective for meeting a leaf sufficiency threshold of 50 μg·g-1 dw. Sulfate and oxide Zn forms were equally effective in meeting tree Zn needs. Foliar Zn concentrations increased quadratically with increasing soil-banded Zn treatments; however, foliar Zn concentrations did not necessarily increase over the 4-year period within each Zn rate treatment. Increasing amounts of banded Zn per tree also increased foliar Mn concentration (from ≈150 to 269 μg·g-1 dw) of treated trees the fourth year posttreatment but did not affect foliar concentration of other key micronutrients (i.e., Fe, Co, Cu, or Ni). This fertilization strategy offers an efficacious alternative to annual foliar Zn sprays for orchards established on acidic soils and provides a means of ensuring rapid and long-term Zn absorption through soil application. The approach indicates that soil banding of Zn on certain acidic soils can satisfy the nutritional needs of pecan trees for several years after a single application.