Growing with AGGRAND

Using AGGRAND to Grow Citrus Fruits

Nitrogen is typically the limiting macronutrient in citrus production. One quarter to one half pound of actual nitrogen per tree per year, is recommended when using chemical fertilizers. However, when growing citrus organically only a fraction (5-10%) of that amount needs to be applied because biological activity in the soil fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere and releases nitrogen from organic matter that is applied as compost, cover crops, and AGGRAND fish and kelp products.

Minor nutrient deficiencies are normally the only other disorders necessitating the application of corrective measures. In the majority of cases the application of AGGRAND fertilizers corrects any deficiencies.

Applications of AGGRAND fertilizers stimulates soil biological activity, supplies macro and micronutrients, and releases nutrients from the soil. When AGGRAND products are applied along with organic matter, plant cell structure and soil water holding capacity are improved.

To obtain the most comprehensive understanding of the nutrient levels and crop requirements of a particular soil, AGGRAND recommends a soil analysis be performed before determining a fertilization program. Soil Analysis Kits (G1374) are available from AGGRAND at a nominal cost.

Foliar Applications

The foliar application of AGGRAND fish and kelp fertilizers corrects many micronutrient deficiencies and increases drought, heat, and cold tolerance of citrus. Foliar applications of AGGRAND fertilizers reduce pest problems in citrus production. The foliar application of AGGRAND products as a part of the early bloom, summer and fall spray programs is effective in reducing the number of insect pests.

1. Mix 1-2 gallons of AGGRAND 4-3-3 with 25-50 gallons of water. Apply as a fine mist with enough solution to thoroughly cover the leaves. Apply with pre-bloom, post-bloom, and summer sprays. Optimize results by adding 1-2 quarts of AGGRAND 0-0-8 to the mix.
2. Mix 1-2 quarts of AGGRAND 0-0-8 in 25-50 gallons of water. Apply with fall spray and 1-2 months before harvest (pre-harvest application increases the shelf-life of fruit).

The addition of fulvic acid increases penetration of the leaf cuticle. Add 1-2 pints to the spray tank along with the fertilizer. Use 1 pint when applying AGGRAND 4-3-3 and 0-0-8 together. Rates vary according to soil fertility and other inputs used. Higher dilution rates are more effective than lower dilutions rates. Do not exceed a 3% dilution rate (3 gallons of AGGRAND to 100 gallons of water).

The addition of a biodegradable surfactant increases uptake by increasing adhesion to the leaf surface. Apply AGGRAND in early morning or late evening. Do not apply before or after rainfall or irrigation. To reduce clogging when employing standard field sprayers, use 5-series or larger turbo flood jet nozzles when applying AGGRAND.

Soil Applications

Apply 2-3 gallons of AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer 4-3-3 diluted in 50-75 gallons of water. Apply to 1 acre with a field sprayer in spring and fall.

The addition of a biological activator increases soil biological activity. Add activator to the spray tank or irrigation water along with the fertilizer.

Root Applications

Apply with irrigation water 2-4 times per month between pre-bloom periods to one month after harvest (apply more often on lighter soils with low organic matter content). When applying AGGRAND with irrigation water use a dilution rate that results in 6-20 gallons acre/year.

General Applications

Apply ½ - 1½ quarts per tree per year or 12-45 gallons an acre/year (rates depend on tree population, soil fertility, and the use of cover crops and/or application of compost or manure). The total amount includes soil and foliar applications.

The application of compost, composted manure, and incorporation of green manure crops improves soil structure, nutrient, and water holding capacity of desert soils. Annual medics (medicago spp) such as barrel medic (medicago trancatula), strand medic (m.littoralis) and snail medic (m. scutellata) are low growing and adapted to neutral to alkaline soils. These species will grow during the cool season and go to seed before summer. They add organic matter and nitrogen to the soil. They must be kept short by mowing to 3-5” in height.

Organic Citrus Production in Desert Climates

Soil Factors

Coarser textured soils with good drainage produce the highest yields, but citrus production is also possible with finer textured soils with good drainage.