Fruit and Nut Research Site Logo
ARS Home About Us Helptop nav spacerContact Us En Espanoltop nav spacer
Printable VersionPrintable Version     E-mail this pageE-mail this page
Agricultural Research Service United States Department of Agriculture
Search
  Advanced Search
 
Programs and Projects
Subjects of Investigation
 

Research Project: PECAN CULTIVATION AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Location: Fruit and Nut Research

Title: MAXIMIZING TREE ENERGY RESERVES: A KEY ROLE FOR NON-METALS

Author

Submitted to: Pecan Grower
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: February 14, 2006
Publication Date: April 1, 2006
Citation: Wood, B.W. 2006. Maximizing tree energy reserves: a key role for non-metals. Pecan Grower. 27(4):22-25.

Interpretive Summary: Efficient usage of nitrogen fertilizers applied to orchards is a major biological and economic problem for pecan farmers. This communication reviews basic principles that can be used by farmers to design improved nitrogen management strategies. The roles of sunlight, and that of sulfur, nickel, and boron nutrition, are emphasized. This information makes it possible for farmers to minimize nitrogen usage in orchards while still improving nutmeat production.

Technical Abstract: It is important for the orchard manager to understand that in order to ensure good crop yield, it is imperative that tree canopies receive plenty of sunlight needed for photoassimilation of C, N, P, and S. The high-energy organic forms of these elements play an important role in the tree’s ability to return with a good nut crop. Efforts to preserve and extend canopy health are therefore critical to good tree yields. Excellent N management strategies also require that S, P, B, Mo, and Ni are also well managed. Thus, application of N to orchard floors can largely result in a waste of money unless trees are also in good nutritional health and are exposed to plenty of sunlight. The critical role of sunlight underscores the importance of ensuring a high quality light environment within the orchard.

   

 
Project Team
Wood, Bruce
 
Publications
   Publications
 
Related National Programs
  Plant Diseases (303)
  Crop Production (305)
 
Patents
  New Method For Suppressing Pecan And Peach Diseases
 
 
Last Modified: 05/18/2013
ARS Home | USDA.gov | Site Map | Policies and Links 
FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Nondiscrimination Statement | Information Quality | USA.gov | White House