Best Organic Fertilizer - Citrus Fruits

Using AGGRAND to Grow Citrus Fruits

Nitrogen is typically the limiting macronutrient in citrus production. Recommendations when using chemical
fertilizers are one quarter to one half pound of actual nitrogen per tree per year. However, organically growing
citrus requires only 5 percent to 10 percent of that amount because biological activity in the soil fixes nitrogen
from the atmosphere, releases nitrogen from organic matter applied as compost, cover crops, and AGGRAND
fish and kelp products.

Minor nutrient deficiencies are usually the only other disorders that necessitate the application of corrective
measures. Most often, application of AGGRAND fertilizers corrects any deficiencies.

Applications of AGGRAND fertilizers stimulate soil biological activity, supply macro and micronutrients, and
release nutrients from the soil. Application of AGGRAND products along with organic matter, improves plant cell
structure and the water-holding capacity of the soil.

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. Foliar application of AGGRAND products as part of an early bloom, summer and
fall spray program effectively reduces the number of insect pests.Mix 1 to 2 gallons of AGGRAND 4-3-3 with
50 to 100 gallons of water. Thoroughly cover the leaves with a fine mist. Apply with pre-bloom, post-bloom and
summer sprays. Optimize results by adding 1 to 2 quarts of AGGRAND 0-0-8 to the mix.
Mix 1 to 2 quarts of AGGRAND 0-0-8 in 50 to 100 gallons of water. Apply with fall spray and 1 to 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 to 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.

Higher dilution rates are more effective than lower dilutions rates. Do not exceed a 3 percent 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. On standard
sprayers, use turbo flood jet nozzles when applying AGGRAND to reduce clogging.

Soil Applications
Apply 2 to 3 gallons of AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer 4-3-3 diluted in 20 to 80 gallons of water. Apply to 1 acre
with a field sprayer in spring and fall.

Root Applications
Apply with irrigation water 2 to 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 to 20 gallons acre/year.

General Applications
Apply ½ - 1-1/2 quarts per tree per year or 12 to 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.