Management of nutrients in citrus production systems in Florida: An overview

Annual production of citrus in Florida amounts to over $1.6 billion. Fertil ization and irrigation play important roles in the sustainable production o f citrus. Because of increased concern over water quality, improved agricul tural practices to increase nutrient utilization efficiency and to minimize nutrient loss are required. Citrus (Citrus spp.) trees have been grown in Florida for nearly 500 yr, and application of fertilizer to citrus can be t raced back to the late 1800s. From the 1930s to the early 1980s, studies we re conducted to understand the effects of fertilization on yield and qualit y of citrus. The information and knowledge generated during that period are still useful in guiding current citrus fertilization practices. Since the introduction of irrigation practices in the 1980s, the interactions of irri gation and fertilization on citrus production and water quality have become a major focus of research. Studies on best management practices (BMPs) in the 1990s has added more to our understanding of citrus production with reg ard to water quality as affected by water and nutrient management. Progress also has been made in the development of optimized fertilization programs to enhance citrus production and to minimize impact on water quality. Futur e studies need to be directed to integrated approaches to optimize fertiliz ation and irrigation programs and to increase the soil's holding capacity f or nutrients and water, thereby reducing nutrient leaching and subsequent c ontamination to surface and ground water.