Citrus Tree Nutrient Deficiencies: Identify and Treat Common Issues for Healthier Growth

At least sixteen elements are considered necessary for the growth of plants and trees: carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), boron (B), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and chlorine (Cl). Plants obtain O, H, and C from water, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and the other nutrients from the soil. Visual citrus tree nutrient deficiencies of N, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Mn are quite definite and can usually be recognized by distinctive symptoms most often occurring on leaves.

SYMPTOMS	POSSIBLE DIAGNOSIS	IDENTIFYING IMAGE	SUGGESTED PRODUCTS
Light yellowish-green leaves Veins are only slightly lighter in color New leaves are reduced in size Thin leaves Light-green color Thin canopy Stunted growth Reduced amount of fruit	Nitrogen (N) Deficiency		Foliar Micronutrients NPK Fertilizer
Disconnected yellow areas Irregular yellow blotches Easy leaf drop	Magnesium (Mg) Deficiency		Foliar Micronutrients NPK Fertilizer
Iron chlorosis New growth light in color Almost white leaf color with green veins Reduced leaf size	Iron (Fe) Deficiency		Foliar Micronutrients NPK Fertilizer
Irregular green bands along veins small yellow splotches	Zinc (Zn) Deficiency		Foliar Micronutrients NPK Fertilizer
Light green leaf with green veins Band of green along midrib Leaves are full size	Manganese (Mn) Deficiency		Foliar Micronutrients NPK Fertilizer

The information above is referenced from HS876, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date June 2002. Revised August 2013. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu