Use of compost and interaction with low- and high-vigor rootstocks to accelerate young
sweet orange tree establishment and enhance productivity

Use of compost and interaction with low- and high-vigor rootstocks to accelerate young sweet orange tree establishment and enhance productivity

Report Date: 02/12/2021
Project: 19-030C   Year: 2021
Category: Horticultural & Management
Author: Ute Albrecht
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

  1. Please state project objectives and what work was done this quarter to address them: Objective. To determine the influence of compost during the first three years of tree establishment on growth, productivity, and root and soil health of citrus trees on rootstocks with different vigor-inducing capacity. The 2nd annual compost application was conducted. All one-year horticultural measurements were completed according to the standardized guidelines. No significant differences among compost and no-compost plots were found yet, but there was a trend for trees in the compost plots to be larger than trees in the no-compost plots. Significant rootstock effects were found with US-802 generally producing the largest and healthiest trees among the four rootstocks in this trial. The soil moisture content was measured and significant differences were found between compost plots and no-compost plots with the soil in the compost plots having a 40% higher volumetric water holding capacity than non-treated soils. There was no significant rootstock effect on soil volumetric water content.  Rhizospere sample processing and data organization and analysis continued.  2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter:We will continue with sample processing and data analysis.     3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why): Approximately 40% of funds have been spent, which is in accordance with the timeline.   


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