Magnesium Fertilization and its Management in Citrus Orchards

Document Type : Review

Authors

1 Associate Prof., of Soil and Water Research Department, Mazandaran Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Sari, Iran.

2 Assistant prof., of Agronomy and Horticultural Science Department, Mazandaran Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Sari, Iran.

3 Assistant prof., of Soil fertility and plant nutrition department, Soil and Water Research Institute, karj, Iran.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was twofold: to explore the physiological path of Mg in plants and to evaluate the management of Mg fertilization for citrus trees. The results could lead to a better understanding of plant Mg requirements, appropriate amounts and timing of Mg fertilization, and Mg absorption and transfer to leaves and fruits, all of which are crucial for drafting recommendations for optimized Mg application. Research results have shown that the fertilization method, chemical form, and timing of MG fertilizer application play crucial roles in fruit trees and have significant impacts on production efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Early (i.e., before the onset of the growing season, bud swelling, and flowering as well as the early stage I of fruit growth) application of magnesium sulfate and magnesium nitrate fertilizers in the form of cutan or strips is strictly recommended to be avoided in fruit trees. Meanwhile, Mg fertilizer application levels in citrus orchards are determined based on yield, soil analysis results, leaf analysis results, and their proper interpretation such that for soil Mg levels below the optimum, magnesium (MgO) fertilizer should not exceed 20% of the nitrogen fertilizer used. However, for soil Mg levels in the optimum range or higher and with sufficiently low leaf Mg concentrations, soil application of Mg should be stopped or minimized and replaced with foliar spray of magnesium nitrate, especially during the second stage of fruit growth. In the absence of soil and leaf analytical results, about 20 to 30 kg/ha of magnesium (MgO) per year may be recommended based on growth phenology in orchards with yields of about 20 tons per hectare; in those with higher yields, however, about 1 kg of magnesium (MgO) should be added for each additional yield of one ton. Based on research results in different parts of the world, the second stage of fruit growth is the most appropriate time for Mg fertilization in citrus trees. Thus, magnesium fertilizer application (either by solution spraying or irrigation) should be carried out from the end of the first stage (I) to reach its maximum amount during the second stage of fruit growth (II) while early application (i.e., before the growing season, bud swelling, flowering, and the beginning of the first stage of fruit growth) should be strictly avoided

Keywords

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Land Management Journal
Volume 13, Issue 2
January 2026
Pages 265-298

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