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You might want to take a look at this page. The University of Florida
puts out lots of very good information concerning gardening in Florida.
You should also check with your county extension agent.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_EP052
--
Frank Caggiano "The best education for the best
caggiano@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
the best education for all."
http://www.crystal-objects.com/
Robert M. Hutchins
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Palm Nutrition Guide
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<img src=3D"/images/ufces.gif" width=3D"200" height=3D"86"><p>
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<blockquote>
<h1>
Palm Nutrition Guide<sup><a href=3D"#FOOTNOTE_1">1</a></sup></h1>
Timothy K. Broschat<sup><a href=3D"#FOOTNOTE_2">2</a></sup><p>
Palms are among the most im****tant ornamental plants in Florida landscape=
s and production nurseries. Palms suffer quickly and conspicuously from i=
mproper mineral nutrition, whether due to insufficient or incorrect ferti=
lization. They also may exhibit certain nutritional disorders in unique w=
ays compared to other ornamental plants. Some nutritional problems in pal=
ms are difficult to diagnose accurately because symptoms of several diffe=
rent mineral deficiencies may overlap. In this guide, nutritional disorde=
rs common on palms in the landscape, production field, and container nurs=
ery are discussed and illustrated. Fertilization recommendations for palm=
s in these situations are also provided. <p>
<a name=3D"SECTION_1"></a>
<h2>
Nutritional Disorders in the Landscape or Production Field</h2>
<a name=3D"SECTION_1.1"></a>
<h3>
Nitrogen</h3>
Nitrogen deficiency is relatively uncommon in Florida landscape palms, co=
mpared to other elements such as K, Mg, and Mn. Symptoms of N deficiency =
include an overall light green color and decreased vigor of the palm (<a =
href=3D"/images/668840051">
Plate 1</a>
). It is easily corrected by applying any N fertilizer to the soil. Leaf =
color quickly darkens in response to either soil or foliar fertilization.=
<p>
<a name=3D"FIGURE 1"></a>
<center>
<table><tr>
<td><center>
<a href=3D"EDISImagePage?imageID=3D668840051&dlNumber=3DEP052&tag=3DFIGUR=
E 1&credits=3D"><img src=3D"/images/68675806"></a>
</center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td COLSPAN=3D1>
<center>Plate 1. </center></td></tr>
</table>
</center>
<p>
<a name=3D"SECTION_1.2"></a>
<h3>
Potassium</h3>
Potassium deficiency is perhaps the most widespread and serious of all di=
sorders in Florida palms. Symptoms occur first on oldest leaves and affec=
t progressively newer leaves as the deficiency becomes more severe. Sympt=
oms vary among palm species, but typically begin as translucent yellow or=
orange spots on the leaflets (<a href=3D"/images/888242322">
Plate 2</a>
). These may or may not be accompanied by necrotic spots. Leaflets will t=
ypically have areas of necrosis along their margins (<a href=3D"/images/8=
43465308">
Plate 3</a>
). As the symptoms progress, leaflets or entire leaves will become wither=
ed or frizzled in appearance (<a href=3D"/images/832840320">
Plate 4</a>
). The midrib usually remains alive on K-deficient leaves, although it ma=
y be orange in color instead of green in some species. In date palms ( Ph=
oenix spp.), symptoms are slightly different in that older leaves show an=
orange-brown discoloration near the tip (<a href=3D"/images/323031737">
Plate 5</a>
). It is also the leaflet tips, rather than the margins, that become necr=
otic as the deficiency progresses. The color of the chlorotic region in P=
hoenix leaves is a dull orange or even tan (<a href=3D"/images/323031737"=
>
Plate 5</a>
), in contrast to the bright yellow of Mg deficiency (<a href=3D"/images/=
120662138">
Plate 6</a>
). <p>
<a name=3D"FIGURE 2"></a>
<center>
<table><tr>
<td><center>
<a href=3D"EDISImagePage?imageID=3D888242322&dlNumber=3DEP052&tag=3DFIGUR=
E 2&credits=3D"><img src=3D"/images/1858573086"></a>
</center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td COLSPAN=3D1>
<center>Plate 2. </center></td></tr>
</table>
</center>
<p>
<a name=3D"FIGURE 3"></a>
<center>
<table><tr>
<td><center>
<a href=3D"EDISImagePage?imageID=3D843465308&dlNumber=3DEP052&tag=3DFIGUR=
E 3&credits=3D"><img src=3D"/images/1064549352"></a>
</center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td COLSPAN=3D1>
<center>Plate 3. </center></td></tr>
</table>
</center>
<p>
<a name=3D"FIGURE 4"></a>
<center>
<table><tr>
<td><center>
<a href=3D"EDISImagePage?imageID=3D832840320&dlNumber=3DEP052&tag=3DFIGUR=
E 4&credits=3D"><img src=3D"/images/1630320042"></a>
</center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td COLSPAN=3D1>
<center>Plate 4. </center></td></tr>
</table>
</center>
<p>
<a name=3D"FIGURE 5"></a>
<center>
<table><tr>
<td><center>
<a href=3D"EDISImagePage?imageID=3D323031737&dlNumber=3DEP052&tag=3DFIGUR=
E 5&credits=3D"><img src=3D"/images/1445405830"></a>
</center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td COLSPAN=3D1>
<center>Plate 5. </center></td></tr>
</table>
</center>
<p>
<a name=3D"FIGURE 5"></a>
<center>
<table><tr>
<td><center>
<a href=3D"EDISImagePage?imageID=3D323031737&dlNumber=3DEP052&tag=3DFIGUR=
E 5&credits=3D"><img src=3D"/images/1445405830"></a>
</center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td COLSPAN=3D1>
<center>Plate 5. </center></td></tr>
</table>
</center>
<p>
<a name=3D"FIGURE 6"></a>
<center>
<table><tr>
<td><center>
<a href=3D"EDISImagePage?imageID=3D120662138&dlNumber=3DEP052&tag=3DFIGUR=
E 6&credits=3D"><img src=3D"/images/1893623653"></a>
</center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td COLSPAN=3D1>
<center>Plate 6. </center></td></tr>
</table>
</center>
<p>
Potassium is translocated from older to new leaves as required by the pal=
m. In severe deficiencies, the canopy will be greatly reduced in size due=
to the removal of K from all leaves. Once all K has been removed from ol=
der leaves, the palm will go into a state of decline, with reduced trunk =
diameter (pencil-pointing), and the emergence of small, frizzled or chlor=
otic new leaves. Without prompt treatment, these palms will usually die. =
K deficiency affects all species of palms, but is most severe in royal, q=
ueen, coconut, areca, and spindle palms. Treatment requires broadcast soi=
l applications of sulfur-coated potassium sulfate at rates of 3 to 8 lbs.=
per tree 4 times per year plus one-third as much controlled release magn=
esium fertilizer to prevent a K--Mg imbalance (and resulting Mg deficienc=
y), from occurring. Symptomatic leaves on K-deficient palms will never re=
cover and must be replaced by new, healthy leaves. In severely deficient =
palms, this means replacing the entire canopy, a process that may take 2 =
years or longer. Foliar sprays with K fertilizers are ineffective in corr=
ecting the problem since the amount of K supplied by a foliar spray is in=
significant compared to the amount needed to correct the problem. <p>
<a name=3D"SECTION_1.3"></a>
<h3>
Magnesium</h3>
Magnesium deficiency is also quite common in Florida palms, but especiall=
y in Phoenix canariensis . As with K deficiency, symptoms occur first on =
the oldest leaves and progress up through the canopy. Typical symptoms ar=
e a broad light yellow band along the margin of the older leaves with the=
center of the leaf remaining distinctly green (<a href=3D"/images/120662=
138">
Plate 6</a>
). In severe cases, leaflet tips may become necrotic, but Mg deficiency i=
s rarely, if ever, fatal to palms. <p>
Magnesium deficiency is best treated preventatively since treatment of de=
ficient palms takes considerable time. As with K deficiency, symptomatic =
leaves will never recover and must be replaced by new healthy leaves. On =
acid soils, dolomite and magnesium oxide are excellent slow release Mg so=
urces, but on neutral to alkaline soils more soluble forms such as kieser=
ite (a less soluble form of magnesium sulfate) or preferably, coated kies=
erite are required. They should be applied at rates of 2 to 4 lbs per tre=
e 4 times per year plus coated potassium sulfate at the same rate to corr=
ect the problem and prevent a K--Mg imbalance from occurring.<p>
<a name=3D"SECTION_1.4"></a>
<h3>
Manganese</h3>
Manganese deficiency or "frizzletop" is a common problem in palms growing=
in the alkaline soils that cover much of south Florida. Symptoms occur o=
nly on new leaves which emerge chlorotic, weak, reduced in size, and with=
extensive necrotic streaking in the leaves (<a href=3D"/images/150780236=
1">
Plate 7</a>
). As the deficiency progresses, succeeding leaves will emerge completely=
withered, frizzled, or scorched in appearance and greatly reduced in siz=
e (<a href=3D"/images/882501807">
Plate 8</a>
and <a href=3D"/images/23199796">
Plate 9</a>
). Later, only necrotic petiole stubs will emerge and death of the bud qu=
ickly follows.<p>
<a name=3D"FIGURE 7"></a>
<center>
<table><tr>
<td><center>
<a href=3D"EDISImagePage?imageID=3D1507802361&dlNumber=3DEP052&tag=3DFIGU=
RE 7&credits=3D"><img src=3D"/images/1671845719"></a>
</center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td COLSPAN=3D1>
<center>Plate 7. </center></td></tr>
</table>
</center>
<p>
<a name=3D"FIGURE 8"></a>
<center>
<table><tr>
<td><center>
<a href=3D"EDISImagePage?imageID=3D882501807&dlNumber=3DEP052&tag=3DFIGUR=
E 8&credits=3D"><img src=3D"/images/1142489501"></a>
</center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td COLSPAN=3D1>
<center>Plate 8. </center></td></tr>
</table>
</center>
<p>
<a name=3D"FIGURE 9"></a>
<center>
<table><tr>
<td><center>
<a href=3D"EDISImagePage?imageID=3D23199796&dlNumber=3DEP052&tag=3DFIGURE=
9&credits=3D"><img src=3D"/images/1941321434"></a>
</center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td COLSPAN=3D1>
<center>Plate 9. </center></td></tr>
</table>
</center>
<p>
Manganese deficiency is primarily caused by the element's insolubility at=
high pH's. In palms such as coconut that are not normally affected by th=
e problem, cold soil temperatures during the winter and spring months red=
uce root activity and thus the uptake of micronutrients (especially Mn). =
Coconut palms severely deficient in Mn during the winter and spring will =
usually grow out of the problem without special treatment once soil tempe=
ratures warm up in late spring. Other palms such as queen, paurotis, and =
pygmy date palms, are highly susceptible to Mn deficiency and must be tre=
ated with soil or foliar applications of manganese sulfate or they will l=
ikely die.<p>
<a name=3D"SECTION_1.5"></a>
<h3>
Iron</h3>
Iron deficiency is relatively uncommon in landscape palms and is not usua=
lly caused by a lack of Fe in the soil, or even by high soil pH, as in ma=
ny other plants. Iron deficiency usually appears on palms growing in poor=
ly-aerated soils or those that have been planted too deeply. Waterlogged =
soils and deep planting effectively suffocate the roots and reduce their =
effectiveness in taking up nutrients such as Fe. Deficiency symptoms appe=
ar first on the new leaves and in most palms consist of uniformly chlorot=
ic new leaves (<a href=3D"/images/405039821">
Plate 10</a>
). As the deficiency progresses, new leaves will show extensive tip necro=
sis and reduced leaf size. Early symptoms in queen palms include pea-size=
d green spots on otherwise yellowish new leaves (<a href=3D"/images/14869=
37820">
Plate 11</a>
).<p>
<a name=3D"FIGURE 10"></a>
<center>
<table><tr>
<td><center>
<a href=3D"EDISImagePage?imageID=3D405039821&dlNumber=3DEP052&tag=3DFIGUR=
E 10&credits=3D"><img src=3D"/images/1063139546"></a>
</center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td COLSPAN=3D1>
<center>Plate 10. </center></td></tr>
</table>
</center>
<p>
<a name=3D"FIGURE 11"></a>
<center>
<table><tr>
<td><center>
<a href=3D"EDISImagePage?imageID=3D1486937820&dlNumber=3DEP052&tag=3DFIGU=
RE 11&credits=3D"><img src=3D"/images/1311243013"></a>
</center></td>
</tr>
<tr><td COLSPAN=3D1>
<center>Plate 11. </center></td></tr>
</table>
</center>
<p>
Iron deficiency symptoms can sometimes be tem****arily alleviated by regul=
ar foliar applications of iron sulfate, but long term correction will onl=
y occur when the poor soil aeration or improper planting depth that cause=
d the deficiency, are corrected. <p>
Diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies by visual symptoms alone can be diffic=
ult, since some of the symptoms overlap considerably in some species. For=
instance, Mn and late-stage K deficiencies are easily confused on queen =
and royal palms and K and Mg deficiencies are very similar in pygmy date =
palms. Correct diagnosis can only be assured if leaf nutrient analysis is=
performed on symptomatic palms.<p>
<a name=3D"SECTION_2"></a>
<h2>
Nutritional Disorders in Container Grown Palms</h2>
Palms growing in containers are susceptible to the same deficiencies that=
landscape palms experience, but the relative im****tance of the various d=
eficiencies, as well as the causes, are different. Container media genera=
lly are more acid and have greater nutrient holding capacities than Flori=
da native soils. Thus leaching and insolubility of nutrients are much les=
s of a problem. Also, container grown palms are often fertilized with mor=
e complete slow release fertilizers or regular liquid fertilization which=
prevent most deficiencies from occurring. <p>
In containers, N deficiency is the most common deficiency and is caused s=
imply by insufficient N in the medium (<a href=3D"/images/668840051">
Plate 1</a>
). It is typically the most limiting element in container production, whe=
reas K, Mg, and Mn are much more limiting in landscape situations. Potass=
ium deficiency can occur in containers if fertilizers having low K analys=
is are used, and Mg deficiency will occur if insufficient or low grade do=
lomite are added to the medium. Amendment of container media with dolomit=
e is absolutely essential unless other sources of Ca and Mg are used in t=
he fertilization program. <p>
Sulfur deficiency occasionally occurs in containers if sulfate fertilizer=
s are not used. Symptoms are virtually identical to those of Fe deficienc=
y and can only be correctly diagnosed by leaf nutrient analysis. Manganes=
e deficiency is much less common in containers since the growing medium i=
s usually acid and Mn is much more soluble at lower pH's. <p>
Iron deficiency is quite common in container grown palms (<a href=3D"/ima=
ges/405039821">
Plate 10</a>
). Containers generally provide poor soil aeration at the bottom of the p=
ot where palm roots typically are concentrated and Fe deficiency is usual=
ly the result. Planting palms more deeply than they were originally growi=
ng, will have the same effect and is a major cause of chronic Fe deficien=
cy in container grown palms. Although foliar sprays with iron sulfate may=
tem****arily correct the problem, permanent correction can only be achiev=
ed by replanting the palms at the correct depth and in new, well-drained =
media. For this reason it is im****tant to use a container medium that wil=
l not quickly break down, resulting in finer particles and reduced aerati=
on. Our studies have shown that dibbling of slow release fertilizers (as =
opposed to surface application) prevents the rapid breakdown of container=
media and greatly reduces nutritional problems associated with poor soil=
aeration. <p>
Other essential elements such as P, Ca, Cu, Zn, B, and Cl, are occasional=
ly found to be deficient if one of these elements is omitted from the fer=
tilizer program, but such deficiencies are generally quite rare in contai=
ner production or in landscapes.<p>
<a name=3D"SECTION_3"></a>
<h2>
Palm Fertilization Programs</h2>
<a name=3D"SECTION_3.1"></a>
<h3>
Field Nurseries</h3>
Little or no research exists on fertilization rates for field-grown palms=
and rates will vary with the soil type and size of the palms. In general=
, granular fertilizers should be applied to the soil at a rate of 1.5 lbs=
=2E /100 sq. ft. of canopy area 4 times per year or 1 lb./100 sq. ft. 6 t=
imes per year. Rates and/or frequency of application can be reduced in lo=
w rainfall areas or on soils that have a moderately high cation exchange =
capacity. Fertilizers should be uniformly broadcast under the canopy of t=
he palm rather than concentrating it in bands where some roots may be inj=
ured and others are never in contact with any fertilizer. <p>
Fertility varies greatly among soil types in south Florida, but certain n=
utrient elements are consistently lacking in all soil types and must be a=
pplied through fertilization. These are nitrogen (N), potassium (K), magn=
esium (Mg), and manganese (Mn). A good balanced fertilizer for south Flor=
ida should provide N, P, K, and Mg in a 2:1:3:1 ratio and contain sulfur =
(S), about 1 to 2% Fe and Mn, and trace amounts of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu)=
and boron (B). It is very im****tant that the N, K, and Mg be present in =
controlled release forms such as resin- or sulfur-coated products. If wat=
er soluble N, K, and Mg sources must be used, but they should be applied =
more frequently (at least monthly) and at lower rates (3/4 lb./100 sq. ft=
=2E) to compensate for the rapid leaching of these elements through the s=
oil. <p>
Foliar fertilization is a fairly common practice in palm production. It i=
s a rather inefficient method for providing macronutrient elements such a=
s N, K, and Mg, but is very useful for supplying micronutrients such as M=
n and Fe to the plants when soil conditions prevent adequate uptake of th=
ese elements by the roots. Foliar fertilization is best used as a supplem=
ent for a normal soil fertilization program, particularly for micronutrie=
nts. <p>
Liquid fertilization programs are not the most efficient delivery system =
for field nurseries, especially when overhead irrigation is used. The sol=
uble nature of liquid fertilizer results in leaching or runoff of a great=
deal of the nutrients before uptake by the roots. To compensate, the gro=
wer often increases either rates or frequency of application, which resul=
ts in waste and the potential for ground or surface water contamination. =
If drip irrigation is used in the field, injection of liquid fertilizer t=
hrough the system may be cost-effective, and the problems inherent in ove=
rhead delivery may be minimized. A constant fertilization program deliver=
ing approximately 150 ppm of both N and K (and 1/3 as much Mg), will prob=
ably be adequate. It is a good idea to have your soil and irrigation wate=
r tested before formulating the nutrient analysis of your solution fertil=
izer.<p>
<a name=3D"SECTION_3.2"></a>
<h3>
Container Nurseries</h3>
For containerized palms, a fertilizer having a N-P 2 O 5 -K 2 O ratio of =
3-1-2 is recommended. An 18-6-12 or similar slow release fertilizer can b=
e incor****ated into the container medium at planting time according to th=
e manufacturer's recommended rate. As discussed previously, dibbling of s=
low release fertilizers (as opposed to surface application) is recommende=
d over surface application and even incor****ation. The extra labor costs =
will be offset by the added longevity of the container soil, reduced weed=
growth, and consequently, better growth of the crop. One and a half to 3=
pounds of a micronutrient amendment (rate depends on product), should al=
so be incor****ated into a cubic yard of planting medium. Approximately 8 =
to 12 lbs of dolomite per cubic yard incor****ated into the mix will incre=
ase the pH of most media to 6-6.5 and provide calcium and magnesium for t=
he duration of the crop. If constant liquid fertilization programs will b=
e used instead, approximately 150 ppm of both N and K will probably be ad=
equate. When soil temperatures drop below 65°F fertilization rates sh=
ould be reduced. A monthly foliar fertilization with a soluble micronutri=
ent spray is favored by a number of growers. Many palm species respond fa=
vorably to such a program. <p>
<a name=3D"SECTION_3.3"></a>
<h3>
Landscape </h3>
Fertilization of palms in the landscape does not differ appreciably from =
recommendations for palm field nurseries. Slow release palm special ferti=
lizers like those described in the field nursery section should be applie=
d uniformly to the entire ornamental planting area (or at least the entir=
e palm canopy area) at a rate of 1.5 lbs./100 sq. ft. 4 time per year or =
1 lb./100 sq. ft. 6 times per year. Since roots of ornamental groundcover=
s, shrubs, or broadleaf trees are often intermingled with those of palms =
in the landscape and share the same soil conditions, these other ornament=
al plants will also benefit from this fertilization method. <p>
Most landscapes tend to be a mosaic of turf and ornamental plants. Althou=
gh the line of demarcation between turf and ornamental plantings may appe=
ar to be distinct above ground, the root systems of palms, broadleaf tree=
s, and shrubs usually extend well into the turf area and share the soil w=
ith turf roots. Turf fertilizers typically are high in N relative to K an=
d tend to have controlled release N, but water soluble K and often no Mg =
or micronutrients. When these products are used on turf in the vicinity o=
f palms they often result in K deficiency being induced on palms growing =
nearby due to their high N to K ratio. Even if these turf fertilizers hav=
e a reasonable N to K ratio in their analysis, the controlled release N, =
but soluble K can result in a severe N to K imbalance over time due to di=
fferential leaching of the K. Therefore it is recommended that turfgrass =
growing within 30 ft of any palm or broadleaf tree or 10 ft of any shrub =
be fertilized only with the "palm special" landscape fertilizers discusse=
d in the field nursery section above.<p>
<hr><a name=3D"footnotes"></a><h3>Footnotes</h3>
<a name=3D"FOOTNOTE_1">1. </a><font face=3D"Arial">
This do***ent is SS-ORH-02, a series of the Environmental Horticulture De=
partment, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Ag=
ricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: July 1992. =
Revised: July 2000. Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.uf=
l.edu.<p>
</font>
<a name=3D"FOOTNOTE_2">2. </a><font face=3D"Arial">
Timothy K. Broschat, Professor; Ft. Lauderdale-REC, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, C=
ooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences=
, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611. <p>
</font>
<hr>
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal op****tunity/a=
ffirmative
action employer authorized to provide research, educational information a=
nd other
services only to individuals and institutions that function without regar=
d to race
color, ***, age, handicap, or national origin. For information on obtain=
ing other
extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service=
office.
<br><br>Florida Cooperative Extension Service / Institute of Food and Agr=
icultural Sciences /
University of Florida / Christine Taylor Waddill, Dean<br><br><br>
<hr><a name=3D"copy"></a><h3>Copyright Information</h3>
This do***ent is copyrighted by the University of Florida, Institute of F=
ood and Agricultural
Sciences (UF/IFAS) for the people of the State of Florida. UF/IFAS retain=
s all rights under all conventions,
but permits free reproduction by all agents and offices of the Cooperativ=
e Extension Service and the
people of the State of Florida. Permission is granted to others to use t=
hese materials in part or in full
for educational purposes, provided that full credit is given to the UF/IF=
AS, citing
the publication, its source, and date of publication. <br><br><br>
</blockquote>
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