Plant growing media and nutrition in mango nurseries.
McKenzie C. B.
Author Affiliation: Merensky Technological Services, PO Box 14, Duivelskloof 0835, South Africa.
Yearbook - South African Mango Growers' Association 14 : 11-13
Abstract : The current technological status of nutrition and plant growing media in South African mango nurseries is behind that of other subtropical fruits, notably citrus and avocados. An absence of mango root diseases has meant that little attention has been paid to the physical properties of root media. Nutrition and irrigation practices are also inefficient. Soil still forms a medium component, and fertilization is often via dry top-dressing. This means that media have poor physical and chemical properties, and that growth is sub-optimal. Recommendations adapted from other fruit and ornamental nursery practices are made. These include increasing the air-filled porosity of the medium, pre-plant fertilization with slowly soluble fertilizers, and dilute feed of soluble nutrients via irrigation systems. Chemical root pruning should be examined as twisted root problems manifest themselves in the field under stress conditions.