Leaf and soil analyses are the best means of determining fertilizer needs for citrus orchards. On the basis of an initial orchard evaluation and preliminary leaf and soil analyses, current nutrient and salinity status can be assessed, and the grower can be advised whether his present fertilizer and soil management practices are right or wrong. Such analyses will tell him whether he is spending too much for nitrogen or not enough; whether he is applying fertilizers that are not needed; whether the levels of the minor elements should be built up or decreased; whether too much exchangeable sodium or potassium is building up in any part of the root zone; whether the soil is acid enough to require lime, or alkaline enough to require sulfur or gypsum, and whether to use acid- or alkaline-base nitrogen fertilizers.

The foregoing article is based, in part, on Leaf and Soil Analysis in Citrus Orchards by H. D. Chapman, Manual 25 (75).