Mineral nutrients analysis in leaves and soils of Fortunella crassifolia Swingle with leaf etiolation

ObjectiveThe present study investigated mineral nutrients in leaves and soils of Fortunella crassifolia Swingle with leaf etiolation,so as to provide reference for rational fertilization,balancing tree nutrition and ensuring high and stable yield. MethodTaking F. crassifolia Swingle as experimental materials,the contents of ten mineral nutrients in both leaves and soils of trees with etiolated leaves or normal leaves in five orchards in Yangshuo county were measured,and the differences and correlations were analyzed.ResultNitrogen,phosphorus,magnesium and iron contents in leaves of the trees with etiolated leaves were lower compared with the suitable range, and were 16.60%,33.33%,40.72% and 54.64%significantly lower than those in leaves of the trees with normal leaves respectively(P<0.05,the same below);also, magne-sium content in soils of the trees with etiolated leaves were lower compared with the suitable range, and were 52.63% lower than that in soils of the trees with normal leaves,the difference was significant. Correlation analysis indicated that there was significantly positive correlation between chlorophyll content in leaves and nitrogen, phosphorus and iron contents(P<0.01, the same below); chlorophyll content in leaves was positively correlated with magnesium content(P<0.05); significantly positive correlation between chlorophyll content in leaves and magnesium content in soils was detected. ConclusionLeaf etiolation is caused by lack of nitrogen,phosphorus,magnesium and iron in leaves and lack of magnesium in soils. There-fore, it is a comprehensive deficiency of mineral nutrients.