Relationships between the concentrations of iron, macro and micro nutrients in Satsuma Mandarine leaves (citrus reticuláta Blanco)

Abstract

The Gümüldür district of the Aegean region is a main area for production of Satsuma mandarine in Turkey. Leaf and samples from 10 orchards with healthy and chlorotic trees were analysed for iron and other nutrients and for distinct indices of the Fe nutritional status of plants and soils. The obtained data indicate low Fe concentrations in soils and leaves in various orchards. Malic acid was found as the dominant organic acid in leaves. Negative correlation existed between CaCO₃ content in the soils (0–30 cm) and various leaf parameters such as total Fe and Zn and Citric acid concentration in leaves as well as between HCO₃ ⁻ concentration in the soil (30–60 cm) and HCl‐extractable iron in leaves.