Nutrient monitoring of chlorotic pin oaks

Abstract

Five initially chlorotic pin oaks (Quercus palustris Muenchh.) were monitored for foliar nutrient concentrations for periods up to seven years.

Prior to chlorosis elimination, all five trees exhibited estimated deficiency levels of more than one micronutrient. In the four trees with estimated Mn deficiencies, elimination of chlorosis was associated with decreases in foliar P to levels typical of green control trees. Simultaneously, depending on which micronutrients were estimated to be deficient, these deficiencies were eliminated. In the one tree with no estimated deficiency levels of Mn during seven years of monitoring, persistent chlorosis was associated with almost constant estimated deficiency levels of Zn and frequently recurrent estimated excessive levels of K.

Soil treatments that include acidification can correct multi‐nutrient imbalances in pin oak leaves and can result in complete elimination of chlorosis.

Key words:

• Chlorosis
• foliar nutrients
• Quercus palustris
• Muenchh