THE A-Z GUIDE OF FERRIC AMMONIUM CITRATE - TO TREAT IRON DEFICIENCY IN TREES.

Chlorosis, or the yellowing of a plant leaf caused by a lack of chlorophyll, can be produced by a number of things. Compacted soils, poor drainage, root injury, alkaline soils, and nutrient deficits are some of the more typical reasons. The most prevalent reason is iron chlorosis, which occurs when the plant’s iron supply is depleted. Iron (Fe) is a necessary component of plant growth. It’s needed to make chlorophyll, the green pigments that capture light and turn it into fuel for the plant. Many plant enzyme systems that impact respiration and plant metabolism require iron to function properly.

CHLOROSIS CAN BE CAUSED BY MANY FACTORS.

When the availability of iron to the plant is reduced, iron chlorosis might develop. Plants can only use iron as the Fe++ ion, which is only available when the soil pH is between 5.0 and 6.5. Iron chlorosis is exacerbated by the presence of substantial levels of?zinc,?manganese, or?copper?in the soil. Excessive concentrations of these elements reduce or prevent the plant from absorbing iron. Iron chlorosis can also be caused by high levels of limestone or ash, a lack of potassium, or the overuse of ferric ammonium citrate phosphorus-rich fertilisers.

Low temperatures exacerbate a shortfall of accessible iron in plants that are stressed due to inadequate root aeration or soil drainage, restricted root growth, soil salinity, or a lack of iron in the soil.?

CONTROL

When plants are given enough iron, iron chlorosis can be controlled. Iron can be sprayed on chlorotic leaves, injected into the trunk, or mixed into the soil.

Implanting ferric or ferrous citrate powder. Bore holes in the white sapwood that are 3/8 to 1/2 inch in diameter and 1 to 2 inches deep. Bore holes in a spiral around the tree at an oblique angle, inclined downward, and 2 to 4 inches apart, starting 1 to 3 feet above the soil level. For each inch of trunk diameter, drill a hole. Trees with trunk diameters up to 4 inches at breast height should get 0.4 grammes of ferric citrate in each hole, spaced 2 inches apart. Trees with trunk diameters ranging from 4 to 12 inches should be given 1.4 grammes per hole, spaced 3 inches apart. Trees with trunk diameters greater than 12 inches should get 2.8 grammes per hole, spaced 4 inches apart. Use grafting wax, putty, glazing compound, or asphalt to fill the gaps. It is not recommended to use wood dowels or corks for this purpose ferric ammonium citrate .

Placing plastic capsules containing ferric ammonium citrate. As instructed in A above, place capsules in holes bored into the sapwood. The plastic capsules include slotted sides that allow for a timed release of the iron salt into the sap, as well as bevelled heads that prevent the sap from bleeding, allowing for faster wound closure. Capsules come in a variety of sizes. The one to use is determined by the size of the tree that needs to be treated. Late spring or early summer is the best time to use encapsulated iron salts. Encapsulated iron salts, according to research conducted in Illinois and Ohio, are a very successful means of preventing iron chlorosis, particularly in pin oak and bald cypress trees.

Injections of chelated iron into the trunk.?Iron?chelate solutions can be injected under pressure into the tree trunk. The chelate solution is packaged in small plastic canisters in a commercial product. The iron chelate is injected into the tree in the same pattern as in procedures above. The holes in the tree created by this procedure are usually minor and heal fast. The tree trunk is free of any external objects or materials.?

Soil Treatment

Iron?chelates are a frequent and successful treatment for iron deficiency. Follow the directions on the product label attentively for the best results. The iron compound is deposited in a succession of holes drilled with a punch bar or a soil auger that are 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter and 12 to 15 inches deep. The holes should be arranged at 2- to 3-foot intervals in a series of parallel lines 2 feet apart under the whole spread of the branches and continuing just beyond the drip line for uniform chemical distribution. Within 2 1/2 to 4 feet of the tree trunk, no holes should be drilled.In a 1,000 square foot soil area, around 200 to 250 holes are necessary.