Citrus trees demand a well-balanced nutrient profile throughout their lifecycle. Whether you’re managing lemons, oranges, or mandarins, applying the right citrus fertilizer — in the right way — can significantly influence fruit yield, flavor, and overall tree vitality. Two leading application methods are soil fertilization and foliar feeding, each with unique strengths and ideal conditions.
This comprehensive guide explores both techniques, comparing their efficiency, adaptability, and results. By the end, you’ll know exactly when and how to use citrus fertilizer for optimal orchard success — and how premium formulations from Yarafert can fit into your program.
Pros and Cons of Soil-Applied Citrus Fertilizer
Soil application remains the most traditional and widely used method for feeding citrus trees. It involves applying nutrients directly to the root zone, allowing the tree to absorb them through the soil over time.
Benefits of soil-applied citrus fertilizer include:
- Longer-lasting nutrient availability
Slow-release or granular fertilizers like Ugarit 10-0-5+ 70% Organic Matter provide consistent feeding over time. - Support for root development
Fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium, such as Ugarit 0-52-34, enhance root strength and fruit quality. - Compatibility with irrigation systems
Products like Sulphomin and CALCIMAG can be fertigated easily, improving labor efficiency.
However, there are some challenges:
- Slower uptake in cooler or compacted soils.
- Risk of leaching in sandy or overwatered soil.
- Nutrient lock-up due to pH imbalances or high salinity.
How Foliar Citrus Fertilizer Delivers Nutrients Quickly
Foliar feeding — spraying nutrient-rich solutions directly onto leaves — bypasses soil-related issues and delivers nutrients almost instantly.
Why foliar citrus fertilizer works fast:
- Direct leaf absorption
Nutrients like magnesium, boron, and iron from SULFOMIX are rapidly absorbed, especially during periods of active growth or flowering. - Corrects micronutrient deficiencies efficiently
Products like Ugarit Grapes and Ugarit Beet target critical elements like copper, zinc, and molybdenum — vital for chlorophyll and enzyme function. - Stress recovery
Foliar applications of Biofast (rich in humic/fulvic acids and macro nutrients) help trees rebound from environmental or pest stress.
Scientific Basis: According to agronomic studies, foliar-applied nitrogen (N) can be absorbed within hours, while phosphorus (P?O?) and potassium (K?O) uptake begins within a day under optimal temperatures and humidity.
Situations Best Suited for Foliar Citrus Fertilizer
While not a complete replacement for soil feeding, foliar citrus fertilizer shines in specific situations.
Ideal scenarios include:
- Correcting visible deficiencies
Yellowing leaves or interveinal chlorosis? A foliar dose of SULFOMIX or CALCIMAG delivers fast relief. - During fruit set and bloom
Enhance flowering and fruit retention with high potassium options like Ugarit 0-5-65 or Ugarit 10-10-40 + TE. - Cold or waterlogged soils
When roots are inactive, foliar feeding ensures nutrient availability remains uninterrupted. - Pre-harvest quality boosts
Use Super DKP (30% P?O?, 60% K?O) for better fruit size, sugar content, and color.
Transitioning Between Citrus Fertilizer Application Types
Growers don’t have to choose between foliar and soil methods. The best strategy often lies in transitioning between the two throughout the season.
Here’s a smart application roadmap:
- Early season (pre-flowering):
Use Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE for strong vegetative growth via soil or fertigation. - Flowering and fruit set:
Supplement with foliar Ugarit Strawberry (20% P?O?, 25% K?O) to improve fruit set and reduce fruit drop. - Fruit development (mid-season):
Apply soil-based Ugarit K-T-S 25 (36% K?O, 25% sulfur) for sustained potassium availability. - Ripening stage:
Boost color and taste with foliar Ugarit DKP or Ugarit 0-52-34, rich in phosphorus and potassium. - Post-harvest recovery:
Apply Biofast to restore tree energy and prepare for the next cycle.
Note: Always consider weather, irrigation schedules, and leaf wetness duration when timing foliar sprays.
Efficiency Comparison: Foliar vs. Soil Citrus Fertilizer
Each method offers unique efficiencies, especially when matched to the plant’s growth stage and environmental conditions.
| Aspect | Soil Application | Foliar Application |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Uptake Speed | Slower (days to weeks) | Fast (hours to days) |
| Targeting Deficiencies | Less precise | Highly targeted |
| Longevity | Longer-lasting (especially granular) | Shorter duration, requires frequent sprays |
| Ease of Use | Compatible with irrigation systems | Requires sprayers, sensitive to weather |
| Environmental Factors | Affected by pH, moisture, leaching | Affected by temperature and humidity |
When used in combination, citrus fertilizer strategies that incorporate both methods — such as applying Sulforex 60 + Cu via foliar spray and Ugarit Multi via soil — result in superior nutrient balance and healthier trees.
Yarafert Citrus Fertilizer Solutions in Action
At Yarafert, we’ve designed an array of premium citrus fertilizer products that align with both soil and foliar feeding strategies. Whether you’re targeting macro or micronutrients, seeking organic matter enrichment, or fine-tuning your feeding during flowering, Yarafert’s solutions are tailored to deliver.
Recommended combinations:
- Foliar Defense: Use SULFOMIX for balanced trace elements, and CALCIMAG for calcium-magnesium synergy.
- Soil Powerhouses: Apply Ugarit 27-27-27 + TE for balanced NPK, or Ugarit 0-5-65 for potassium-focused fruit growth.
- Organic Boost: Ugarit 10-0-5 + 70% Organic Matter improves soil structure while feeding your crop.
Conclusion: Crafting Your Citrus Fertilizer Program
Citrus fertilizer application isn’t one-size-fits-all. Understanding the timing, benefits, and limitations of both soil and foliar feeding allows you to build a more responsive, effective fertilization plan tailored to your orchard’s unique needs.
? Soil feeding offers foundational nutrition and long-term release.
? Foliar feeding delivers rapid responses and micronutrient precision.
By leveraging Yarafert’s wide range of specialty citrus fertilizers — from Biofast to Super DKP — you can ensure nutrient synergy, environmental resilience, and enhanced citrus yields.
Ready to level up your citrus nutrition strategy?
Explore Yarafert’s full line of citrus fertilizer solutions on our website. Need tailored guidance for your grove? Contact our agronomy experts for personalized recommendations today.