White County
 Gardening
Podcast
February 11, 2008
Pecan Management - (Part 2 of 3) (2:32 minutes)
Audio/Video Script:
Sherri Sanders
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
Last time we talked about pollination and pecan tree care. This time we will
discuss fertilizer and zinc recommendations. Hello this is Sherri Sanders,
County Extension Agent – Agriculture with the White county Cooperative Extension
Service.
Fertilizer Recommendations for Pecan Trees in Arkansas
For the 1st year of growth - No fertilizer is
needed, usually. However, you can apply 1/2 pound in
June, if the tree is rapidly growing
For the 2nd year of growth - Apply 1/2 pound ammonium
nitrate or ammonium sulfate in May and another 1/2 pound in
June.
3rd and 4th years of growth - apply 1 pound
ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate first of April,
May, and June
For the 5th year of growth - apply 2 pounds
ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate first of April,
May, and June
Zinc is vital to quality pecans. The zinc makes leaves long and green, and
you will have better nut quality. Are you wondering if your trees need zinc? If
the shell stays on the tree for several weeks after the nuts fall, then your
tree is probably starving for zinc.
"Rule of Thumb" for Zinc
- For young, non-bearing trees - apply foliage application every
two weeks from April to mid-August. Mix 1/2 ounce of zinc nitrate or
sulfate per gallon of water; you may add 1/2 ounce of liquid
nitrogen to the zinc sulfate solution to aid in moving it into the
leaves.
- On native trees - 2 applications are needed per year
- For named varieties - five applications are needed per year
A soil sample can be pulled to determine soil pH. For each separate area to
be tested, take a pint of dry soil to your county Extension office for a free
analysis. If the soil pH is 5 or below, zinc sulfate can be applied on the
ground to amend the soil. If the pH is above 5, zinc should be applied through
foliage.
Next time, I will continue this three part series on pecan management with an
in-depth discussion on pecan insects and diseases, and solutions for each.
Also, we will be conducting a Pecan workshop in Prairie County at the old
Hazen Armory on February 26th from 9:00 a.m. till noon. Fertility, weed control,
disease control, insect control and grafting will be the topics discussed at
this workshop. This meeting is free and open to the public and you are
encouraged to contact the Prairie county office at (870) 998-2614 for additional
information and to pre-register for the workshop.
This has been Sherri Sanders for the White County Cooperative Extension
Service in Searcy, Arkansas.
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