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Fertilization
Fertilizer to Use
- Pecan trees benefit from a balanced fertilization approach based on a soil test, but a common guideline is:
- --Nitrogen (N): The most critical nutrient for pecan --Phosphorus (P): --Potassium (K):
- Apply only if soil tests indicate deficiencies.
- --Zinc: Essential for pecans, especially if grown in sandy soils. A foliar spray of zinc sulfate can help prevent deficiency.
- If no soil test is available, use a general-purpose fertilizer such as 10-10-10 with supplemental zinc.
How much to Apply
The amount of fertilizer depends on the tree's age and size:
Young Trees (1-3 years old): Apply 1 pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer per year of tree age (e.g., 2 pounds for a 2-year-old tree). Spread the fertilizer evenly around the tree, starting 2 feet from the trunk and extending to the drip line.
Mature Trees (4 years and older): Apply 4 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter measured 4.5 feet above the ground. Spread the fertilizer under the canopy and beyond the drip line for larger trees.
Nitrogen-Only Maintenance: Use 1-2 pounds of ammonium nitrate (33-0-0) or an equivalent nitrogen source per inch of trunk diameter.
Young Trees (1-3 years old): Apply 1 pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer per year of tree age (e.g., 2 pounds for a 2-year-old tree). Spread the fertilizer evenly around the tree, starting 2 feet from the trunk and extending to the drip line.
Mature Trees (4 years and older): Apply 4 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter measured 4.5 feet above the ground. Spread the fertilizer under the canopy and beyond the drip line for larger trees.
Nitrogen-Only Maintenance: Use 1-2 pounds of ammonium nitrate (33-0-0) or an equivalent nitrogen source per inch of trunk diameter.
Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests:
Pecan weevil: Causes nut damage. Apply insecticides during weevil emergence (August to September). Aphids: Cause leaf damage and honeydew secretion. Monitor for infestations and use insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed. Hickory shuckworm: Damages nuts close to harvest. Treat with appropriate insecticides when signs appear.
Common Diseases:
Scab: A fungal disease that causes black spots on leaves and nuts. Use scab-resistant varieties (e.g., ‘Cape Fear,’ ‘Desirable’) and apply fungicides during wet weather. Powdery mildew: Treat with sulfur-based fungicides or neem oil.
Pecan weevil: Causes nut damage. Apply insecticides during weevil emergence (August to September). Aphids: Cause leaf damage and honeydew secretion. Monitor for infestations and use insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed. Hickory shuckworm: Damages nuts close to harvest. Treat with appropriate insecticides when signs appear.
Common Diseases:
Scab: A fungal disease that causes black spots on leaves and nuts. Use scab-resistant varieties (e.g., ‘Cape Fear,’ ‘Desirable’) and apply fungicides during wet weather. Powdery mildew: Treat with sulfur-based fungicides or neem oil.