NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE MACADAMIA TREE

Submitted by: Terry Freimond

Crop Nutrition Services, PO Box 436, Sabie.

Source: In a Nut Shell, Journal of the South African Macadamia Growers Association, January 1998, pp. 1-6

A macadamia nut producers' aim should be to keep a tree in optimum condition in respect of growth, yield and nut quality.
Optimal plant performance is a function of light, temperature and carbon dioxide as supplied by the growing environment,
and of water, oxygen and mineral nutrients as supplied by the soil. In reality, effective nutrition management is a function of
all the other requirements and cannot be treated independently.

It is obviously impossible to lay down any formal nutritional recipe that will be applicable to all producers. Where does one
even start to advise growers as to the correct fertilizer policies? We must adhere to basic agronomic principles and, until
such time as more specific local parameters have been established, be guided by the practices of the well established
Australian macadamia industry.

Any nutrition management program must take cognisance of the following:

• a visual appraisal of the trees (including yield data);
• historical soil analysis data;
• historical leaf ana lysis data; and
• any previous fertilizer programs

Setting up a nutrition management program

It is very important that accurate soil and leaf data be obtained. Identify and mark specific trees within each sampling block.
These trees serve as your "window" into the orchard and are the only trees from which samples should be taken and on
which visual assessments can be based. When taking soil samp les, growers must ensure that the soil is taken from more or
less the same depth every year.

Analysis of the data is more meaningful when recommendations are based on historical trends rather than on only one
years results.

Lime requirements
Traditionally macadamia trees require a somewhat lower soil pH than their subtropical fruit counterparts. In line with
Australian data, we should aim for a pH (measured in water) in the region of 5.0 - 5.5. For the more commonly used
potassium chloride (KCl) method, used by a lot of local laboratories, this would translate into a pH of 4.0- 4.5.

An important aspect that must be taken into account together with the pH is the aluminium (Al) saturation of the soil.
Australian data puts desirable levels at less than 5% of the exchangeable cations. If the pH is low and Al saturations are in
excess of 5% then lime is definitely required. The type and quantities required will be dependent on the relative calcium (Ca)
& magnesium (Mg) concentrations, the actual pH, the soil texture and the extent of Al saturation. Ideally, lime should be
applied as part of the pre-plant soil amelioration program and be well mixed into the soil. Every attempt should be made to
alleviate both the top and sub soil. Applications of lime to existing orchards should be distributed evenly under the canopy
to a distance of 1.0- 2.0 meters beyond the drip line. Be aware that lime, after top dressing applications, moves as a band
very slowly through the soil profile. The high pH created in this band will antagonise the uptake of certain nutrients but
specifically the micronutrients iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and boron (B).

Nitrogen requirements
Nitrogen is definitely the most controversial and talked about nutrient. Without nitrogen (N), macadamia trees will not
survive but too much of it has a detrimental effect on both nut yield and quality. How much N is required to promote high
yields of good quality kernels whilst, at the same time, provide fuel for sustained growth? Unfortunately there is not and
can never be one specific rate that will be suitable for all macadamia producers. Of all the mineral nutrients required by the
macadamia tree, N demands the most careful management. Obviously, the rate of application is dependent on local soil
types, in respect of both their chemical and textural attributes - it's common knowledge that sandy soils have a higher N
fertilizer requirement than those with heavier textures. We also need to put more emphasis on the ability of different soils to
theoretically mineralise their own N. Including organic carbon (OC) determinations as a routine procedure in our soil
analyses will be helpful in this regard. The percentage organic carbon levels of South African soils are generally low. This
is a natural phenomenon of our soils and, in the author's opinion, is unlikely to be built up to in excess of the 2% stipulated
in Australian data. To have any hope at all of influencing the OC determinations would require vast and continued
applications of organic matter. These applications would need to be incorporated into the soil since surface applications
are rapidly burnt off. Heavy mulching of trees (particularly with materia ls such as composted pine bark) has numerous
advantages and must be encouraged. Taking into account the ability of different soils to mineralise their own N, the
following recommendations are offered as a guideline only in the formulation of a N fertilizer programme.

N mineralising % OC N application Max N app

Potential (g/year of tree age) (g/tree/annum)
Low <1.0 70 350
Medium 1.0-2.5 60 300
High >2.5 50 250

Growers are advised to take both the visual appearance of the orchards as well as relevant leaf analysis data into account
when deciding on their N program. Try to maintain leaf N concentrations between 1.3 -1.5%. If tree growth is very vigorous
and leaf analysis shows high levels of N, then cutting back the N dressings is recommended. Do not be afraid to leave out
N comp letely if necessary. On the other hand, if the trees are too yellow and not flushing sufficiently one must increase the
N application rates to above those recommended. Very often one wil l need to manage the trees on an individual basis ie.
give some trees more and others less.

The N application for soils with a high N mineralisation potential is that recommended by John Wilkie (Wilkie, 1995). The
soils described in his article traditionally have high levels of organic matter (from 2.5 - 4.5% OC). Where soil pH's are high,
growers should use Ammonium sulphate, Ammonium sulphate nitrate (ASN) or even Urea as potential N fertilizers. Where
pH's are to be maintained the use of LAN is recommended.

The author prefers the concept of applying 8-10 (season permitting) equal dressings of N per annum. Again this must be
done in line with visual appraisal of the trees. There appears to be a good correlation between the extent of flushing and
the next season's crop. High yields and good quality nuts are associated with low levels of flushing. The initiation and
extent of flushing is a function of environment conditions, particularly high temperatures during summer. Heavy N
applications at these times will promote this heavy flushing even further. If the trees are flushing too vigorously, especially
over the summer months, growers are advised to cut back or leave out any intended N dressings.

Phosphorous requirements
Phosphorous (P) is probab ly the most difficult nutrient to provide recommendations for. Many question the accuracy of
both soil and leaf analysis results. Very often data shows very little correlation between soil P concentrations and it's
uptake into the plant - repetitively low P concentrations in the soil correspond with adequate levels of P within the leaves.
This quite possibly relates to the extremely poor mobility of P within soils.

Annual top dressings of P fertilizers probably allows P to accumulate in top 0- 20mm of soil only. Routine soil samp ling
depths are generally from 200 - 300mm, ie, low analysis results could be the result of some form of dilution. Availability of P
to the feeder roots within the top 0-20mm of soil would then explain the adequate P concentrations that are common in leaf
analysis results.

A great deal of attention must therefore be given to pre-plant soil incorporation of P fertilizers. It is impossible to stipulate
appropriate quantities as this varies ma rkedly with soil type (chemical and physical attributes) and previous cropping
history. Where pre-plant additions are to be made, the author prefers the use of single super phosphate (105 gP/kg), simply
because of it's Ca and sulphur (S) content.

Top dressings of P fertilizers should then be based on historical leaf analysis data. Emphasis should be placed on any
trends that become apparent. Where leaf P concentrations are declining every year one should first try to identify what, if
any, soil characteristics (too low or high pH for example) may be contributing and correct this before applying more
substantia l P fertilizers. Where trends show an increasing P concentration within the leaves, growers should obviously cut
back on their annual P fertilizer dressings. Irrespective of both soil and leaf data the author believes that, due to the poor
mobility of P in the soil, annual P dressings are required. These should be applied towards the end of winter once soil
temperatures start to warm up and root activity increases. Applications in the order of 5 grams MAP (33) per square meter
of effective canopy area are generally sufficient.

Exchangeable cations
This refers mainly to requirements for Ca, Mg and Potassium (K). There is very little reliable information as to what
acceptable concentrations of Ca, Mg and K in the soil should be. We should therefore base recommendations on the
degree of mineral saturation (percentage of exchangeable cations) and relevant ratios with other cations. The following can
be used as a guideline:
Element/ratio % desirable Saturation
Ca 70-75
Mg 15-20
K 5-8
Ca/Mg 1.5-4.5
Mg/K 3-4
Ca+Mg/K 10-30

In sandy soils, the absolute amount of exchangeable cation is more important than the percentage saturation. The
following concentrations can be used as a rough guide:
Ca: 1.0-1.5 cmol (+)/kg or 400-600 ppm
Mg: 0.4-0.7 cmol (+)/kg or 100-170 ppm
K: 0.2-0.3 cmol (+)/kg or 80-120 ppm

If soil pH and Al saturation are acceptable but either Ca concentrations are too low or sodium saturations (percentage of
exchangeable cations) are greater than 2%, then the use of gypsum (calcium sulphate) should be considered. As for lime
dressings, it is better to incorporate gypsum into the soil before establishing the orchard. Depending on particular
circumstances, top dressings may need to be considered, perhaps every 3-5 years. Gypsum is not very soluble and it will
take some time for the Ca to become available. Unlike lime it is unlikely (if correct quantities are applied) to produce any
antagonistic effects on the availability of other nutrients.

Mg deficiencies appear to be quite common. This is more than likely due to over applications of K rather than an actual
shortage of Mg in our soils. Growers should try to maintain acceptable Mg:K ratios. If no liming is required then Mg can be
effectively applied as magnesite or dolomitic lime can be used. The first two products are applicable if no Ca is required.
Application rates must be determined from relevant soil analysis data.

As for both Ca & Mg, K applications must be based on soil and leaf data. Uptake of K into the crop is substantially higher
than that of the other cations. For this reason K is generally applied in annual dressings. However, where soil and leaf
analysis show consistently good concentrations of K, there is unlikely to be any response to applied K fertilizers. In these
situations one could omit K dressings for the season. If K dressings are required, the author prefers that these be split up
and applied together with N. In situat ions where a grower is unsure of how much K to apply, it's application in a 1:1 ratio
with N should be considered. The various 1:0:1 formulations are useful in this regard. If there are no problems pertaining to
soil salinity, the use of KCl is more economical. Potassium sulphate is, however, a better alternative and has the added
advantage of supplying S.

Obviously in determining any need for Ca, Mg & K dressings we must take leaf analysis data into account. Do not base
any apparent large requirements on the strength of one set of data only. Rather base decisions on any trends that are
apparent. If soil reserves of any one of these minerals are adequate and there is nothing to antagonise their respective
uptake into the tree, either apply a small dressing of the suitable material or delay any decisions until the next year once
more analysis data is available.

Trace element requirements

It is no good wa iting for the first leaf analysis results to verify if trees are low in one or two of the essential micronutrients.
Young trees, by virtue of their rapid growth rate, are often unable to sustain their requirements for trace elements. Growers
must apply these micronutrients from the very first season. Because of the impracticality of applying very small amounts,
particularly in the case of boron (B) one should apply routine sprays (every 4-6 weeks) throughout the active growing
season. There are a couple of products on the market and growers are advised to contact their distributors in this regard.
Iron (Fe) deficiencies can be problematic in young trees and cannot be effectively dealt with by foliar sprays. Where Fe
problems are evident, it is also wise to apply some zinc (Zn) as well. The following products and rates are recommended:
Fe EDDHA chelate @ 5 g/tree
Zn EDTA chelate @ 2.5 g/tree

Mix these products in sufficient water to allow an adequate drench of affected trees.

If there is no response after 15-20 days repeat this application. If there has been some response but greening is not
complete then re-apply at half the above rates.

Zn, B and sometimes copper (Cu) seem to be the biggest problem in bearing trees. Fe can be low in availability, particularly
after lime has been applied but it is not commonly economical to treat. Whilst fo liar treatments of Zn, B and Cu have their
place (there is nothing wrong with including them in pesticide sprays) they are not applied in adequate concentrations to
correct known problems. Where these micronutrients are inadequate, one needs to consider more substantial soil
dressings. The following products and rates of application are suggested:

ZINC
The following programme based on analysis results is recommended.
2
Zn foliar levels in mg/kg Recomm. Application of ZnSO4 g/m of
canopy area
<10 20-25
10-30 10-15
30-50 0-5
* Apply the above in a band 200 -300mm wide under the drip line of the tree. Apply in a single dressing preferab ly
during a period of active flushing (approx January/February)

BORON
Although blossom sprays of solubor are still encouraged, soil dressings of B are becoming more standard practice. The
following application rates serve as guidelines only.
2 2
Foliar B levels Soil type Solubor in g/m in Borax in g/m in
(mg\kg) canopy area canopy area
<20 Sandy 3-4 5-7.5
Loam 5-10 10-20
Clay 10-20 20-40
20-40 Sandy 1-2 2-4
Loam 4-8 8-15
Clay 8-15 15-30
>40 Sandy 0.5-1.0 1-2
Loam 2-4 4-7.5
Clay 4-7.5 7.5-15
* Growers must be aware that an over application of B, particularly in sandy soils, can be extremely toxic.
** For sandy soils, the above rates should be split over 10-12 applications ie. extremely small amounts but more
frequently. For loams and clay soils, these rates should be split over 3-4 applications (September, November, January
and March). Spread these applications as evenly as possible over the entire area to be treated.

COPPER
Cu deficiencies are commonly associated with over applications of N. If copper oxychloride is not a part of any spray
programme then growers need to consider soil applications of copper sulphate. A single application of 2-3 g/sq.m spread
evenly under the canopy should be sufficient. This application should coincide with a strong flush (January\February).

REFERENCES
Wilkie JH, 1995. Nut rition of Macadamias. In SAMAC 1995 Yearbook, 6 - 13.