Pecan Fertility Management – Foliar Applied

With spring rapidly approaching and pecan bloom around the corner, it’s time to start applying foliar nutrients to maximize pecan yields. It’s important to learn about key agronomic information to increase yields.

Applying micronutrients to the foliage or leaves is an excellent tool to get nutrients into the trees. If done correctly, the fertilizer use efficiency can be higher than soil-applied nutrients. However, if the wrong formulation of micronutrients is applied, the nutrients are not absorbed into the leaves and will not increase pecan yields.   

At BRANDT, our foliar applied products (BRANDT® Smart System® and BRANDT® Manni-Plex®) are specially formulated to get into the leaves and translocate in the plant. We use a sugar alcohol delivery system to allow the nutrients to get into the leaves and move in the plant to where it is needed. University studies and grower’s tissue samples have shown BRANDT’s delivery system is the best.  

Worldwide, zinc (Zn) is the micronutrient most commonly deficient in crops. Zn is needed for nitrogen assimilation and without Zn, amino acids cannot be converted to proteins. Zn deficiencies reduce auxin levels leading to stunted crop growth and smaller pecan leaves. Under low Zn status plants are susceptible to stress. Finally, low Zn affects flowering and seed development which is critical for good pecan yields.

Boron (B) is in all plant cells and is essential to the structure and stability of cell walls. Pollen tubes have the highest demand for B. Adequate B at this stage improves the nut set in pecans and ultimately yield. However, the B must applied to the buds and leaves prior to bloom.

Recommendations: Foliar applied; First spray after bud break.

• 2qt/A of BRANDT Manni-plex Zn + 1qt/A of BRANDT Manni-plex Mn + 1qt/A of BRANDT Manni-plex for Pecan.
• 1-2/A of BRANDT Smart B or BRANDT Smart B-Mo

Depending on tissue test results, 3-6 more applications are likely needed. The goal is to reach a high level of micronutrients in the trees then maintain these levels through the growing season with additional applications. This will result in good yield and good meat grades as well. 

Soil and tissue tests are used to determine your nutrient needs. BRANDT is your trusted advisor and we can recommend the best foliar applied nutrient to ensure you can grow the best pecan crop possible.