Nutrition management of Australian longan and rambutan orchards

Abstract

This paper highlights the outcome of a three-year leaf and soil nutrient survey of commercial longan and rambutan orchards located in Queensland, Australia. Yield versus fertiliser inputs are examined and the use of nutrient budgets to manage fertiliser inputs is discussed. The project was unable to identify any direct links between tree nutritional status, fertiliser inputs and yield. It is important to note that all commercial orchards surveyed had relatively high leaf nutrient status and no unfertilised trees were included in the study. This suggests that within the range of nutrient status observed other factors such as pruning practices and climate play a more important role in flowering and subsequent yield. Despite the lack of relationship between nutrient status and yield, the survey indicated in longan that high leaf N levels (N ≥ 2.0%) during the period leading up to flowering should be avoided because it may be detrimental to flowering and hence subsequent cropping.