Nutrition and Fertilization of Palms

The fertilization of palms is not a usual practice in the landscaping in Brazil, possibly because of the good adaptation of most species on growing conditions in the country. However, in poor soils growing exotic palm trees shows that growth can be very limited by nutritional deficiencies. Among micronutrients, boron and zinc are the most common and for macronutrient magnesium, potassium and nitrogen. The recommendation must be based on nutrient demands, on nutritional diagnosis by visual symptoms and on leaf and soil analysis. The environment has to be taken in account, especially for plants growing in greenhouse and at full sunlight in the field. The growth of seedlings and plants in greenhouses using containers with soil or substrate should preferably be done with complete nutrient solution. Micronutrients may be used as chelates in homogeneous and balanced mixtures. Keeping the pH in the range 5-6 is advisable. The use of slow release fertilizer needs to be done by monitoring the system especially in warmer regions. For palm cultivation in soils at open field, the fertilizer formula may be adjusted for the planting time, maintenance and growth of adult plants. For maintenance of adult plants the size of the plant is a key strategy. The suggestion is to use the crown diameter as an important index to recommend fertilizer rates.