Wormtech’s nutrition program for citrus emphasizes building biologically active and well-structured soil using tailored compost blends and integrated biological inputs. Citrus is an evergreen crop that actively cycles root exudates to support extensive soil microbial activity, making it a highly biological crop that responds well to regenerative soil management and nutrition programs.
Soil Foundation and Compost Blends
The foundation of the Wormtech approach is applying Compost Blend 721, which consists of 70% premium compost enriched with 20% lime and 10% gypsum, supporting calcium balance and strong soil aggregation.
Regular compost applications (2–4 t/ha, best split into autumn and spring) keep soil biology thriving while reliably supplying up to 20 kg/ha phosphorus—enough for citrus crop needs for the season.
Improved soil structure enhances water infiltration, disease resilience, and nutrient uptake, and fosters beneficial microbial populations critical for citrus health.
Cover Crops and Biodiversity
The use of cover crops in citrus mid-rows diversifies root systems, improves habitat for beneficial insects, increases soil organic matter, and enriches the soil’s microbial network, all contributing to pest and disease control and better crop resilience.
Living roots maintain active soil processes year-round, enhancing soil function and microbial cycling of nutrients.
Nutrient Timing and Monthly Sap Analysis
Monthly plant sap (DSA) analysis guides precise nutrient applications matched to crop needs at each phenological stage.
Key periods include:
late winter/early spring (focus on calcium, boron, zinc, manganese, ammonium N with molybdenum). It is critical at this stage to not encourage vegetative growth and there for promote reproduction leading into flowering.
Spring flowering (phosphorus need to be monitored as it is energy backbone for the tree),
Late spring post-flowering (recovery of calcium, nitrogen, and trace elements before pushing size and fruit quality).
Early Summer cell expansion is achieved by supplying nitrogen and potassium to reach optimal fruit size.
Balanced potassium and calcium are crucial for developing fruit skin and cell expansion, and strict nitrate management ensures healthy growth without excess vegetative vigour.
Biological Inputs for Stress Management
Using biologicals like Worm Juice, humic substances, and fish hydrolysates supports root exudation, stress tolerance, and ongoing microbial function—especially critical during heat and post-harvest periods.
Field results show biological inputs increase nutrient uptake, with studies indicating up to 8% more nitrogen, 13% more phosphorus, and 11% more potassium in citrus groves.
