Nagpur Mandarin is mostly cultivated in black clay soils of Central India. These soils possess high nutrient holding capacity with the result the recovery of applied fertilizers in such soils is likely to be comparatively higher. Citrus trees must be fertilized with some essential elements abundantly and regularly to obtain optimum growth and sustained productivity of quality fruits.

Fertilizers must be applied in three installments in concurrence with appearance of flush namely spring (March - April), early monsoon (July - August) and post - monsoon (October - November). Split application avoids the wastage and helps the plants to utilize maximum quantity of nutrients. Application should preferably be done when there is sufficient moisture in soil. The time of fertilization once chosen should be followed consistently as the frequent changes may alter the bearing habit of the tree.

Nitrogen may be applied in three split doses (April, August and November), Phosphorus in two (August and November) and Potassium in single dose in July for Ambia crop and November for Mrig crop.

*N, **P₂0₅ and ***K₂0

Note: 20 Kg of F.Y.M. /plant/ year should be applied to improve the soil physical condition.

The fertilizers should be applied uniformly by leaving about 30-cm (according to the age of the tree) distance around the tree trunk. In a bearing tree, fertilizers should be applied in a circular band of 30 cm under the drip line at 105 cm away from trunk. The applied fertilizers must be thoroughly incorporated into the soil.

In order to increase the fertilizer use efficiency, clean cultivation is recommended. Pre-emergence herbicides either Diuron 3 Kg a.i./ ha or Simazine 4 Kg a.i./ ha must be sprayed at 120 days interval from last week of May for economic control of mono and dicot weeds.