Both rates are roughly equivalent to 0.02 to 0.03 pound of actual nitrogen per tree per year, depending upon watering frequency, and volume and leaching losses. Generally, field nurseries should receive 100 to 200 pounds of nitrogen per acre annually in multiple split-applications at intervals of approximately 30 to 45 days from late winter through summer. The actual fertilizer program will vary with soil type, plant response and grower experience. Weeds in container operations are rarely a problem, but weed growth should be eliminated where appropriate. Typical orchard pests can affect nurseries.
Nurseries also can experience damage from caterpillars, cutworms, slugs, snails and rodents.
Good pest control is essential to the production of high quality nursery trees. Citriculture Educational programs conducted by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, handicap or national origin.