Nutrient requirement and fertilizer management for Fig (Ficus carica L.)

• Main Authors: Yunus, Muhamad Fahmi, Midin, Mohd Razik, Ponari, Md Hoirul Azri
• Other Authors: Zainuddin, Zarina
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Noor Publishing 2021
• Subjects: S Agriculture (General); S494.5.S86 Sustainable agriculture
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/96392/1/96392_Nutrient%20requirement%20and%20fertilizer%20management.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/96392/; https://www.noor-publishing.com/catalog/details/store/pt/book/978-620-3-86004-7/recent-advances-in-ficus-research?search=%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%85%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B6
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Ficus carica L. (common fig) is a crop species that has been cultivated in many countries especially in warm and dry climates. However, it is considered a new species cultivated in Malaysia for commercial value. Thus, it is crucial to understand the nutritional demand of the fig plant so that the best agronomic strategies such as the right nutrient sources, appropriate nutrient requirement doses, and the best time of nutrient application can be determined for high yield production. Fertilizers need to be adequately supplied to the soil to replenish the nutrients removed from the harvested yield and prevent nutrients deficiency symptoms that lead to a lower yield and quality of fruit. Nutrient deprivation will hinder plant metabolism hence, decreasing the vegetative growth, mineral concentration, and chlorophyll content in leaves. Overall, the percentage of all elements during fruit development is higher compared to mature leaves. Nitrogen is the largest amount of essential element required by fig plants, followed by potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium respectively. Nitrogen is the largest amount of minerals in the plant tissue and contributes to the dried weight of the plant. The percentage of nitrogen is high during the fruit and leaves development because it is required for cell division, metabolism of plants, and inorganic feed increases both fruit quantity and consistency. Phosphorus involves in many primary plant functions such as flower initiation and fruit production. This chapter will discuss the nutrient requirement and management as well as the deficiency symptoms and effects of nutrient deficiency in F. carica.