The nutritional status and yield of citrus are not known for different canopy/rootstocks and soil groundcover management systems. The study was set up in a 8-year-old 'Folha Murcha' [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.] orange experiment, and was carried out from 1997 to 2002 in Paranavai, in the northwest region of the state of Parana (southern Brazil). The soil corresponds to a sandy loam Paleudult. The experimental design was in random blocks and seven rootstocks: 'Rangpur' lime, 'African' rough lemon, 'Volkamer' lemon, 'Cleopatra' mandarin, 'Sunki' mandarin, 'C-13' citrange and Trifoliate orange. Leaf nutrient contents and fruit yield were evaluated in 'Folha Murcha' orange. The experimental plots are three plants, witch showed up bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) in three blocks and a legume (Arachis pintoi) in one block between rows in the grove. The soil groundcover management systems with legume increased leaf N at excessive class on 'Rangpur' lime, and reduced the fruit yields of the 'Folha Murcha' orange tree in relation the bahiagrass. In the interrows whit bahiagrass fruit yields 'Folha Murcha' orange it was dependent of the harvest and leaf Ca, Mg and Zn. The maximum absorption of leaf Ca for the rootstocks by orange 'Folha Murcha' it precedes leaf Mg and Zn. In these conditions, the results showed higher fruit yields in 'Cleopatra' mandarin and 'African' rough lemon orange plants onto 'Folha Murcha'.
citrus; leaf analysis; mineral nutrition; cover crop
