What soil is best for mango trees?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.A combination of sandy loam soil and 30% compost is the best option for the base of your mango trees. It is imperative to have a mixture that retains moisture for optimal growth yet drains freely to avoid root rot. When my neighbor changed to the sandy loamy soil with 30% compost his tree had two times as many mangoes. I would advise against clay soil due to its compaction unless it has been blended with gypsum to make it looser.
Ideal Soil Composition
- Sandy loam base: Allows 1-inch water penetration hourly
- Compost ratio: 30% organic matter boosts micronutrients
- pH range: 5.5-7.5 (test every 6 months)
- Topdress with worm castings quarterly
Clay Soil Fixes
- Add 5lbs gypsum per sq yard annually
- Incorporate 40% coarse sand for texture
- Raised beds improve drainage by 70%
- Avoid planting during rainy seasons
For those growing plants with containers, emphasis must be paid to drainage. I always apply 2 inches of gravel under the soil-perlite-bark mix in 25-gallon containers. One client lost her tree to root rot while using straight garden soil; when I suggested she switch to my soil-perlite-bark, which is a 1:1:1 ratio, the tree revived. I also monitor moisture with a $12 probe meter.
Soil pH can be easily tested with inexpensive kits. Mangos will become chlorotic, yellowing, below 5.5. I corrected the acidic soil by adding 2 lbs dolomite lime per tree. Alkaline soils over 7.5 benefit from sulfur dust. The right pH will help your plants uptake iron and zinc for those glossy leaves.
Gypsum will alter clay soils within 2-3 growing seasons. Apply 4 lbs. per sq. yard just before the onset of monsoon rains. A Florida mango orchard reduced drainage issues by as much as 60 percent by using this method. Build on the gypsum application by adding mulch on top of the gypsum. A 6-inch layer of mulch will reduce surface crusting and allow mango roots to breathe better.
Read the full article: How to Grow a Mango Tree from Seed in 5 Steps
