Effect of Topdressed Controlled-release Fertilizer Rates on Nursery Crop Quality and Growth and Growing Substrate Nutrient Status in the Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

The objectives of the current study were to 1) determine the best topdressed controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) application rates for quality and growth of two nursery crops under temperate climate outdoor nursery production conditions in the Niagara region, Ontario, Canada, and 2) evaluate the nutrient status of the growing substrate following topdressing of two CRF types during the growing season. Fall-transplanted Goldmound spirea (Spiraea ×bumalda ‘Goldmound’) and Wine & Roses® weigela [Weigela florida (Bunge) A. DC. ‘Alexandra’] were grown in 2-gal (7.56 L) containers and topdressed on 7 May 2015 with Osmocote Plus 15N–3.9P–9.9K, 5–6 month CRF or Plantacote 14N–3.9P–12.5K, 6 month Homogeneous NPK with Micros. CRF was applied at rates of 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, and 9.0 g nitrogen (N)/pot for both species. The best plants at the end of the growing season (i.e., 23 Sept. 2015) were spirea at 3.0–4.5 and 3.0–6.0 g N/pot, and weigela at 3.0–4.5 and 6.0 g N/pot, with Osmocote and Plantacote, respectively. At CRF rates above these rates, the majority of plants showed no increase in growth or quality attributes. All weigela plants, despite CRF application rate, showed K deficiency symptoms during the study. Using marketable-size criteria and plant growth data over time, estimates of production timing are presented for fall-transplanted, spring-topdressed weigela and spirea. These estimates may assist growers in choosing CRF application rates to meet time-sensitive production goals. Early in the growing season, NO3-N and P concentrations in the growing substrate were highest at CRF rates ≥4.5 and ≥6.0 g N/pot, respectively, and P continued to be high in August and September at 9.0 g N/pot. NH3-N and K concentrations at all CRF application rates were greater early in the growing season and decreased over time. At high CRF rates toward the end of the growing season, concentrations of NO3-N, NH3-N, and P once again increased. Considering crop-specific CRF application rates and understanding changes in growing substrate nutrient status during the growing season may help nursery growers prevent negative environmental impacts from over-fertilizing.

Download Full-text

Controlled-release Fertilizer Application Rates for Container Nursery Crop Production in Southwestern Ontario, Canada

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.49.11.1414 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 49 (11) ◽

pp. 1414-1423 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Erin Agro ◽

Youbin Zheng

Keyword(s):

Controlled Release ◽

Crop Production ◽

Growth Index ◽

Growing Season ◽

Maximum Growth ◽

Plant Performance ◽

Optimal Range ◽

Production Time ◽

Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽

Application Rates

Region-specific trials examining optimum controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) rates for the Canadian climate are limited. This study was conducted to determine an optimum range of CRF application rates and the effect of the application rate on growth, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) losses of six economically important container-grown woody ornamental shrubs using typical production practices at a southwestern Ontario nursery. Salix purpurea ‘Nana’, Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’, Cornus sericea ‘Cardinal’, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bombshell’, Hibiscus syriacus ‘Ardens’, and Spiraea japonica ‘Magic Carpet’ were potted in 1-gal pots and fertilized with Polyon® 16N-2.6P-10K (5–6 month longevity) incorporated at rates of 0.8, 1.2, 1.7, 2.1, and 2.5 kg·m−3 N in 2012. The experiment was repeated for the 2013 growing season with rates of CRF incorporated at 0.05, 0.35, 0.65, 0.95, and 1.25 kg·m−3 N. Plant performance (i.e., growth index) and leachate electrical conductivity (EC) and pH were evaluated once every 3 to 4 weeks during the respective growing seasons. The amount of N and P lost to the environment was determined for the 2012 growing season. The interaction between nutrient supply rate and target species affected most response variables. Although higher levels of fertilization produced larger plants and had the potential to decrease production time, increased losses of N and P and higher EC leachate values occurred. Results of this study indicate that an acceptable range of CRF application rates can be used for each species depending on the production goals, i.e., decreased production time, maximum growth, or decreased nutrient leachate. Overall, the highest acceptable CRF rates within the optimal range were: 1.25 kg·m−3 N for Spiraea; 1.7 kg·m−3 N for Hydrangea; 2.1 kg·m−3 N for Cornus; and 2.5 kg·m−3 N for Weigela, Salix, and Hibiscus. The lowest acceptable rates within the optimal range were: 0.35 kg·m−3 N for Hibiscus; 0.65 kg·m−3 N for Cornus, Weigela, Salix, and Spiraea; and 0.80 kg·m−3 N for Hydrangea.

Download Full-text

Use of Species-specific Controlled-release Fertilizer Rates to Manage Growth and Quality of Container Nursery Crops

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.25.3.370 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 370-379 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mary Jane Clark ◽

Youbin Zheng

Keyword(s):

Controlled Release ◽

Growth Index ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Temperate Climate ◽

Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽

Shoot Dry Weight ◽

Application Rates ◽

Nursery Crops ◽

Species Specific

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) application rates or ranges for the production of five 2-gal nursery crops. Plants were evaluated following fertilization with 19N–2.6P–10.8K plus minors, 8–9 month CRF incorporated at 0.15, 0.45, 0.75, 1.05, 1.35, and 1.65 kg·m−3 nitrogen (N). The five crops tested were bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), ‘Green Velvet’ boxwood (Buxus ×), ‘Magic Carpet’ spirea (Spiraea japonica), ‘Palace Purple’ coral bells (Heuchera micrantha), and rose of sharon (Hibiscus syriacus). Most plant growth characteristics (i.e., growth index, plant height, leaf area, and shoot dry weight) were greater in high vs. low CRF treatments at the final harvest. Low CRF rates negatively impacted overall appearance and marketability. The species-specific CRF range recommendations were 1.05 to 1.35 kg·m−3 N for rose of sharon, 0.75 to 1.05 kg·m−3 N for ‘Magic Carpet’ spirea, and 0.75 to 1.35 kg·m−3 N for bigleaf hydrangea and ‘Green Velvet’ boxwood, whereas the recommended CRF rate for ‘Palace Purple’ coral bells was 0.75 kg·m−3 N. Overall, species-specific CRF application rates can be used to manage growth and quality of containerized nursery crops during production in a temperate climate.

Download Full-text

647 Effects of Nitrogen Application Rates on Leachate Nitrogen Concentrations and Leatherleaf Fern Establishment

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.35.3.509b ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

pp. 509B-509

Author(s):

Robert H. Stamps

Keyword(s):

Controlled Release ◽

Application Rate ◽

Contamination Level ◽

N Leaching ◽

Nitrogen Application ◽

N Application ◽

Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽

Nitrate N ◽

Application Rates ◽

N Application Rate

One of the most difficult times to balance crop nitrogen (N) requirements with concerns about nitrate-N leaching occurs during crop establishment, when root systems are poorly developed and not widely distributed in the growing medium. This dilemma can be exacerbated when producing a slow-growing plant such as leatherleaf fern (Rumohra adiantiformis [Forst.] Ching) on sandy soils in shadehouses in areas with significant rainfall. Rhizomes were planted in 36 drainage lysimeters containing Tavares fine sand located in a shadehouse. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied at nine rates using liquid and/or controlled-release fertilizer. Nitrogen application rates were varied as the rhizomes became established and spread into unplanted areas of the lysimeters. Irrigation and rainfall were monitored and the amount of water not lost to evapotranspiration was determined. Nitrogen (ammoniacal, nitrate/nitrite, total Kjeldahl) concentrations in leachate collected below the rootzone were determined. Stipe sap nitrate and frond total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) were determined to try to develop a production monitoring technique. Initially, only leachate samples from controlled-release fertilizer plots treated at 21 and 42 kg of N/ha per year and liquid fertilizer at 28 kg of N/ha per year were consistently below the maximum contamination level (MCL) of 10 mg·L–1. As the fern became established, leachate nitrate/nitrite-N concentrations from higher N application rate treatments also remained below the MCL. Leachate N concentrations decreased as rainfall increased. Fern growth increased with increasing N application rate. Stipe sap nitrate-N and frond TKN concentrations were not well-correlated during establishment.

Download Full-text

Container-grown Shrubs Respond Differently to Controlled-release Fertilizer Rates in a Temperate Climate

Journal of Environmental Horticulture ◽

10.24266/0738-2898-33.2.66 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

pp. 66-75 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mary Jane Clark ◽

Youbin Zheng

Keyword(s):

Controlled Release ◽

Nutrient Deficiency ◽

Growth Index ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Temperate Climate ◽

Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽

White Cedar ◽

Shoot Dry Weight ◽

Application Rates ◽

Species Specific

To determine the response of container-grown shrubs to controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) rate when grown in a temperate climate, Polyon® 19–04–10 + Minors, an 8–9 month CRF, was incorporated into growing substrates for ‘Gro-Low’ fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica Aiton), ‘Goldmound’ spirea (Spiraea × bumalda Burv.) and ‘Bloomerang’® purple lilac (Syringa × ‘Penda’) transplants. Also, a 15–06–11 + Micros, a 10–12 month CRF, was incorporated into growing substrates for ‘Green Mound’ boxwood (Buxus × ‘Green Mound’), ‘Runyan’ yew (Taxus × media) and ‘Emerald’ white-cedar (arborvitae) (Thuja occidentalis L.) transplants, at six rates (0.15, 0.45, 0.75, 1.05, 1.35 and 1.65 kg·m−3 N; 0.25, 0.76, 1.26, 1.77, 2.28 and 2.78 lb·yd−3 N). We observed greater growth index, leaf area, and shoot dry weight at high vs. low CRF rates for the majority of species. Nutrient deficiency symptoms such as light green leaves were observed at low CRF rates for some species, including fragrant sumac, lilac and white-cedar. Optimal species-specific CRF application rates were 1.05 kg·m−3 N (1.77 lb·yd−3 N) for lilac and yew and 0.45 kg·m−3 N (0.76 lb·yd−3 N) for boxwood and white-cedar, while the optimal CRF ranges were 0.75 to 1.35 kg·m−3 N (1.26 to 2.28 lb·yd−3 N) for fragrant sumac and 0.75 to 1.05 kg·m−3 N (1.26 to 1.77 lb·yd−3 N) for spirea. Adjusting CRF application rates based on plant response may provide nursery growers with an efficient tool for managing nursery crop growth and production timing in the temperate climate.

Download Full-text

Growth of Tree Species in Response to Controlled-release Fertilizer Sources and Application Rates in a Commercial Nursery Setting

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.33.4.603b ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 33 (4) ◽

pp. 603b-603

Author(s):

Allen D. Owings ◽

Edward W. Bush

Keyword(s):

Controlled Release ◽

Visual Quality ◽

Application Rate ◽

The Other ◽

Control Treatment ◽

Red Maple ◽

Shoot Height ◽

Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽

Application Rates ◽

Quality Ratings

A study was initiated at Bracy's Nursery, Amite, La., in Apr. 1997 to evaluate the influence of seven controlled-release fertilizer sources and three top-dressed application rates in production of 4-gal (15.7-L) containers of `LaFeliciana' peach and swamp red maple. The fertilizers tested were Osmocote Plus 15-9-11, Osmocote Plus 16-8-12, Woodace 20-5-10, Woodace 20-4-11, Customblen 24-4-6, Nutricote (Type 270) 17-7-8, and Nutricote (Type 360) 17-6-8. Application rates were 1.75, 2.25, and 2.75 lb N per cubic yard. The experiment was completely randomized within blocks (species) and each treatment was replicated five times. A control treatment was also included. For `LaFeliciana' peach, Nutricote and Osmocote yielded the superior results when shoot height and visual quality ratings were determined in October (6 months after initiation). Increases in application rate did not significantly increase shoot height or visual quality ratings in most cases. For swamp red maple, shoot height was not affected by fertilizer source or application rate. Caliper ranged from 19.2 to 23.0 mm but was only slightly influenced by fertilizer source and application rate. Visual quality ratings were significantly higher for Osmocote Plus 16-8-12 when compared to some of the other fertilizer sources.

Download Full-text

Effect of different soil and weather conditions on efficacy, selectivity and dissipation of herbicides in sunflower

Plant Soil and Environment ◽

10.17221/223/2020-pse ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 66 (No. 9) ◽

pp. 468-476

Author(s):

Miroslav Jursík ◽

Martin Kočárek ◽

Michaela Kolářová ◽

Lukáš Tichý

Keyword(s):

Cation Exchange Capacity ◽

Chenopodium Album ◽

Soil Layer ◽

Weather Conditions ◽

Growing Season ◽

Application Rate ◽

Exchange Capacity ◽

Vertical Transport ◽

Application Rates ◽

High Precipitation

Six sunflower herbicides were tested at two application rates (1N and 2N) on three locations (with different soil types) within three years (2015–2017). Efficacy of the tested herbicides on Chenopodium album increased with an increasing cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soil. Efficacy of pendimethalin was 95%, flurochloridone and aclonifen 94%, dimethenamid-P 72%, pethoxamid 49% and S-metolachlor 47%. All tested herbicides injured sunflower on sandy soil (Regosol) which had the lowest CEC, especially in wet conditions (phytotoxicity 27% after 1N application rate). The highest phytotoxicity was recorded after the application of dimethenamid-P (19% at 1N and 45% at 2N application rate). Main symptoms of phytotoxicity were leaf deformations and necroses and the damage of growing tips, which led to destruction of some plants. Aclonifen, pethoxamid and S-metolachlor at 1N did not injure sunflower on the soil with the highest CEC (Chernozem) in any of the experimental years. Persistence of tested herbicides was significantly longer in Fluvisol (medium CEC) compared to Regosol and Chernozem. Dimethenamid-P showed the shortest persistence in Regosol and Chernozem. The majority of herbicides was detected in the soil layer 0–5 cm in all tested soils. Vertical transport of herbicides in soil was affected by the herbicide used, soil type and weather conditions. The highest vertical transport was recorded for dimethenamid-P and pethoxamid (4, resp. 6% of applied rate) in Regosol in the growing season with high precipitation.

Download Full-text

EFFECTS OF CONTROLLED-RELEASE AND LIQUID FERTILIZATION ON LEATHERLEAF FERN AND NITROGEN LEACHING

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.27.6.582f ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 27 (6) ◽

pp. 582f-583

Author(s):

Robert H. Stamps

Keyword(s):

Controlled Release ◽

Fine Sand ◽

Fertilization Rate ◽

Application Rate ◽

Vase Life ◽

N Leaching ◽

Application Rates ◽

One Year ◽

Liquid Fertilization ◽

Intact Soil

Established leatherleaf fern was grown for one year in a glasshouse in intact soil columns (Astatula fine sand, 21 × 61 cm) contained in drainage lysimeters. Columns were fertilized at rates of 224, 448, or 672 kg N ha-1 yr-1 using controlled-release (CR) fertilizer, either 360-day (360CR) or 180-day (180CR) term, or weekly applications of liquid (L) fertilizer. Water use, yield (number of harvestable fronds) and average frond weight increased linearly with increasing fertilization rate and more fronds were produced using L than CR fertilizers. Frond color measurements paralleled yield results. During cool weather when vase life is greatest, fronds from L fertilizer lysimeters lasted longer than fronds from CR treated plots. During warmer weather, treatments had no effect on vase life. Nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) leaching increased with fertilization rate and exceeded 10 ppm in leachate from the L and 180CR treatments at all application rates. NO3-N in leachate from 360CR lysimeters never exceeded 8 ppm at any application rate.

Download Full-text

Growth of Bedding Plants in Substrates Amended with Compost and Fertilized with Three Different Release Rates of a Controlled-release Fertilizer Product

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.14.4.0474 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 474-478 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kimberly K. Moore

Keyword(s):

Controlled Release ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Application Rate ◽

Release Rates ◽

Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽

Bedding Plants ◽

Shoot Dry Weight ◽

Standard Application ◽

Impatiens Wallerana

Growth of `Aladdin Peach Morn' petunia (Petunia × hybrida) and `Accent White' impatiens (Impatiens wallerana) was compared in substrates containing 0%, 30%, 60%, or 100% compost made from biosolids and yard trimmings and fertilized with Nutricote Total 13-13-13 (13N-5.7P-10.8K) Types 70, 100, and 140 incorporated at rates of 0.5x, 1x, 2x, or 3x (x = standard application rate for a medium-feeding crop). Petunia shoot dry weight of plants fertilized with Type 70 incorporated at 0.5x increased as the percentage of compost in the substrate increased from 0% to 60% and then decreased, while shoot dry weight of plants fertilized with Type 70 incorporated at 1x, 2x, or 3x increased as the percentage of compost increased from 0% to 30% and then decreased. Impatiens shoot dry weight of plants fertilized with Type 70 incorporated at 0.5x and 1x also increased as the percentage of compost increased from 0% to 30% and then decreased, while shoot dry weight of plants fertilized at 2x and 3x decreased as the percentage of compost increased from 0% to 100%. Both petunia and impatiens shoot dry weight of plants fertilized with Type 100 and Type 140 incorporated at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, or 3x increased as the percentage of compost increased from 0% to 60% and then decreased.

Download Full-text

Nodulation and Plant Growth of Shepherdia ×utahensis ‘Torrey’ Topdressed with Controlled-release Fertilizer

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci15260-20 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 55 (12) ◽

pp. 1956-1962

Author(s):

Ji-Jhong Chen ◽

Heidi Kratsch ◽

Jeanette Norton ◽

Youping Sun ◽

Larry Rupp

Keyword(s):

Controlled Release ◽

Plant Growth ◽

Nutrient Solution ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Nodule Formation ◽

N Leaching ◽

Gas Exchange Parameters ◽

N Content ◽

Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽

Application Rates

Shepherdia ×utahensis ‘Torrey’ (‘Torrey’ hybrid buffaloberry) is an actinorhizal plant that can fix atmospheric nitrogen (N2) in symbiotic root nodules with Frankia. Actinorhizal plants with N2-fixing capacity are valuable in sustainable nursery production and urban landscape use. However, whether nodule formation occurs in S. ×utahensis ‘Torrey’ and its interaction with nitrogen (N) fertilization remain largely unknown. Increased mineral N in fertilizer or nutrient solution might inhibit nodulation and lead to excessive N leaching. In this study, S. ×utahensis ‘Torrey’ plants inoculated with soils containing Frankia were irrigated with an N-free nutrient solution with or without added 2 mm ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) or with 0.0 to 8.4 g·L−1 controlled-release fertilizer (CRF; 15N–3.9P–10K) to study nodulation and plant morphological and physiological responses. The performance of inoculated plants treated with various amounts of CRF was compared with uninoculated plants treated with the manufacturer’s prescribed rate. Plant growth, gas exchange parameters, and shoot N content increased quadratically or linearly along with increasing CRF application rates (all P < 0.01). No parameters increased significantly at CRF doses greater than 2.1 g·L−1. Furthermore, the number of nodules per plant decreased quadratically (P = 0.0001) with increasing CRF application rates and nodule formation were completely inhibited at 2.9 g·L−1 CRF or by NH4NO3 at 2 mm. According to our results, nodulation of S. ×utahensis ‘Torrey’ was sensitive to N in the nutrient solution or in increasing CRF levels. Furthermore, plant growth, number of shoots, leaf area, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, root dry weight, and N content of shoots of inoculated S. ×utahensis ‘Torrey’ plants treated with 2.1 g·L−1 CRF were similar to those of uninoculated plants treated with the manufacturer’s prescribed rate. Our results show that S. ×utahensis ‘Torrey’ plants inoculated with soil containing Frankia need less CRF than the prescribed rate to maintain plant quality, promote nodulation for N2 fixation, and reduce N leaching.

Download Full-text

Effect of Root-Plug Incorporated Controlled-Release Fertilizer on Two-Year Growth and Survival of Planted Ponderosa Pine Seedlings

Western Journal of Applied Forestry ◽

10.1093/wjaf/17.4.216 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 17 (4) ◽

pp. 216-219 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

James A. Moore ◽

Zhaofei Fan ◽

Bahman Shafii

Keyword(s):

Controlled Release ◽

Seedling Growth ◽

Pinus Ponderosa ◽

Ponderosa Pine ◽

Growth Response ◽

Nutrient Status ◽

Good Survival ◽

Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽

Pine Seedlings ◽

Fast Release

Abstract Three controlled-release fertilizers (fast release [FR], moderate release [MR], and slow release [SR]) were incorporated in the root plug at rates of 0.8, 1.6, or 3.2 g/seedling at the time of sowing as supplements to nursery supplied soluble fertilizer. Effects on seedling growth, survival, and foliar nutrient status of the “160/90” container ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) were evaluated after outplanting. At the end of the second growing season, fertilized seedlings had significantly greater diameter and height than unfertilized seedlings. The 3.2 g of MR or SR fertilizer treatments produced significantly higher mortality (55 and 36%, respectively) than the controls. The fast release fertilizer included at a rate of 0.8 g in each seedling's container was the preferred treatment since it produced good survival and seedling growth response. A 2-yr growth response of about 25% was similar to that observed in a nearby study using adjacent placement of controlled-release fertilizer after planting ponderosa pine seedlings. West. J. Appl. For. 17(4):216–219.

Download Full-text