Hydroponic Fertilizer Supply for Basil Using Controlled-release Fertilizer

Small-scale hydroponics is a growing urban horticulture trend, but nutrient solution management remains a challenge for small growers. The objective was to investigate the potential to use controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) to simplify nutrient management in small-scale hydroponic systems. Three experiments were conducted with the goal of a single fertilizer application during the crop cycle of basil (Ocimum basilicum). Nutrient release curves were quantified by adding prills to water and measuring nutrient content weekly in the solution for CRF products without plants. In all seven products tested (Osmocote Bloom 2–3M, Osmocote Plus 3–4M, E-Max Calcium Nitrate 2–3M, Agrocote MAP 3–4M, E-Max Keiserite 3–4M, E-Max K-Mag 2–3M, and Agrocote SOP 3–4M) an initial rapid release was followed by a plateau, but release rates differed between products varying from 100% (MgSO4) to 60% release [(NH4).(H2PO4)] over an 11-week evaluation period. Total nutrient content in two commercial N–P–K CRF products (3–4 months 15N–3P–10K and 2–3 months 12N–3.1P–14.9K) provided lower Ca and Mg compared with a typical hydroponic solution based on water-soluble fertilizer (WSF). A subsequent experiment evaluated plant growth response using the same two commercial CRF products (single application) or a WSF (replaced weekly) in growth chamber environment. Plants grown for 4 weeks under CRF treatments yielded less than half the shoot fresh weight of plants grown with WSF and exhibited symptoms of Ca deficiency and micronutrient toxicity (confirmed with tissue analysis). Electrical conductivity (EC) of CRF solutions increased over time indicating excess dose compared with plant uptake, reaching a maximum of 5.4 dS·m−1. Nutrient release curves from the first experiment were then used to estimate product release and create a single-application nutritional program based on a customized “Blend” developed from CRF macronutrients plus WSF micronutrients. Plants were grown hydroponically with two dosages of Blend (1X and 2X) and compared with a commercial WSF with weekly replacement of solution. Blend 2X and WSF treatments had similar shoot fresh weight (241 and 244 g/four plants, respectively) with healthy plant appearance and tissue nutrient levels generally within published survey ranges for basil. Commercial CRF products designed for soil or container production were unsuitable for hydroponics, but acceptable plant performance with the customized CRF Blend demonstrated proof-of-concept for a single CRF application.

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Comparison of the Nutrient Content of Eggs from Commercial and Village Chickens in Rural Malawi (P03-009-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz047.p03-009-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Rochelle Werner ◽

Bess Caswell ◽

Kenneth Maleta ◽

Christine Stewart

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D3 ◽

Large Scale ◽

Nutrient Content ◽

The United States ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Small Scale ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Nutrient Analysis ◽

The Mean ◽

The Village

Abstract Objectives To characterize the nutritional composition of chicken eggs from a large-scale commercial producer and a small-scale household producer in rural Malawi. Methods A convenience sample of 28 large commercial and 32 village eggs from Malawi were hardboiled and measured for the weight in grams of the whole egg, peeled egg, egg white, and egg yolk. A separate convenience sample of 11 commercial and 17 village eggs were selected for nutrient analysis. Eggs were hardboiled for 4 minutes, refrigerated, and shipped to a nutrient analysis lab in the United States. Eggs from each source were pooled and analyzed for macronutrients, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Analytes were reported per 100 g sample and converted to nutrients per egg using the mean peeled egg weight. Results The mean weight in grams of whole commercial eggs (59.4 ± 5.3) was 19 g greater than whole village eggs (40.4 ± 3.0). Commercial eggs had a 15 g greater mass of egg whites (37.0 ± 4.2) than village eggs (21.8 ± 2.5), but the mass of egg yolks only differed by one gram (commercial: 15.3 ± 1.0 and village: 14.1 ± 1.4). Per 100 g sample, commercial and village eggs had similar calories (143 kcals vs. 162kcals), protein (12.5 g vs. 12.5 g), water-soluble vitamins (1.61 µg vs. 1.92 µg Vitamin B-12; 63.5 µg vs. 59.9 µg folate, DFE) and minerals (1.7 mg vs. 2.1 mg iron; 21 µg vs. 24 µg selenium; 1.1 mg vs. 1.4 mg zinc). For fat-soluble nutrients, the 100 g sample of commercial eggs had a higher concentration of Vitamin A than the village eggs (150 µg vs. 102 µg RAE) but lower concentrations of Vitamin D3, α-tocopherol, and choline than the village eggs (0.8 µg vs. 2.9 µg Vitamin D3; 2.25 mg vs. 4.08 mg α-tocopherol; and 238 mg vs. 314 mg choline). However, when compared on a per egg basis, the fat-soluble nutrient content of the whole eggs was similar due to the smaller size of the village eggs. Conclusions On a per egg basis, eggs from small-scale households may deliver comparable amounts of fat-soluble nutrients but fewer calories, protein, and minerals compared to eggs from commercial producers; however, on a per 100 g basis, village eggs were a more nutrient-dense option. Funding Sources The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, BLUM Center of UC Davis.

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Evaluating a Controlled-Release Fertilizer for Plant Establishment in Floating Elements for Bioretention Ponds

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10020199 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 199 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Giampaolo Zanin ◽

Carmelo Maucieri ◽

Nicola Dal Ferro ◽

Lucia Bortolini ◽

Maurizio Borin

Keyword(s):

Controlled Release ◽

Plant Growth ◽

Tap Water ◽

Nutrient Content ◽

Routine Practice ◽

Initial Growth ◽

Plant Establishment ◽

Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽

Mentha Aquatica ◽

Quality Of Water

In bioretention ponds proposed to manage urban runoff, floating elements with anchored macrophytes plants improve nutrient and pollutants removal and provide aesthetic benefits. To prompt the establishment and initial growth of plants in floating elements with substrate, the application of Osmocote (a controlled-release fertilizer) in tablet form was proposed. In a confined environment, eight treatments were compared, combining two substrates (peat and zeolite at a ratio of 1:1 or 2:1 v/v), two levels of fertilization (without or with addition of Osmocote plus tablets; 5 g plant−1), and the presence or absence of Mentha aquatica L. plants. For about 16 weeks, the amount and quality of water, along with plant growth and nutrient content, were monitored. The results showed better plant growth when Osmocote was supplied, with no effect of the substrate. The presence of the plant produced the almost total uptake of the nutrients contained in the tap water and released by the fertilizer. This indicates that the use of a controlled release fertilizer can improve plant growth without compromising water quality, hence being a valuable solution to promote plant establishment usable as routine practice when a bioretention basin is vegetated with floating elements with substrate.

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503 PB 219 RECYCLING SOLUTIONS AND METHOD OF FERTILIZATION INFLUENCE GROWTH OF HYBRID GERANIUM

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.29.5.503e ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 29 (5) ◽

pp. 503e-503

Author(s):

Patricia R. Knight ◽

D. Joseph Eakes ◽

Charles H. Gilliam ◽

Harry G. Ponder

Keyword(s):

Controlled Release ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Plant Quality ◽

Pine Bark ◽

Peat Moss ◽

Production Medium ◽

Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽

Soluble Fertilizer ◽

Receiving Water

Seed geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum Bailey `Scarlet Elite') were grown in subirrigation troughs in 10-cm pots from 25 June to 3 August 1993. Production medium was a 1 pine bark:3 peat moss:1 perlite (v:v:v) mixture. Plants were irrigated using fresh or recycled solutions and fertilized using Peter's Geranium Special 15N-6.5P-12.5K or Osmocote 14N-6.1P-11.6K. Controlled release fertilizer produced greater shoot dry weights and foliar color ratings than plants receiving water soluble fertilizer. Plants receiving a controlled release fertilizer had lower shoot N concentrations than plants receiving water soluble fertilizer. Recycled irrigation solutions reduced plant quality regardless of method of fertilization.

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Controlled-release Fertilizer during Cutting Propagation Affects Growth and Tissue Nutrient Concentrations of Rooted Cuttings of Annual Bedding Plants

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.49.2.152 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 49 (2) ◽

pp. 152-159 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Christopher J. Currey ◽

Roberto G. Lopez

Keyword(s):

Controlled Release ◽

Dry Mass ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Nutrient Concentrations ◽

Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽

Bedding Plants ◽

Tissue Nutrient Concentrations ◽

Soluble Fertilizer ◽

Soilless Substrate ◽

The Impact

Our objectives were to quantify the effects of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) on the growth, morphology, and tissue nutrient concentration of annual bedding plants during propagation. Unrooted cuttings of Angelonia angustifolia ‘AngelFace White’ and ‘Sundancer Pink’, Impatiens hawkeri ‘Celebrette Apricot’ and ‘Celebrette Rose Hot’, Nemesia fruticans ‘Bluebird’ and ‘Raspberry Sachet’, Pelargonium ×hortorum ‘Savannah Red’, and Petunia ×hybrida ‘Cascadia Marshmallow Pink’ and ‘Suncatcher Yellow’ were received from a commercial propagator. Cuttings were immediately stuck individually in cells containing soilless substrate supplemented with 0, 3, 6, 12, or 24 g·L−1 CRF (Osmocote Plus 15–3.9–10 3–4 month) and placed under clear mist water or cuttings were stuck in substrate containing no CRF and fertilized with water-soluble fertilizer beginning immediately after placing cuttings into propagation. Shoot dry mass of cuttings grown in substrates containing up to 12 or 24 g·L−1 CRF increased by up to 150% for some taxa compared with unfertilized cuttings. Incorporating CRFs into propagation substrates increased the concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in tissues by up to 103%, 42%, and 137%, respectively, compared with unfertilized cuttings. Additionally, tissue nutrient concentrations for cuttings fertilized with 6 g·L−1 CRF or greater were similar to cuttings receiving water-soluble fertilizer (WSF). When the impact of CRF on growth and nutrient concentrations are taken together, our results indicate that CRF is a fertilization application technology that holds promise for use during propagation of herbaceous stem-tip cuttings.

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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.

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Effect of Humic Acid Seed Treatments on Growth and Development of Seedlings

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.31.4.632e ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

pp. 632e-632

Author(s):

Jack A. Hartwigsen ◽

Michael R. Evans

Keyword(s):

Humic Acid ◽

Growth And Development ◽

Acid Treatment ◽

Nutrient Content ◽

Deionized Water ◽

Fresh Weight ◽

Shoot Fresh Weight ◽

Control Root ◽

Percent Germination ◽

Nutrient Solutions

Seed of Cucumis sativus and Pelargonium ×hortorum were imbibed for 24 hours in solutions containing 0 (deionized water), 2500, 5000, 10,000, and 20,000 ppm humic acid. Additional treatments included seed which were imbibed in nutrient solutions corresponding to the nutrient content of each humic acid solution as well as an untreated dry control. Percent germination was reduced for geranium seed imbibed in 20,000 ppm humic acid and for cucumber seed imbibed in either 20,000 ppm humic acid or the corresponding nutrient control. Root fresh weights for untreated and water imbibed geranium seed were 0.05 g. Humic acid treatment increased root fresh weights to a maximum of 0.14 g at 5000 and 10,000 ppm. Shoot fresh weights for geranium were 0.12 and 0.10 g for untreated and water imbibed seed, respectively. Humic acid treatment increased shoot fresh weight to a maximum of 0.18 at 2500 ppm. Root fresh weights for cucumber were 0.16 and 0.18 g for untreated and water imbibed seeds, respectively. Humic acid treatment increased root fresh weight to a maximum of 0.33 g at 10,000 ppm. Shoot fresh weights for cucumber were 0.31 and 0.38 g for untreated and water imbibed seed, respectively. Humic acid treatment increased shoot fresh weight to a maximum of 0.43 at 10,000 ppm.

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Interactive Short-term Effects of Waterlogging and Salinity Stress on Growth and Carbohydrate, Lipid Peroxidation, and Nutrients in Two Perennial Ryegrass Cultivars

Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science ◽

10.21273/jashs04023-17 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 142 (2) ◽

pp. 110-118 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Xiujie Yin ◽

Chao Zhang ◽

Xin Song ◽

Yiwei Jiang

Keyword(s):

Lipid Peroxidation ◽

Salinity Stress ◽

Perennial Ryegrass ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Nutrient Content ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Soluble Carbohydrate ◽

Fresh Weight ◽

Short Term ◽

Water Soluble Carbohydrate

Waterlogging can occur in salt-affected turfgrass sites. The objective of this study was to characterize growth and carbohydrate, lipid peroxidation, and nutrient levels in the leaves and roots of two perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) cultivars (Catalina and Inspire) to short-term simultaneous waterlogging and salinity stress. Previous research showed that ‘Catalina’ was relatively more tolerant to salinity but less tolerant to submergence than ‘Inspire’. Both cultivars were subjected to 3 and 7 days of waterlogging (W), salinity [S (300 mm NaCl)], and a combination of the two stresses (WS). Across the two cultivars, W alone had little effect on the plants, while both S and WS alone significantly decreased plant height (HT), leaf fresh weight (LFW), leaf dry weight (LDW), root fresh weight (RFW), root dry weight (RDW), leaf nitrogen (LN) and carbon (LC), and leaf and root K+ (RK+), and increased leaf water-soluble carbohydrate (LWSC) and root water-soluble carbohydrate (RWSC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Na+ content, compared with the control. A decline in chlorophyll content (Chl) was found only at 7 days of WS. Leaf phosphorus (LP) content either decreased or remained unchanged but root phosphorus content increased under S and WS. Reductions in LFW and LDW were found at 3 days of S and WS, whereas RFW and RDW were unaffected until 7 days of S or WS. Both cultivars responded similarly to W, S, and WS with a few exceptions on RDW, LWSC, leaf MDA (LMDA), and root MDA (RMDA). Although WS caused declines in Chl and resulted in higher leaf Na+ (LNa+) and root Na+ (RNa+) than S at 7 days of treatment, S and WS had similar effects on growth, carbohydrate, MDA, N, C, and phosphorus, and K+ content across the two cultivars. The results suggested that S alone largely accounted for the negative effects of WS on plant growth and physiology including alteration of carbohydrate and nutrient content as well as induction of lipid peroxidation.

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