scholarly journals Fertilizer Source and Irrigation Depth Affect Nutrient Leaching During Coleus Container Production

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 113-119
Author(s):  
Kayla R. Sanders ◽  
Jeffrey S. Beasley ◽  
Edward W. Bush ◽  
Stacia L. Conger
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Release ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Leaching ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Inorganic N ◽  
Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽  
Best Management ◽  
Soluble Fertilizer ◽  
Container Production

Abstract Nutrient leaching during nursery container production can have negative effects on plant growth and the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of fertilizer source at two irrigation depths on nutrient leaching during coleus [Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) Codd] ‘Solar Sunrise' container production to develop best management practices. Coleus received no fertilizer, a controlled-release fertilizer (CRF), or a water-soluble fertilizer (WSF) applied at 0.30 kg N and P per m3 (0.02 lb per ft3) and were irrigated at 1.9 or 3.8 cm.day−1 (0.7 or 1.5 in.day−1) for 56 days after planting (DAP). Leachate was analyzed every 7 DAP for inorganic N and dissolved total P (DTP). At 56 DAP, root biomass, leaf quality, and plant growth index were similar between CRF and WSF treatments at both irrigation depths. Highest inorganic N and DTP losses occurred within 21 DAP. Application of WSF resulted in higher cumulative N and DTP losses compared to CRF applications. Coleus irrigated at 3.8 cm.day−1 and fertilized with WSF resulted in higher DTP losses compared to CRF applications regardless of irrigation depth. Reducing irrigation reduced inorganic N leaching for each fertilizer source. Application of CRF provided consistent growth while curbing nutrient losses across both irrigation depths compared to WSF. Index words: controlled-release fertilizer, water-soluble fertilizer, nursery producers, best management practices. Chemicals used in this study: Micronutrients mix (Micromax®); controlled-release fertilizer (Osmocote® Classic); water-soluble fertilizer (Grower's Special). Species used in this study: Coleus [Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) Codd] ‘Solar Sunrise'.

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

HortScience ◽  
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.

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

HortScience ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-159 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals FATE AND MOVEMENT OF NO3– N AS A RESULT OF STAGED LEACHING IRRIGATION EVENTS AND FERTILIZER SOURCE DURING POTATO PRODUCTION IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA

HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 498B-498
Author(s):  
Christine M. Worthington ◽  
Chad M. Hutchinson
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Release ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Potato Crop ◽  
Potato Production ◽  
Water Runoff ◽  
Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽  
Run Off ◽  
N Loading ◽  
Surface Water Runoff

The St. Johns River has been identified by the state of Florida as a priority water body in need of restoration. Best Management Practices were evaluated for potato (Solanum tuberosum L. `Atlantic') production in the Tri-County Agricultural Area to reduce nitrate run-off from about 9,300 ha in production. Objectives of this study were 1) determine the influence of soluble and controlled release fertilizer (CRF) and timing of leaching irrigation on nitrate leaching and 2) compare yield and quality of the potato crop fertilized with either a soluble or controlled release nitrogen fertilizer in a seepage irrigated production system. The experiment was a split-split plot with four replications. Main plots were irrigation events (0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after planting, (WAP)), nitrogen source and rates included (ammonium nitrate (AN) 224 kg·ha–1 or controlled release fertilizer (CRF) 196 kg·ha–1). About 7.6 cm of water was applied at each irrigation event and surface water runoff collected. CRF decreased NO3-N loading by an average of 35%, 28%, and 32% compared to AN fertilizer during the 2, 8, and 12 WAP irrigation events, respectively, compared to AN. Plants in CRF treatments had significantly higher total and marketable tuber yields (30 and 25 t·ha–1) compared to plants in AN treatments (27 and 23 t·ha–1), respectively. Plants in the CRF treatments also had significantly higher total and marketable yields in 2005 (28 and 23 t·ha–1) compared to plants in AN treatments (25 and 21 t·ha–1), respectively. CRF was an effective alternative to conventional soluble forms of fertilizer maintaining yields and protecting natural resources from nonpoint source pollution.

scholarly journals Survey of Best Management Practices in Container Production Nurseries

2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 142-144
Author(s):  
Glenn B. Fain ◽  
Charles H. Gilliam ◽  
Ken M. Tilt ◽  
John W. Olive ◽  
Beth Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Coastal Zone ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Control Release ◽  
Runoff Water ◽  
Best Management ◽  
The Past ◽  
Container Production

Abstract Twenty-four nurseries producing container-grown plants were surveyed along the coastal zone of south Alabama to determine Best Management Practices (BMPs) implemented since 1988. All nurseries utilized multiple BMPs. Seventy-five percent of all nurseries surveyed have the capability to capture runoff water; however, larger nurseries (medium 4.5–16.6 ha (11–40 A); large 16.6+ ha (40+A)) were more likely to capture runoff than smaller nurseries 0.4–4.1 ha (1–10 A). Since 1988, 78% of all collection ponds have been built with 44% of those being built in the past 5 years. Other BMPs widely used included installation of grass filter/erosion strips, having specific personnel devoted to water management, use of control release fertilizers, scouting for pests, use of horticultural oils, and staggered herbicide applications.

scholarly journals Controlled-release Fertilizer Placement Affects the Leaching Pattern of Nutrients from Nursery Containers during Irrigation

HortScience ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (10) ◽  
pp. 1341-1345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler C. Hoskins ◽  
James S. Owen ◽  
Alex X. Niemiera
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Release ◽  
Point Source ◽  
Nutrient Concentration ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutrient Use Efficiency ◽  
Nutrient Leaching ◽  
Nutrient Load ◽  
Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽  
Placement Method ◽  
Leaching Pattern

Maximizing nutrient use efficiency while minimizing nutrient leaching and non-point source contributions from containerized crop production systems are goals of researchers and growers. These goals have led to irrigation and crop nutrition management practices that reduce fertilizer and irrigation expenditures and reduce the nutrient load into the environment. However, one area that has received little attention, and may lead to the further refinement of crop management practices, is how dissolved nutrients (solutes) move through a substrate while water is being applied during irrigation. A study was conducted to characterize the effect of a controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) placement method on changes in leachate nutrient concentration throughout an irrigation event and to evaluate these changes at different times throughout a production season. A pine bark:sand (9:1, by volume) substrate was placed in 2.7-L nursery containers (fallow) and was treated with topdressed, incorporated, and dibbled CRF or did not receive CRF. The nutrient leaching pattern was evaluated at 3, 9, and 15 weeks after potting (WAP). Leachate nutrient concentration was the highest in the first 50 mL of effluent and steadily diminished as irrigation continued for the topdressed, incorporated, and the no CRF treatments. Effluent nutrient concentration from containers with dibbled CRF generally increased throughout the first 150 mL of effluent, plateaued briefly, and then diminished. The nutrient load that leached with higher volumes of irrigation water was similar between incorporated and dibbled CRF placements. However, the unique nutrient leaching pattern observed with the dibbled CRF placement method allowed for a lower effluent nutrient load when leaching fractions are low. Dibble may be an advantageous CRF placement method that allows for the conservation of expensive fertilizer resources and mitigates non-point source nutrient contributions by reducing undesired nutrient leaching during irrigation.

scholarly journals BMP Assessments Using CCROP (Container Crop Resource Optimization Program) Simulation Tools

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-109
Author(s):  
Jeff B. Million ◽  
Thomas H. Yeager
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Release ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Planting Date ◽  
Resource Optimization ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
Fertilizer N ◽  
Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽  
Optimization Program ◽  
Simulation Tools

We describe and demonstrate the use of web-based simulation tools that use the plant growth model CCROP (Container Crop Resource Optimization Program) to quantify the expected impacts that two example best management practices (BMP) would have on water and N use during production of a container-grown woody ornamental plant. For Example 1, an irrigation BMP of applying amounts of water proportional to plant demand (evapotranspiration) was compared to fixed irrigation rates of 1.0 and 1.5 cm·d−1 at two locations in Florida and for six planting dates. For Example 2, a fertilizer BMP of customizing controlled-release fertilizer N rates based on expected N response was compared to a single N rate that resulted in optimal growth for six plant dates. Simulations based on eight years of historical weather data projected that the irrigation BMP would reduce water usage 24–57% with greater savings coinciding with longer crop times as affected by planting date and location. Similarly, simulations projected that the fertilizer BMP would reduce controlled-release fertilizer N applied 15–37% depending upon container size and planting date. Simulation tools also estimated cost savings and reduced environmental impact (N leaching loss) resulting from BMPs. We concluded that CCROP simulation tools can help growers and grower-advisers quantify potential impacts so that informed, economic decisions regarding BMP implementation can be made which are applicable to management practices and weather at the container nursery.

scholarly journals Effects of Controlled-Release Fertilizer Placement on Nutrient Leaching and Growth of Bedding Impatiens

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-65
Author(s):  
G.A. Andiru ◽  
C.C. Pasian ◽  
J.M. Frantz
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Release ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽  
Bedding Plants ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Soluble Fertilizer

Bedding impatiens plants were grown with a 16N-3.9P-10K controlled-release-fertilizer (CRF) of 5–6 or 8–9 month longevities placed at four positions in the container: top-dressed, incorporated, top-one-third, and bottom. These were compared to plants grown with a 20N-4.4P-16.6 water-soluble fertilizer (WSF) at a rate of 150 mg·L−1 nitrogen (N) (150 ppm N). All treatments received the same volume of tap water (CRF treatments) or fertilizer solution (WSF treatment), which was enough to achieve a 20 to 30% leaching fraction. Leachates were collected and measured at each irrigation and the concentrations of N, phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) were measured. Shoot dry weight (SDW) and canopy cover (CC) were also determined. Fertilizing with WSF produced plants of similar size as CRF treatments. CRF applied at the bottom of the substrate leached the highest amount of N among all treatments. Higher concentrations for most nutrients were measured in the leachates from containers treated with 5–6 month CRF during the first 20 d after planting than the next 23 to 34 days. The higher levels of nutrients in the leachates observed within two weeks after planting does not support the use of 5–6 month CRF at the application rates used in this experiment with short-cycle plants such as bedding plants in compared to use of WSF. Except for the bottom placement treatment, the use of 8–9 month CRF resulted in generally less nutrients leached than WSF.

scholarly journals Turf Nutrient Leaching and Best Management Practices in Florida

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie E. Trenholm ◽  
Jerry B. Sartain
Keyword(s):  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Nutrient Leaching ◽  
Best Management ◽  
N Source ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Voluntary Program

Best management practices (BMPs) for Florida's green industries have been established since 2002. BMPs for nonagricultural industries such as commercial lawn care were developed in 2002 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), and other parties. The BMP educational program, delivered primarily by UF/IFAS extension in partnership with the FDEP, began in 2003 as a voluntary program. As a result of increasing concerns regarding lawn fertilization and potential harmful effects on ground and surface waters, several local governments throughout the state require commercial fertilizer applicators to have a certificate of completion in a BMP educational program. The BMP program emphasizes appropriate fertilization practices to reduce nonpoint source pollution, including proper rates, timings, and application of fertilizers. Research done on fate of fertilizer applied to turfgrass demonstrates that a properly maintained lawn provides an effective means for uptake of nutrients. Some of the factors that have been shown through research to increase the opportunity for nutrient leaching include nitrogen (N) application at higher than recommended rates, excess rainfall after fertilization, and fertilization at a time when turf is not actively growing. Research results vary regarding N source and the difference in nitrate leaching resulting from N source. To provide concise research-based information for lawmakers and elected officials in Florida, there is currently a large research project underway to further quantify nutrient leaching under a variety of circumstances. Results of this research should form the basis for future regulations regarding fertilizer applications.

scholarly journals Effects of Fertilizer on Media Chemistry and Red-flowering Currant Seedling Growth Using a Subirrigation System

HortScience ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
pp. 1862-1871
Author(s):  
Layla J. Dunlap ◽  
Jeremiah R. Pinto ◽  
Anthony S. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Release ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Field Performance ◽  
Plant Morphology ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Fertilizer Treatment ◽  
Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽  
The Media ◽  
Soluble Fertilizer

Water conservation in nursery systems is an ever-increasing focus, yet there is relatively little guidance for growers producing seedlings intended for restoration regarding how practices such as subirrigation influence plant growth in the nursery and after outplanting. Our study investigated red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum Pursh) seedling development and early field performance using different fertilizer treatments under a subirrigation regime. Plants were fertilized with 1) incorporated organic fertilizer, 2) incorporated controlled-release fertilizer, 3) top-dressed controlled-release fertilizer, or 4) water-soluble fertilizer. We found that seedlings grown with organic fertilizer used significantly less water than all other treatments. Media electrical conductivity (EC) levels were significantly greater in the organic fertilizer treatment, and EC values in the top portion of the media were significantly greater than the middle or bottom portions for all fertilizer treatments. The remaining subirrigation water at the end of 22 weeks held 17% of applied nitrogen (N) from the water-soluble fertilizer treatment and less than 1% of applied N from the other fertilizer treatments. We observed no differences in plant morphology among fertilizer treatments. Seedlings were subsequently out-planted into low- and high-competition treatments, where myriad factors indicated reduced growth among high-competition compared with low-competition plots, highlighting that competition for soil water limited seedling performance. These results indicate that a variety of fertilizers can be used to grow red-flowering currant under subirrigation and that postplanting growth is enhanced with control of competing vegetation.

scholarly journals Controlled-release Fertilizers for Vegetable Production in the Era of Best Management Practices: Teaching New Tricks to an Old Dog

2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric H. Simonne ◽  
Chad M. Hutchinson
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Release ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Calcium Nitrate ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Available Nitrogen ◽  
Cost Share ◽  
Best Management ◽  
N Release ◽  
Controlled Release Fertilizers

Best management practices (BMPs) for vegetable crops are under development nationwide and in Florida. One goal of the Florida BMP program is to minimize the possible movement of nitrate-nitrogen from potato (Solanum tuberosum) production to surface water in the St. Johns River watershed without negatively impacting potato yields or quality. Current fertilizer BMPs developed for the area focus on fertilizer rate. Controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) have long been a part of nutrient management in greenhouse and nursery crops. However, CRFs have been seldom used in field-vegetable production because of their cost and release characteristics. Nutrient release curves for CRFs are not available for the soil moisture and temperature conditions prevailing in the seepage-irrigated soils of northern Florida. Controlled-leaching studies (pot-in-pot) in 2000 and 2001 have shown that plant-available nitrogen (N) was significantly higher early in the season from ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate and urea compared to selected CRFs. However, N release from off-the-shelf and experimental CRFs was too slow, resulting in N recoveries ranging from 13% to 51%. Cost increase due to the use of CRFs for potato production ranged from $71.66 to $158.14/ha ($29 to $64 per acre) based on cost of material and N application rate. This higher cost may be offset by reduced application cost and cost-share pro-grams. Adoption of CRF programs by the potato (and vegetable) industry in Florida will depend on the accuracy and predictability of N release, state agencies' commitment to cost-share programs, and CRFs manufacturers' marketing strategies. All interested parties would benefit in the development of BMPs for CRFs.

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