ISHS Acta Horticulturae 548: International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics
METHOD OF FERTILIZER APPLICATION AFFECTS NUTRIENT LOSSES OF CONTROLLED-RELEASE FERTILIZER |
| Authors: | S.L. Warren, T.E. Bilderback, H.H. Kraus |
| Keywords: | mineral nutrient content, Cotoneaster dammeri ‘Skogholm’, nitrogen budget, phosphorus budget |
| Abstract:
An experiment with two controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) and two methods of fertilizer application (surface-applied or incorporated) was conducted to evaluate the impact of method of fertilizer application on nutrient losses and efficacy. Rooted cuttings of Cotoneaster dammeri ‘Skogholm’ were potted into 3.8 liter containers in an 8 pine bark: 1 sand (by vol) substrate. Each plant was fertilized at potting with 5.0 g N from Nutricote 18N-2.6P-6.6K or Meister 18N-2.6P-9.7K. The experiment, a RCBD with four replications was conducted for 100 days on a plant production area subdivided into 16 separate plots that allowed for the collection of all irrigation water leaving each plot. Twenty containers were placed on each plot. Irrigation water (total volume = 800 ml) was applied daily in two equal applications with a two hr interval between irrigation allotments via pressure compensated spray stakes. Volume of effluent from each plot was measured daily and analyzed for NO3-N, NH4-N, and PO4-P. Nitrate losses increased 105% or 258% when Nutricote or Meister, respectively was incorporated compared to surface-applied. Phosphorus losses increased 33% or 88% when Nutricote or Meister, respectively was incorporated compared to surface-applied, respectively. Nitrogen efficiency was 39% to 53% for Meister incorporated and surface-applied, respectively, whereas N efficiency was 34% to 43% for Nutricote incorporated and surface-applied, respectively. Phosphorus efficiency with Meister fertilizer was greater for surface-applied (57%) compared to incorporated (38%). Phosphorus efficiency (32%) with Nutricote was unaffected by the method of application. | |
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