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Comparing the effect of controlled-release, slow-release, and water-soluble fertilizers on plant growth and nutrient leaching

Ostrom, Aaron Kale
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1299641954

Abstract Details

2011, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Horticulture and Crop Science.
In the first experiment of this thesis, four different fertilizers were applied at three rates each in order to investigate their effect on growth and quality of New Guinea Impatiens (NGI ) (Impatiens hawkeri Bull.) ‘Paradise New Red.’ Fertilizer treatments included 1) Peters Peat-Lite 20-4.4-16.6 water-soluble fertilizer (WSF), 2) Daniels 10-1.8-2.5 soybean-based fertilizer (SBF), 3) Osmocote Plus 15-4-10, 3- 4 month longevity controlled-release fertilizer (CRF), 4) and Contec-DG 15-4-10, 5-month slow-release turf fertilizer (AGT). SPAD readings, plant dry weight (DW), consumer preference ratings (CP), and cumulative flower number (CFN) were measured and used to calculate a total quality index and select ‘optimal’ application rates for experiment two. SBF applied at equivalent rates of N fertilization resulted in higher dry weight and significantly lower EC than WSF. ‘Optimal’ rates were determined to be 1) AGT at 2.14 kg-m-3, 2) CRF at 7.11 kg-m-3, 3) SBF at 150 mg-L-1 N, and 4) WSF at 75 mg-L-1 N. In experiment two, the effect of these ‘optimal’ rates on plant growth, nutrition, and nutrient leaching were compared. One or more nutrient deficiencies were detected in every treatment except CRF. While SBF plants appeared healthy, necrotic spotting occurred due to K deficiency. AGT plants were rated the lowest by consumers, grew the least, had lower SPAD, and were generally less floriferous than other treatments. CRF leached the most nutrients, most notably N (94-524% more total N), especially early in the production period. N, P, K, and Mg losses were the most affected by leaching with clear water to reduce supraoptimal substrate EC. While SBF leached similar amounts of N as WSF even though it was fertigated at twice the rate, higher N leaching may have occurred due to unmeasured urea in leachate. Based on these results, three-month longevity CRF and AGT may not be suitable for NGI fertilization. In experiment three, the effect of temperature on nutrient leaching at a 0.25 target leaching fraction was investigated during an eight-week period. 1) AGT, 2) Osmocote Plus 15-4-10, 5-6 month longevity controlled-release fertilizer (CRF2), and 3) MagAmp K 7-17.7-5 slow-release fertilizer (MAP), were applied at a standard N rate of 0.54 kg-m-3 and incubated in growth chambers at constant temperatures of 18°C, 22°C and 26°C. With the exception of N, most nutrients from AGT were quickly solubilized and lost from the substrate, regardless of temperature. Methylene urea in AGT caused acidification of the substrate between 22-26°C and increased the solubility of Mn and Mg. Nitrification reactions may have contributed to increased dissolution of some nutrients above 22°C for MAP. Temperature didn’t have a large total overall effect on nutrient leaching from CRF2, but P and Ca leaching was higher at 18°C, possibly due to higher substrate moisture content. In general, when using controlled or slow-release fertilizers, mean temperatures at or below 18°C should be avoided as release and availability of some nutrients may be either reduced or not matched with plant nutritional requirements.
Claudio C. Pasian (Advisor)
Jonathan M. Frantz (Committee Member)
Michelle L. Jones (Committee Member)
131 p.
Horticulture
floriculture; new guinea impatiens; slow-release fertilizer; controlled-release fertilizer; nutrient leaching

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Ostrom, A. K. (2011). Comparing the effect of controlled-release, slow-release, and water-soluble fertilizers on plant growth and nutrient leaching [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1299641954

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Ostrom, Aaron. Comparing the effect of controlled-release, slow-release, and water-soluble fertilizers on plant growth and nutrient leaching. 2011. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1299641954.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Ostrom, Aaron. "Comparing the effect of controlled-release, slow-release, and water-soluble fertilizers on plant growth and nutrient leaching." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1299641954

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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