Abstract
Objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different controlled release fertilizer technologies on nutrient leaching and plant growth parameters of two palm species, Chinese Fan (Livistona chinensis) and Queen (Syagrus romanzoffiana). We compared Nutri-Pak (12-4-12 controlled release packet) and Harrell’s (12-4-12 controlled release polymer coated urea) against Atlantic (8-4-12 controlled release polymer coated urea, coated sulfate of potash), the most commonly used palm fertilizer in South Florida. Plants were grown in 25 cm (11 L) pots under 70% shade, watered weekly, with pest and weed control done as required. Plant growth parameters: number of leaves, leaf length and width, and basal diameter, were measured every two months. Leachate was collected weekly after irrigation and a two-month composite sample was analyzed for nutrient concentrations. There was no difference in the growth parameters among the three fertilizers for Chinese Fan plants. However for Queen, Atlantic and Harrell’s had significantly thicker basal diameter than Nutri-Pak. Significant difference in the concentration of nutrients in the leachate was observed among the fertilizer types. Throughout the study period, Nutri-Pak had a lower concentration of nutrients in the leachate than Atlantic and Harrell’s. Our research indicates that Nutri-Pak control release fertilizer is comparable to other commercial fertilizers in Chinese Fan growth, but the larger Queen palms likely require an additional packet. Nutri-Pak fertilizer resulted in less nutrient leaching and could be a better environmental choice.
Highlights
Palms are one of the most important ornamental plants in Florida landscapes
Palms are considered low maintenance landscape plants but the palms growing in Florida landscapes are subject to numerous nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron [3]
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of different fertilizers on nutrient leaching and plant growth parameters of two container grown palm species Chinese fan (Livistona chinensis) and Queen palms (Syagrus romanzoffiana), and to evaluate the cost of production of these two palm species
Summary
Palms are one of the most important ornamental plants in Florida landscapes. They are a major crop representing 9.5% of Florida’s nursery sales [1]. There is a large diversity of palm species, well-suited to the sub-tropical climate of South Florida because of their tolerance of cool winter temperatures, seasonal rainfall, soil alkalinity, and resistance to pests and diseases [2]. Palms are considered low maintenance landscape plants but the palms growing in Florida landscapes are subject to numerous nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron [3]. With sandy soils and high rainfall, nutrient loss due to leaching is significant. For potted plants, nutrient loss by leaching is not as high because of the organic potting substrates with higher water holding capacity
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