Controlled-release Fertilizer Application Research Articles

Effects of Different Fertilization Patterns on Nitrogen Leaching Loss from Paddy Fields Under Reduced Nitrogen

Nitrogen leaching loss in paddy fields is one of the main ways of farmland non-point source pollution. To explore the suitable fertilization of rice fields in the Erhai Lake Basin and reduce the nitrogen loss from paddy fields, a field experiment was conducted by setting single applications of chemical or organic fertilizer, combined organic and inorganic application, and single application of controlled release fertilizer under reduced nitrogen conditions. The results showed that, compared with the conventional fertilization treatment(CF), there was no significant difference in rice grain and straw yield between the single chemical fertilizer treatment(T1) and the organic-inorganic combined treatment(T3); the single organic fertilizer treatment(T2) decreased the rice grain yield by 13.0%, and decreased straw yield by 17.1%; single application of controlled-release fertilizer(T4) increased rice grain and straw yield by 15.7% and 21.0%, respectively. Further, compared with CF, the single application of chemical fertilizer(T1), organic fertilizer(T2), and organic-inorganic combined application(T3) reduced the total nitrogen leaching loss at 30 cm depths by 26.9%, 18.0%, and 33.9%, respectively. The loss of ammonia nitrogen leaching with T1, T2, and T3 decreased by 24.4%, 36.9%, and 36.6%, respectively, and the loss of nitrate nitrogen leaching decreased by 40.2%, 4.8% and 46.4%. The total nitrogen leaching at 60 cm soil depths was reduced by 34.2%, 26.3%, and 42.1%, the loss of ammonia nitrogen leaching was reduced by 31.4%, 35.7%, and 46.6%, and the loss of nitrate nitrogen leaching was reduced by 8.0%, 10.1%, and 23.9% for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The total nitrogen loss at 30 and 60 cm depths increased by 41.6% and 14.0% in the single application of controlled release fertilizer(T4) treatment. Considering factors such as agronomic and environmental benefits of different fertilization modes, T1 and T3 are suitable environmentally friendly alternative fertilization modes.

Controlled release fertilizer: A review on developments, applications and potential in agriculture

Controlled release fertilizer (CRF) plays a crucial yet necessary part in the sustainable agriculture industry. An alarming rise in call for crop production directly influences the increasing need for synthetically derived fertilizers and pesticides production. The application of CRF has been a gamechanger as an environmentally sustainable pathway to increase crop yields by paving desired phase of plant growth via a direct or indirect mechanism. The mechanism of CRF does not only decreases nutrient dissipation due to volatilization and leaching, but also provides a precisely appropriate nutrient release design that is suitable in the physiological and biochemical aspect of the plant growth. However, CRF is not deployed on larger scale of commercial agriculture practices due to being expensive, has relatively low efficiency in releasing nutrients and its coatings are largely composed of petroleum-based synthetic polymers. Alternatively, there are many polymers derived from renewable and biodegradable sources that can be used as coating material for CRF in the form of bio-nanocomposites. Having said that, there is an apparent gap between the mechanism of the CRFs for promoting plant growth and the prominent role of the nanocomposites especially bio-nanocomposites as coating material for CRF synthesis, thus the importance of nanotechnology application in enhancing the effectiveness of CRF. Therefore, this review attempts to bridge the stated gap and summarizes the comprehensive developments, application mechanisms and future potential of CRF as a fertilizer for crop sustainability.

Hydrophobic modification of waterborne polymer slows urea release and improves nitrogen use efficiency in rice

Controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) with long release longevity have been actively sought to match the nutrient demands of crops over the entire growing period. Waterborne polymer is an environmental friendliness coating for CRFs because it neither uses organic solvent nor influences soil property. However, its low hydrophobicity leads to a short controlled-release longevity of CRFs coated with waterborne polymer. To overcome this drawback, a hydrophobic coating was fabricated using silica-modified fluorinated lauryl-methacrylate-containing polyacrylate (SFLPA). After hydrophobic modification, both a slower water influx rate and a larger modulus induced a reduced swelling rate and an extended controlled-release longevity consequently from 42 days to 108 days. Furthermore, a pot trial demonstrated that a single application of SFLPA-coated CRFs significantly boosted grain yield (by 13.36%), nitrogen uptake (by 17.44%) and nitrogen use efficiency (by 24.29%) compared to a three-split application of urea in rice production. The study demonstrated substantial potential of silica/fluorinated waterborne polymer for improving the effectiveness of CRFs in rice production.

Controlled Release Fertilizers: A Review on Coating Materials and Mechanism of Release.

Rising world population is expected to increase the demand for nitrogen fertilizers to improve crop yield and ensure food security. With existing challenges on low nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of urea and its environmental concerns, controlled release fertilizers (CRFs) have become a potential solution by formulating them to synchronize nutrient release according to the requirement of plants. However, the most significant challenge that persists is the “tailing” effect, which reduces the economic benefits in terms of maximum fertilizer utilization. High materials cost is also a significant obstacle restraining the widespread application of CRF in agriculture. The first part of this review covers issues related to the application of conventional fertilizer and CRFs in general. In the subsequent sections, different raw materials utilized to form CRFs, focusing on inorganic and organic materials and synthetic and natural polymers alongside their physical and chemical preparation methods, are compared. Important factors affecting rate of release, mechanism of release and mathematical modelling approaches to predict nutrient release are also discussed. This review aims to provide a better overview of the developments regarding CRFs in the past ten years, and trends are identified and analyzed to provide an insight for future works in the field of agriculture.

Regulating CH4, N2O, and NO emissions from an alkaline paddy field under rice-wheat rotation with controlled release N fertilizer.

Controlled release fertilizer (CRF) has been shown to increase crop yield and N use efficiency (NUE) compared with traditional chemical fertilizer (TF). However, few studies examined the effects of CRF on CH4, N2O, and NO emissions simultaneously in alkaline paddy fields under rice-wheat rotation. In the present study, we conducted a 2-year field experiment to compare the effects of different CRF application strategies on these gas emissions with those of TF and explored the effects of CRF on global warming potential (GWP), crop yields, and greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI). Results showed that CRF can reduce 0.98-14.3%, 13.3-21.1%, and 8.22-16.3% of CH4, N2O, and NO emissions, respectively, in the studied alkaline paddy field. CRF reduce CH4 emission probably by regulating soil NH4+ concentration. CRF reduce N2O and NO emissions probably by regulating inorganic N content in the studied alkaline paddy soil. CRF had the same effect on annual crop yield as TF, especially when CRF was applied twice in each season and had the same N application rate as TF. Annual crop yields and the agronomic efficiency of N (AEN) increased by 8.24% and 21.6%, respectively. On the average of the two rice-wheat rotation cycles, GHGI significantly decreased by up to 14.1% after the application of CRF as relative to that after the application of TF (P < 0.05). These results suggest that CRF is an environment-friendly N fertilization strategy for mitigating GWP and ensuring high crop yield in an alkaline paddy field under rice-wheat rotation.

Estimation of Greenhouse Gas Emission in Rice Paddy Soil Under Slow Released N Fertilizer Application: Annual Investigation

Intermittent drainage can reduce methane (CH4) emission from rice paddy soils, but nitrous oxide (N2O) emission can increase. We believe that the slow released N fertilizer can mitigate N2O emissions by reducing N lost to the environment. In this study, we tried to assess the influence of slow N fertilizer on effective greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. We installed three different treatments, urea (U) treatment, controlled release fertilizer (CRF) treatment, and hairy vetch with urea (HV) treatment. The emission rates of CH4 and N2O were monitored using the closed chamber method during cropping and fallow season. The grain yield was investigated to calculate yield scaled greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI). Compared with U treatment, CH4 emission was reduced in CRF but increased in HV treatment. In contrast, N2O emission was increased in CRF but reduced in HV treatment. Grain yield was increased in CRF and HV treatment than U treatment. The GHGI was the lowest in CRF treatment by high grain yield and low GHG emission. In contrast, GHGI was the highest in HV treatment due to increased CH4 emission. In conclusion, controlled release fertilizer can effectively reduce GHG emission. However, CRF application increased N2O emissions during the fallow season, and further investigation is needed to determine whether this is due to the effect of fertilizer residues. In addition, due to field experiments that are easy to influenced by the environmental condition, it seems necessary to verify the research results through additional investigations over many years. Grain yield, total GWP and GHGI during annual season in rice paddy under difference type of nitrogen fertilizer application.

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.

‘Ray Ruby’ Grapefruit Affected by Huanglongbing I. Planting Density and Soil Nutrient Management

Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease, affects practically all fruit-bearing trees in commercial citrus orchards in Florida with no cure identified yet. High-density plantings and enhanced nutritional programs such as application of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) with higher micronutrient levels can mitigate disease symptoms and extend the tree life span of sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tree planting density and application of CRF blends differing in N to K ratio and micronutrient content on grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) plant health, canopy volume, fruit yield, and fruit quality in an HLB-affected orchard. A study was conducted in Florida for two growing seasons (2017–18 and 2018–19) to evaluate the response of ‘Ray Ruby’ grapefruit on Kuharske citrange (Citrus sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata) to three planting densities (300, 440, and 975 trees per ha) and two CRF blends [12 nitrogen (N)–1.31 phosphorus (P)–7.47 potassium (K) and 16N–1.31P–16.6K] with different nutrient sources and composition. According to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction testing, all sampled trees tested positive for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the pathogen associated with HLB. Trees planted at 975 trees per ha had 33% lower canopy volume per tree but 160% greater fruit yield per hectare and 190% higher yield of solids compared with 300 trees per ha. Fruit produced in high-density planting (975 trees per ha) was 18% more acidic with higher soluble solid compared with low-density planting (300 trees per ha). The use of a CRF blend with higher amounts of micronutrients along with lower K increased canopy volume in both seasons and resulted in 24% and 29% reduction in fruit yield per hectare and yield of solids, respectively, in 2017–18. Our results indicate that high-density plantings increase fruit yield per area, and regardless of the N to K ratio, the use of CRF blends supplemented with micronutrients may not increase fruit yield in HLB-affected grapefruit.

Nanocomposites for Delivering Agrochemicals: A Comprehensive Review.

Excessive application of fertilizers negatively affects soil health, causes low nutrient utilization efficiency in plants, and leads to environmental pollution. The application of controlled-release fertilizer is gaining momentum to overcome this crisis. Engineered nanocomposites (ENCs) have shown tremendous promise for need-based delivery of agrochemicals (macro- and micronutrients, pesticides, and other agrochemicals). This review provides comprehensive coverage of synthesis of nanocomposites, their physical-chemical characterization, and techniques to achieve sustained release and targeted delivery to the crops, emphasizing their beneficial role in plant production and protection. Related aspects like feasibility of the application, commercialization of the nanoformulations, and biosafety concerns are also highlighted. This will be helpful to develop a critical understanding of the current state of the art in the controlled release of agrochemicals through nanocomposites. The pressing issues like scale up production, cost analyses, field-based trials, and environmental safety concerns should be given greater attention in future studies.

Controlled release fertilizer used for the growth of Campomanesia aurea seedlings

Abstract Campomanesia aurea is a sub-shrub species native to the Pampa Biome, popularly known as “guabirobinha-do-campo”. It has an ornamental potential for use in pots or gardens due to its small size, irregular shape, intense flowering and aroma. One of the main factors for production is an adequate use of fertilizers and balanced fertilizations. The objective was to evaluate the growth of seedlings and nutrient leaf accumulation of C. aurea submitted to doses of controlled release fertilizer (CRF). C. aurea seedlings were transplanted to containers containing composted pinus bark and CRF doses of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 g L−1. Height, chlorophyll index, number of stems, base diameter, leaf area, Dickson Quality Index, shoot dry matter, root dry matter and nutrient leaf accumulation were evaluated. For height, base diameter and number of stems, the point of maximum response was at the concentration 6.8, 6.6 and 6.9 g L−1 CRF, respectively. For shoot dry matter, leaf area and chlorophyll, we verified increase up to the concentration 8.1, 7.8 and 8.0 g L−1, respectively. There was a positive quadratic behavior for most nutrients, with the exception of Cu and Mn, which linearly increased with the increase of fertilizer dose. The application of CRF on C. aurea seedlings between 7 and 8 g L−1 substrate promoted an increase on the main growth characteristics of ornamental importance and provides superior results on nutrient leaf content.

Association of controlled-release and foliar fertilizers in the production of grafted dwarf cashew seedlings

Cashew yield in Brazil is considered as unstable due to the heterogeneity of the orchards. With the availability of clonal seedlings of superior genotypes and modernization of cultural practices, the national yield of cashew nuts is expected to increase. This study aimed to evaluate the application of controlled-release and foliar fertilizers on the production of the “CCP 06” rootstock and on the grafted seedling of “BRS 226” dwarf cashew. Two complementary experiments were carried out at the Experimental Field of Pacajus, belonging to Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical, located in the municipality of Pacajus-CE, Brazil. The first one relative to the production of the “CCP 06” rootstock with application of a controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) in the substrate at rate of 3.70 kg m−3 or with spraying of foliar fertilizer (FF) at rate of 2.5 g L−1 at 30 days of sowing (DAS). In the second experiment, relative to the production of grafted seedlings of “BRS 226” dwarf cashew, treatments consisted in the application of CRF to the substrate at sowing (CRF S); FF at 30 days after sowing (FF 30 DAS); CRF after grafting (CRF AG), FF applied at 45 days after grafting the seedlings (FF 45 DAG); and associations of CRF S + FF 45 DAG, and FF 30 DAS + FF 45 DAG. The CRF applications after grafting, at sowing associated with FF 45 DAG and FF 30 DAS + FF 45 DAG led to increase in the total dry matter of the grafted seedlings of “BRS 226” dwarf cashew.

Fertilization and containers in the seedlings production and post-planting survival of &lt;i&gt;Schizolobium parahyba&lt;/i&gt;

Fertilization in the production of forest seedlings can vary according to the substrate, container and fertilizer used in the nursery. Controlled release fertilizers (CRF) can be applied to reduce or even to eliminate the need for top-dress fertilization. The CRF doses can vary according to the container volume, considering the different amount of substrate available for seedlings in different containers. This study aimed to evaluate the growth of Schizolobium parahyba seedlings produced in plastic tubes of 110 and 280 cm3, with different doses of CRF (15-09-12) (0, 3, 6 e 12 kg m-3), as well as the seedlings survival and the initial growth after post-planting in the northern region of Rio de Janeiro state. The study was conducted using a factorial design 2 x 4 (tube volumes x CRF doses), with five repetitions for each treatment. As substrate it was used sewage sludge from urban areas, which was dried in open air beds. The growth of seedlings at nursery was evaluated at 93 days after the transplant, and the survival and initial growth at five and twelve months after planting. The Schizolobium parahyba seedlings showed higher growth in 280 cm3 tubes and responded positively to the CRF application, where the most efficient dose was 8.3 kg cm3 for this plastic tube. Twelve months after planting, seedlings from all treatments showed survival below 80%, being under the standard recommended for forest restoration. The mortality of seedlings occurred in consequence of five months of water deficit in a sandy clay loam soil. Considering only nursery data, the combination of 280 cm3 plastic tubes, with the CRF dose of 8.3 kg cm3 are recommended to produce Schizolobium parahyba seedlings.

Fertilizer Source Affects Nutrient Losses from Hybrid Bermudagrass during Surface Runoff

Controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) provide an extended period of nutrient availability for turfgrass growth and may limit offsite nutrient losses compared with water-soluble fertilizers (WSFs). However, increasing temperatures and soil moisture accelerate nutrient release from many CRFs. As a result, turfgrass managers growing turfgrass in warm, humid climates with high rainfall question how effective CRFs are in reducing nutrient runoff losses while maintaining aesthetic quality. A study was conducted to examine the effect of three fertilizer treatments—an unfertilized control, a CRF applied at 87 lb/acre nitrogen (N), and a WSF applied at 87 lb/acre N as a split application (43.5 lb/acre N) at 0 and 45 d after initial fertilization (DAIF)—on nutrient losses from ‘Tifway’ hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis) during surface runoff events. Rainfall simulations were conducted 3, 28, 56, and 84 DAIF at an intensity of 3 inches per hour to induce 30 minutes of runoff. Water samples were analyzed for inorganic N and dissolved total phosphorus (DTP). Hybrid bermudagrass quality was similar among fertilizer treatments with CRF application, resulting in slightly higher quality. Across all fertilizer treatments, hybrid bermudagrass exhibited similar runoff initiation time and volumes within each rainfall simulation event. Nutrient losses from fertilized hybrid bermudagrass were greatest at the first runoff event at 3 DAIF, with WSF having the greatest losses. The subsequent application of WSF 45 DAIF did not result in greater N and DTP losses compared with CRF application, most likely a result of water incorporation applied to prevent wilting. Hybrid bermudagrass fertilized with a single application of CRF resulted in 23.6% and 55.6% reductions in cumulative inorganic N and DTP losses, respectively, compared with hybrid bermudagrass fertilized with the a split application of WSF.

Fertilizer Source and Irrigation Depth Affect Nutrient Leaching During Coleus 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'.

Controlled-release fertilizer in the first banana crop cycle

High doses of fertilizers are used in the fertilization of the first cycle of banana crops. These doses are divided in the cycle to reduce losses and applied manually, requiring a great number of people. The objective of this study was to compare a single application of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) with the split application of conventional mixed fertilizer (CF) evaluating yield, nutritional status and soil chemical characteristics during the first cycle of a banana crop. The experiment was conducted in Sete Barras, SP, Brazil, with the cv. Grand Naine using the CRF 14-07-27 and the CF 14-07-28. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications and five treatments: 900 and 600 g plant-1 of CRF, in a single application, and 1,200 g plant-1 of CF split in three, five and seven applications. Fertilization with CRF provided the same yield and kept an adequate nutritional status of banana plants compared to treatments using split application of CF. Fertilization with 600 g plant-1 of CRF made the soil less acidic than CF, regardless of split application, and kept the levels of P and K in the soil at appropriate levels for banana crops after four months of application.

Water pollution risk from nitrate migration in the soil profile as affected by fertilization in a wheat-maize rotation system

Reducing nitrogen (N) fertilizer input into the soil is needed by a crop production and environmental pollution control. A field experiment using a wheat-maize rotation system was conducted in North China Plain (NPL) to evaluate agronomic performance and the reduction of nitrate accumulation. The trial consisted of three replicates of five treatments: no nitrogen (CK), recommended N rate (REC) (180 and 210 kg ha−1 N fertilizer as urea for wheat and maize, respectively), same amount N in the form of controlled release fertilizer (CRF), with addition of duck manure to achieve the same total N rate as REC (80% REC + DM) and conventional fertilization (CF) (315 and 270 kg ha−1 N fertilizer as urea for wheat and maize, respectively). During the continued fertilization of the rotation system, the CRF application had an equal yield, N use efficiency (48%) and residual N (175 kg ha−1) but decreased the estimated N loss (18 kg ha-1) when compared to REC (72 kg ha-1). N accumulated below the root zone in the 40–60 cm soil layer was at a high risk of migrating deeper in the soil profile. Application of CRF could effectively reduce the nitrate N accumulating in the soil, slowing down the rate of nitrate migration to the deep soil.

Growth Response of Three Containerized Woody Plant Taxa to Varying Low Phosphorus Fertilizer Concentrations

Phosphorus (P) uptake efficiency (PUE; percent of applied P absorbed by roots) for containerized crops is ≈27% to 62%. Reducing P fertilization may increase PUE without decreasing growth and may reduce P leaching from containers, thus mitigating the environmental impact of containerized production while potentially reducing fertilizer input costs for growers. The objective of this study was to determine the minimum P application concentration and the resulting substrate pore-water (i.e., solution residing within and between substrate particles) P concentration that maintains maximal growth of three containerized woody plant taxa grown in pine bark substrate. Hydrangea paniculata Sieb. ‘Limelight’ (hydrangea), Ilex crenata Thunb. ‘Helleri’ (holly), and Rhododendron L. ‘Karen’ (azalea) were potted in pine bark substrate amended with dolomite and micronutrients and grown for 81 d in an open-wall greenhouse. Plants received either one of five constant liquid-feed treatments with varying P concentrations [80 mg·L−1 nitrogen (N), 50 mg·L−1 potassium (K), and 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, or 6.0 mg·L−1 P] or a single application of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF; control) at experiment initiation. Calculated lowest P fertilizer concentration that sustained maximal shoot dry weight (SDW) in hydrangea and azalea was 4.7 and 2.9 mg·L−1, respectively, and holly SDW was the same across all liquid fertilizer treatments. In all three taxa, CRF-fertilized plants achieved &lt;50% of maximal SDW observed in liquid-fertilized plants. Hydrangea root dry weight (RDW) nearly doubled as fertilizer P increased from 0.5 to 2.0 mg·L−1 P, but higher P concentrations did not further increase RDW. Holly RDW was unaffected by liquid P treatment. Pore-water P concentrations of treatments that sustained maximal SDW of hydrangea and azalea were as low as 0.6 and 2.2 mg·L−1 P, respectively. Our findings suggest that when using constant liquid feed, applied P levels more accurately predict plant growth responses than pore-water P levels.

Effect of Topdressed Controlled-release Fertilizer Rates on Nursery Crop Quality and Growth and Growing Substrate Nutrient Status in the Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

The objectives of the current study were to 1) determine the best topdressed controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) application rates for quality and growth of two nursery crops under temperate climate outdoor nursery production conditions in the Niagara region, Ontario, Canada, and 2) evaluate the nutrient status of the growing substrate following topdressing of two CRF types during the growing season. Fall-transplanted Goldmound spirea (Spiraea ×bumalda ‘Goldmound’) and Wine &amp; Roses® weigela [Weigela florida (Bunge) A. DC. ‘Alexandra’] were grown in 2-gal (7.56 L) containers and topdressed on 7 May 2015 with Osmocote Plus 15N–3.9P–9.9K, 5–6 month CRF or Plantacote 14N–3.9P–12.5K, 6 month Homogeneous NPK with Micros. CRF was applied at rates of 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, and 9.0 g nitrogen (N)/pot for both species. The best plants at the end of the growing season (i.e., 23 Sept. 2015) were spirea at 3.0–4.5 and 3.0–6.0 g N/pot, and weigela at 3.0–4.5 and 6.0 g N/pot, with Osmocote and Plantacote, respectively. At CRF rates above these rates, the majority of plants showed no increase in growth or quality attributes. All weigela plants, despite CRF application rate, showed K deficiency symptoms during the study. Using marketable-size criteria and plant growth data over time, estimates of production timing are presented for fall-transplanted, spring-topdressed weigela and spirea. These estimates may assist growers in choosing CRF application rates to meet time-sensitive production goals. Early in the growing season, NO3-N and P concentrations in the growing substrate were highest at CRF rates ≥4.5 and ≥6.0 g N/pot, respectively, and P continued to be high in August and September at 9.0 g N/pot. NH3-N and K concentrations at all CRF application rates were greater early in the growing season and decreased over time. At high CRF rates toward the end of the growing season, concentrations of NO3-N, NH3-N, and P once again increased. Considering crop-specific CRF application rates and understanding changes in growing substrate nutrient status during the growing season may help nursery growers prevent negative environmental impacts from over-fertilizing.

Effect of different fertilization managements on nitrate accumulation in a Mollisol of Northeast China

In a continuous spring maize system in Northeast China, the accumulation and succession characteristics of nitrate in Mollisol with four fertilization treatments, including no fertilization (CK), farmers’ conventional fertilization (FC), recommendation fertilization (RF), and controlled release fertilizer application (CRF), were compared over a 6-year field plot trial. On average, the RF and CRF treatments decreased nitrate nitrogen by 16.6 and 39.5 % in the 0–90 cm soil layer, respectively, and maintained a relatively high maize grain yield, as compared to the FC treatment. The accumulation of nitrate nitrogen was more obvious in the CRF treatment compared with the other fertilizer treatments under the arid climate. However, the high precipitation resulted in the leaching of nitrate nitrogen into the deeper soil layer in all the fertilizer treatments. The maximum of nitrate nitrogen in the 0–90 cm soil layer was 81.4 kg N/ha at a nitrogen fertilizer rate of 250 kg N/ha in the long-term trial, which was within the rational and safe level for groundwater. The best fertilization strategy to decrease nitrate accumulation in soil should consider both soil characteristics and precipitation.

Analysis of yield components and dry matter production in a simplified soilless tomato culture system by using controlled-release fertilizers during summer–winter greenhouse production

We investigated the use of a simplified soilless tomato culture system fertilized with controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) in northern Japan. The utility of this system was assessed by measuring plant growth, fruit yield, yield components, light interception by plant canopy and nutrient use during August–January. Five levels of fertilizer (5–15g N per plant) were applied using CRF in a closed system and these were compared with plants given liquid fertilizer (LF) with an electrical conductivity (EC) control in an open system. The CRF was supplied in a water recirculation tank. Total N supply in the LF system (19.7g N per plant) was higher than in the CRF treatments. In the latter, fresh fruit yield increased with higher fertilizer levels up to 12.5g N. The fruit yields at 12.5 and 15.0g N were similar to those with the LF system. The high fresh fruit yield was caused by high dry matter yield regardless of the CRF treatments, which showed similar dry matter distribution to fruit. A high correlation was noted between cumulative light interception and total dry matter production. Although both were high, dry matter distribution to fruit was lower in the LF system than in the CRF treatments. Overall, however, these effects resulted in similar dry and fresh fruit yields between CRF and LF treatments, with excessive vegetative growth in the LF system. We conclude that the closed CRF application system reduced 37% of nutrient use but still gave a fruit yield equivalent to that obtained by culturing with the open LF system and EC-based management.