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Fertilizer materials
Maintaining an adequate level of nutrients in the soilless media solution is the key objective of the fertilization program. As container crops increase in size, increase nutrient levels to meet elevated plant nutrient requirements. This can be achieved by increasing the fertilization rate and/or frequency of application.
Simple and complete fertilizers
- A complete fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- A compound fertilizer contains two of the nutrients.
- A simple fertilizer contains only one of the elements N, P, or K. For example, a
fertilizer material with the analysis of 0-20-0 contains only phosphorus.
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Recommended post-plant
complete granular fertilizers |
Dry fertilizers
Types of dry fertilizers include both granular (e.g., 10-10-10 and 15-15-15) and controlled-release fertilizers. A wide variety of dry fertilizer materials are available for container nursery crop fertilization. Although applying dry fertilizer materials does not require a substantial equipment investment, labor costs may be significant if multiple applications per year are necessary.
Granular fertilizers
Granular nitrogen sources can be incorporated into the media before planting or top-dressed post-planting. If a pre-plant fertilization program was not implemented, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied through granular fertilizers.
- Because nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are subject to loss through leaching, complete granular fertilizers may be applied at frequent intervals during the growing season to supply container-grown nursery stock with required nutrients.
- These fertilizers can supplement a liquid feeding system or a controlled-release system which may fail to deliver necessary nutrients.
- Supplements of magnesium and calcium sulfates help maintain magnesium and calcium at viable levels.
- Micronutrients should also be provided. For example, Micromax can be top-dressed on the media along with a complete granular fertilizer such as 10 - 10 - 10.
Keep in mind that uniform application of high analysis granular fertilizers may prove difficult in container nursery fertilization programs because of the small quantities of fertilizer material required. Always apply fertilizer materials according to media analysis results and recommendations.
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