ABCs of Fertilizer Management in English Nov 3, 2010 (Vista/San Marcos)

8:00 am – 9:30 am  Welcome and Part 1

A review of key plant physiological concepts will be taught, so that applied concepts of plant nutrition and fertility management, which will be taught during the later half of the course, are clearly understood.

9:30 am – 9:45 am

BREAK

9:45 am – 12 noon
Part 2

Each of the essential plant nutrients will be discussed in detail, emphasizing:

Cycling of the nutrient in the environment (soil, air, water, and plants)

EPA guidelines and state and regional regulations pertaining to that element, if any.

Fertilizer formulations containing the element.  Participants will be taught how to calculate nutrient content from fertilizers commonly used in the industry.

Nutrient disorders of each element will be discussed, emphasizing plant symptoms of plant deficiencies.

Environmental and cultural practices will be discussed that may cause nutrient disorders or reduce the efficiency of nutrient uptake into plant.

12 noon – 12:30 pm

LUNCH sponsored by Grangetto's Farm and Garden Supply

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm   Part 3

Fertilizer Management (Best Management Practices).  The appropriate use of specific fertilizer formulations will be discussed, with a focus on minimizing fertilizer costs through optimization of nutrient uptake into the plants with minimal nutrient leaching. The use of fertilizer injectors will be demonstrated.

Coated Controlled Release fertilizers

Liquid Fertilizers

Granular Fertilizers