Nutrient Management Research Database
General Information
Research Title
Evaluation of Controlled Release Fertilizers and Fertigation in Strawberries and Vegetables
Research Specifications
Crop: Celery, Strawberry
Soil Type:
State: California
Year: 1995
Authors
Bendixen, Warren E., Hanson, Blaine, Hartz, Tim K., Larson, Kirk D.
Summary/Abstract from Original Source
Research Highlights
Design and Methods
- Controlled release fertilizer (CRF) formulations decrease the rate at which applied fertilizer becomes plant available, broadening the time period that plants can use fertilizer after it is applied.
- This report briefly describes two field trials performed on the effect on CRF on strawberry and celery yields.
Results
- For strawberries:
1) All 3 CRF formulations tested resulted in yield increases as compared to fertilizer application alone.
2) Reponses to increasing fertilizer application increases (from 80 lbs N/ac to 160 lbs N/ac, all preplant) were mixed, with yield increases observed in only 2 out of 3 years.
- For celery
1) No clear pattern of yield differences was observed between the 3 fertilizer treatments studied.
2) Fertilizing at the rate of 160 lbs/ac, when combned with CRF, increased yield over the 80 lbs/ac rate.
3) These observations reflect the above average rainfall during the years of the study. Rainfall increases the likelihood of nitrate leaching, making CRF have a more pronounced effect on N retention.