Fertilization Is One of the Most Economical and Environmentally-friendly Management Tools in Container Nursery Crop Production

Excess fertilization is not only costly, but can also injure plants and cause unnecessary nutrient runoff, resulting in environmental damage. However, insufficient fertilization can result in plants showing symptoms of nutrient deficiencies, reduce crop productivity, and eventually reduce the efficiency of other resource inputs during nursery crop production. When optimal fertilizer application rates are used, nursery crops will perform at their best, and growers will be able to maximize resource-use efficiency, which can improve profit margins while minimizing negative environmental impacts. To provide optimal fertilization rate recommendations for container-grown nursery crops in temperate climate regions, we conducted extensive on-farm trials between 2012 and 2016. The trials were conducted at five commercial nurseries and two research campuses, located in different regions within Ontario, Canada. More than ten fertilizer types, two application methods (i.e., incorporation and topdressing), and more than 25 crop species were tested during production in one-, two- and five-gallon containers. This talk will present optimal fertilization rates for multiple container nursery crops, as well as crop performance (e.g., growth), nutrient leaching and water use in response to different fertilization practices (e.g., application methods and timing). The results clearly demonstrated that fertilization was one of the most economical and environmentally-friendly management tools in container nursery crop production. For example, when the fertilizer application method, rate and timing are correct, it can significantly save water and other resources.

This work was financially supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), Ornamental Horticulture Cluster Research Program, Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance, Landscape Ontario, and Agrium Advanced Technologies. Thanks to our nursery partners and horticultural suppliers for providing materials, time and expertise.