2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Application of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) has shown great advantages in improving crop yield, reducing labor cost from farming operation, promoting fertilizer use efficiency, and protecting environment for a sustainable development in agriculture. However, a relatively higher price for CRF as compared to conventional fertilizer (CoF) is one of main obstacles for growers. In addition, a feasibility of the right source of fertilizers also depends on right crops associated with good management practices, especially with water management. To compare these two different fertilizers in vegetable crops, field demonstration trials were conducted on the Experimental Farm at UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center in different years with various water supplies in green beans. The results showed that the yield of green beans was increased significantly in one year but not in the other year. Water supply seems play a critical role to improve the release of plant available nutrients from CRF and help increase the crop yield. A short life crop, such as green beans with only 56-58 days after sown, may not have enough time for the given CRF to function, especially when the water supply is limited. In conclusion, the application of CRF needs right type, right crop and with sufficient water supply to optimize the output.