Video of the Week: Proper Application of Controlled-Release Fertilizers

Posted by Brian Sparks|April 7, 2023

Each week, Greenhouse Grower highlights a video that shines a spotlight on the controlled-environment industry, from crop protection advice to insider views on plant production at greenhouse operations across the country. Have you recently produced a video you want us to highlight? If so, please send a link to Greenhouse Grower Senior Editor Brian Sparks at [email protected].

The goal of any greenhouse fertility program is to deliver containerized crops with adequate mineral nutrients to meet plant growth requirements and produce high-quality, marketable plants. Water-soluble fertilizers are the most common and widely used source to provide nutrients to containerized crops.

Controlled-release fertilizers can be used as an alternative or in combination with water-soluble fertilizers to successfully provide containerized crops with nutrients. Success begins with selecting the appropriate formulation and release time so that the crops’ nutrient needs are being met throughout the production cycle. Furthermore, growers should consider selecting a fertilizer with a prill size suitable for the container or cell pack so it can be successfully integrated into your production regimen. Finally, procedures by which controlled-release fertilizers are applied impacts success and may translate to labor or water-soluble fertilizer savings.

Learn more in the video below, or click here to read an e-GRO alert from last month.