DOCSLIB.ORG

Foliar-Applied Micronutrients in Aquaponics: a Guide to Use and Sourcing1

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Foliar-Applied Micronutrients in Aquaponics: a Guide to Use and Sourcing1 Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office. HS1163 Foliar-Applied Micronutrients in Aquaponics: A Guide to Use and Sourcing1 Danielle Treadwell, Sarah Taber, Richard Tyson, and Eric Simonne2 Introduction maintaining sufficient crop micronutrient levels. It also summarizes the different sources of Aquaponics is an emerging type of agricultural micronutrients and their potential suitability for production system combining two production aquaponics systems. systems: aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponic fruit, vegetable, or herb production. One unique This information should assist growers in challenge in aquaponics is maintaining water pH at evaluating products appropriate for their own values that are suitable for all the organisms in the systems, even in the face of a constantly changing system. The ideal water pH for hydroponic plants is array of product options. Both organic-compliant 5.5–6.5, while the ideal pH for fish and the micronutrient sources (USDA 2002) and accompanying biofilter system—discussed in more conventional micronutrient sources will be discussed. detail later—is between 7.0 and 9.0 (Tyson 2007). Individuals interested in organic production Plants may experience deficiency of some should be aware that the USDA National Organic micronutrients at pH greater than 6.5 because many Program final rule does not have a standard for micronutrients form compounds that do not dissolve greenhouse production, hydroponics, or aquaculture. in water at these pH levels. Biofilter bacteria are Therefore, aquaponic fish cannot be labeled and sold responsible for changing ammonia (NH ), which is 3 as "certified organic" (Diver 2006). However, quite toxic to fish, to relatively harmless nitrate hydroponic produce may be sold as certified organic (NO -). These bacteria can survive at the 5.5–6.5 pH 3 if it meets the organic requirements, and fish can be range, but do not convert ammonia to nitrate as marketed as "naturally grown" or in similar quickly, putting the fish at risk of suffering ammonia green-label categories. For more information on toxicity. certified organic production, visit "Introduction to This publication reviews the special aspects of Organic Crop Production" at water chemistry involved in aquaponics, especially http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/CV118 and extension's pH, and how water chemistry contributes to "Organic System Plan Overview" at http://www.extension.org/article/20975. 1. This document is HS1163, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date July 2010. Visit the EDIS Web Site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. 2. Danielle Treadwell, assistant professor, Horticultural Sciences; Sarah Taber, graduate student, Plant Pathology; Richard Tyson, Extension agent IV, Seminole County; and Eric Simonne, associate professor and NE district Extension director The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Dean Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office. Foliar-Applied Micronutrients in Aquaponics: A Guide to Use and Sourcing 2 First Considerations with fish. The tilapia and produce aquaponics system at Micronutrients: pH the University of the Virgin Islands maintains pH by alternating between adding CaOH and KOH (Diver One of aquaponics' top management priorities is 2006). Other strong bases, such as sodium hydroxide the maintenance of correct water chemistry and (NaOH), would maintain correct pH but would be nutrient balance. Hydroponics typically operates at a poor choices for aquaponics because neither plants pH between 5.5 and 6.5 because several nutrients, nor fish take up sodium (Na) in any appreciable including iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), boron amount, so it can easily accumulate in the water to (B), and manganese (Mn), become unavailable at a toxic levels. higher pH (Timmons and Ebeling 2002; Tyson Phosphoric acid, or H PO , is commonly used in 2007). However, both fish and biofilter bacteria 3 4 perform best at a pH of 7.0 or above. Biofilter aquaponics and aquaculture to adjust pH downward bacteria are required for fish culture because they (R. Tyson, pers. comm.). Other suitable materials for convert the ammonia (NH ) in fish waste, which is adjusting pH may be found by consulting books or 3 toxic to fish, into relatively harmless nitrate (NO -). periodicals on aquaponics, or by communicating with 3 Sizing of biofilters varies depending on stocking rate, other aquaponic growers. The National Sustainable type of substrate used for the biofilter, and amount of Agriculture Information Service's (ATTRA) NH + that is removed by the hydroponic plants. In publication Aquaculture Enterprises: Considerations 4 the case of tilapia, the NH concentration must be and Strategies (Gegner 2006) has a list of both 3 kept below 0.1 mg/L (0.1 ppm) by the combined NH written references and aquaponic growers' 3 removal of the biofilter and hydroponic plants associations in its resources section. (El-Shafai et al. 2004). Although not fatal, tilapia Organic producers must also consider whether growth is slowed at or above this level. acids, bases, and nutrients are allowable under the Tyson (2007) proposed a solution to this USDA National Organic Program final rule. dilemma by maintaining pH between 7.0 and 8.0 for Aquaponics constitutes a gray area under the organic intensively managed systems to increase nitrification, regulations because neither aquaculture nor and by applying foliar nutrients to compensate for the hydroponic produce is specifically addressed in the standards. For example, CaOH, KOH, and H PO are low availability of some nutrients in this pH range. 3 4 The amount of each nutrient to use in a foliar all allowable substances under the organic standards application on aquaponic plants has not been for various situations, but not to adjust pH. In this determined and would probably be different from case, it is best for growers to consult with their system to system. Therefore, the individual growers certifying agencies to find appropriate acids and would need to determine the appropriate amounts of bases for organic hydroponic produce. Fish cannot be micronutrients for foliar application. labeled as "certified organic" under any circumstances. Correct pH is essential to the healthy functioning of an aquaponic system. Therefore, growers should Different Aquaponics Systems Have check their system's pH daily, either with an Different Micronutrient Needs electronic pH meter or with a test strip (J. Rakocy and R. Tyson, pers. comm.). There are many hydroponic system types that can be modified to work with aquaponics; When the pH must be adjusted, growers are reciprocating and constant-flow systems are used limited to acids and bases that are nontoxic to both most often. A reciprocating hydroponics system is fish and plants and pose little or no risk of one in which the hydroponic media are alternately accumulation. For example, calcium hydroxide flooded and then drained on a regular basis, usually (CaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) are good with the plant roots in some sort of granular or choices for raising pH, since Ca (calcium) and K fibrous media (such as sand, vermiculite, perlite, or (potassium) are nutrients required by both plants and coconut husk fiber). A constant-flow system is one in Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office. Foliar-Applied Micronutrients in Aquaponics: A Guide to Use and Sourcing 3 which the roots are always immersed in the nutrient systems and choose amendments that contain few or solution, which flows at a constant rate 24 hours a no ingredients capable of accumulating to toxic levels day. These systems can use some kind of solid for either fish or plants. soilless media, but the roots can also hang freely in the solution. Examples include the raft and nutrient Sources of Micronutrients film systems (where the plants are positioned in The most widely used sources of micronutrients floating foam or cork rafts and their roots are in agriculture are mined inorganic minerals and submerged in the flowing solution) and the trickling synthetic chelates. Chelate comes from the Greek bed system (where plants grow in a solid soilless term for "claw"; chelates are molecules that, when media with solution trickled through it) methods. dissolved in water, can "grab" onto positively Constant-flow systems have a distinct advantage charged ions, many of which are plant micronutrients 2+ 3+ 2+ in aquaponics, where micronutrient concentration is (such as iron [Fe and Fe ], copper [Cu ], 2+ reduced by a high pH (Tyson 2007, Tyson et al. manganese [Mn ], etc.). Chelated micronutrients 2008). In soil or reciprocating hydroponic systems, are still available to plants and prevented from the water and nutrients
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Managing Potassium for Organic Crop Production by Robert Mikkelsen an Adequate K Supply Is Essential for Both Organic and Conventional Crop Production
    NORTH AMERICA Managing Potassium for Organic Crop Production By Robert Mikkelsen An adequate K supply is essential for both organic and conventional crop production. Potas- sium is involved in many plant physiological reactions, including osmoregulation, protein synthesis, enzyme activation, and photosynthate translocation. The K balance on many farms is negative, where more K is removed in harvested crops than is returned again to the soil. An overview of commonly used K fertilizers for organic production is provided. otassium is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but it often receives less attention than N and P in many crop Pproduction systems. Many regions of the U.S.A. and all of the Canadian provinces remove more K during harvest than is returned to the soil in fertilizer and manure (Figure 1). In the U.S.A., an average of only 3 units of K is replaced as fertilizer and manure for every 4 units of K removed in crops, resulting in a depletion of nutrients from the soil and increasing occur- rences of deficiency in many places. Potassium is the soil cation required in the largest amount by plants, regardless of nutrient management philosophy. 1,400 Removal 1,200 Hay and forage crops can remove hundreds of pounds of K from the soil Manure each year, placing a heavy demand on soil resources. 1,000 Fertilizer Large amounts of K are required to maintain plant health 800 and vigor. Some specific roles of K in the plant include os- moregulation, internal cation/anion balance, enzyme activa- 600 tion, proper water relations, photosynthate translocation, and 400 protein synthesis.
    [Show full text]
  • Comparison of Three Approaches for Cultivating Lettuce, Mint and Mushroom Herb
    agronomy Article Nutrient Management in Aquaponics: Comparison of Three Approaches for Cultivating Lettuce, Mint and Mushroom Herb Valentina Nozzi 1, Andreas Graber 2 ID , Zala Schmautz 2 ID , Alex Mathis 2 and Ranka Junge 2,* ID 1 Department of Life and Environmental Science, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; [email protected] 2 Institute for Natural Resource Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Grüental, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland; [email protected] (A.G.); [email protected] (Z.S.); [email protected] (A.M.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +41-589-345-922 Received: 10 February 2018; Accepted: 5 March 2018; Published: 7 March 2018 Abstract: Nutrients that are contained in aquaculture effluent may not supply sufficient levels of nutrients for proper plant development and growth in hydroponics; therefore, they need to be supplemented. To determine the required level of supplementation, three identical aquaponic systems (A, B, and C) and one hydroponic system (D) were stocked with lettuce, mint, and mushroom herbs. The aquaponic systems were stocked with Nile tilapia. System A only received nutrients derived from fish feed; system B received nutrients from fish feed as well as weekly supplements of micronutrients and Fe; system C received the same nutrients as B, with weekly supplements of the macronutrients, P and K; in system D, a hydroponic inorganic solution containing N, Ca, and the same nutrients as system C was added weekly. Lettuce achieved the highest yields in system C, mint in system B, and mushroom herb in systems A and B. The present study demonstrated that the nutritional requirements of the mint and mushroom herb make them suitable for aquaponic farming because they require low levels of supplement addition, and hence little management effort, resulting in minimal cost increases.
    [Show full text]
  • Aquaponics As an Emerging Production System for Sustainable Production
    Horticulture International Journal Mini review Open Access Aquaponics as an emerging production system for sustainable production Abstract Volume 4 Issue 5 - 2020 With the increase in the consumption of vegetables due to the increase in the population Thaís da Silva Oliveira,1 Letícia Fernanda and the tendency to change the consumer’s eating habits, the demand for water in the 2 1 production process of these foods also grows, requiring the production systems more Baptiston, Jéssica Pacheco de Lima 1Aquaculture Center of University of São Paulo (CAUNESP), efficient in terms of space utilization and natural resources. Aquaponics has gained University of State of São Paulo, Brazil attention for being considered a sustainable system that uses the residues of the creation of 2College of zootechnics and food engineering (USP-FZEA), aquatic organisms for the cultivation of plants, thus having a water and nutrients recycling, University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil in addition to the possibility of having a vertical distribution, optimizing the space. This production system is very interesting due to the possibility of being implemented in homes, Correspondence: Thaís da Silva Oliveira, Aquaculture Center serving as a complement to a family’s diet, and the surplus can be sold in nearby markets, of University of São Paulo (Caunesp), Access Road Prof. Paulo contributing to the local microeconomics, in addition to issues involving human health and Donato Castellane, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil, nutrition, valuing local culture and environmental education. Following the Sustainable Tel (16)3209-7477, Email Development Goals (SDGs) established by the UN, this food production technique fits into the “Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture” objective, as it provides quality food, Received: August 27, 2020 | Published: September 28, 2020 closer to the consumer and produced with low inclusion of industrial fertilizers, in addition to recognized by FAO as a potential alternative to Smart Agriculture for the climate (Climate-smart agriculture-CSA).
    [Show full text]
  • 12Things You Need to Know to Garden Successfully with Aquaponics
    12Things You Need to Know to Garden Successfully With Aquaponics CONTACT US [email protected] Website Blog Facebook Twitter Community YouTube Introduction Aquaponics is an exciting new way to grow your favorite fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants by combining the best of aquaculture and hydroponics to create a completely organic, sustainable and productive growing method. This method can be used both inside and out, it is dirt- free, weed-free, chemical-free, and it uses less than 1/10 the water needed by traditional, soil-based gardening. In aquaponic gardening water is pumped from the fish tank into a grow bed that is filled with an inert growing medium. The medium is home to colonies of beneficial bacteria and composting red worms. The bacteria converts the toxic ammonia from the fish waste first into nitrites then into nitrates, and the worms convert the solid waste into vermicomost. At this point the fish waste has become a near-perfect food for the plants. The plants now filter the water by absorbing the converted fish waste, making a healthier environement for the fish. This symbiotic relationship between the plants, fish, and bacteria / worms creates an environment where all the living elements thrive. This article is a guide to some of what you need to know to grow plants and fish successfully in a media-based aquaponic system. It is not intended to be comprehensive, but rather is a high level overview of some of the basic things you need to know in order to start an aquaponics system of your own. We will go into more depth on each of these subject in upcoming newsletters, so watch for them in your inbox! We are passionate about aquaponic gardening here at The Aquaponic Source™, and we hope that you will find a passion for aquaponic gardening gardening as well.
    [Show full text]
  • Hydroponic Fertilizer
    9-7-37 HYDROPONIC FERTILIZER Hort Americas is an innovative leader in North America’s controlled environment agriculture industry (CEA). Hort Americas strives to innovate agriculture via premium technical support, professional salesmanship, unmatched customer service and outstanding products to our customers in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. In our efforts to fuel progress in CEA we are proud to release Hort Americas Hydroponic Fertilizer. Hort Americas has developed this unique fertilizer in cooperation with CEA hydroponic specialists, academicians and researchers to meet the nutritional needs of crops produced by hydroponic leafy green growers. DIRECTIONS FOR USE These are general guidelines that need to be adjusted to your hydroponic system, environmental conditions, and to the quality of your source water. HYDROPONICS: Have your source water tested by a professional water analysis laboratory to determine its nutrients, pH, EC and total alkalinity. Calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, chelated iron, or any other plant essential elements can be added as determined by plant response, tissue analysis, or nutrient solution analysis. SUGGESTED RATES: 0.271 to 0.455 lbs/100 gallons - 1.23 to 2.06 grams/1 gallon (3.785 L) Add to the nutrient solution 3.58 grams/gallon of calcium nitrate and 1.67 grams/gallon of magnesium sulfate. HORT AMERICAS SUGGESTED LETTUCE CROPPING STAGES: STAGE 1 - SEEDING AND GERMINATION. Sow seed in Hort Americas Closed Bottom Organic Plugs, Grodan AX cubes (NFT), Grodan AO cubes (raft), or horticulture foam cubes. Start with low light levels and a nutrient solution with an EC of 0.5 to 0.6 mS/cm.
    [Show full text]
  • Aeroponics System of Cultivation in Horticultural Crops
    Vol.1 Issue-1, September,2020 Aeroponics System of Cultivation in Horticultural Crops Deeptimayee Sahoo Ph.D Research Scholar Dept. of Vegetable Sciences, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, BBSR, Odisha-751003 Mail- [email protected] ARTICLE ID: 007 Population of earth is expected to rise by 3 billion people. It is estimated that approximately 109 hectares of additional traditional land will be needed to feed them. Only 80% of the Earth’s arable land is suitable for farming now. A greater quantity of hectares with optimum inputs is needed every day to feed the rising population. This chain of high priority problems requires an improvement in the management of the use of resources so that human consumption has the priority in its use. To solve the problems mentioned, new farming methods have been searched, one of them being aeroponics. With this technique, the plants are held by certain structures that are maintained in a way that the roots are sustained up in the air. Aeroponic literally means “growing in air.” An aeroponic system is medium-less in that the roots of the plant are free hanging inside an open root-zone atmosphere. Aeroponics structure supplies optimum levels of water, nutrients and air to the growing chamber. Aeroponics is the process of growing plants in an air or mist environment without use of soil or an aggregate media. The word aeroponic is derived from the Latin word ‘aero’ (air) and ‘ponic’ means labour (work). This is an alternative method of soil-less culture in growth-controlled environments. The aeroponic culture technique is an optional device of soil-less culture in growth-controlled environments such as greenhouses.
    [Show full text]
  • Safe Use of Wastewater in Agriculture Safe Use of Safe Wastewater in Agriculture Proceedings No
    A UN-Water project with the following members and partners: UNU-INWEH Proceedings of the UN-Water project on the Safe Use of Wastewater in Agriculture Safe Use of Wastewater in Agriculture Wastewater Safe of Use Proceedings No. 11 No. Proceedings | UNW-DPC Publication SeriesUNW-DPC Coordinated by the UN-Water Decade Programme on Capacity Development (UNW-DPC) Editors: Jens Liebe, Reza Ardakanian Editors: Jens Liebe, Reza Ardakanian (UNW-DPC) Compiling Assistant: Henrik Bours (UNW-DPC) Graphic Design: Katja Cloud (UNW-DPC) Copy Editor: Lis Mullin Bernhardt (UNW-DPC) Cover Photo: Untited Nations University/UNW-DPC UN-Water Decade Programme on Capacity Development (UNW-DPC) United Nations University UN Campus Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1 53113 Bonn Germany Tel +49-228-815-0652 Fax +49-228-815-0655 www.unwater.unu.edu [email protected] All rights reserved. Publication does not imply endorsement. This publication was printed and bound in Germany on FSC certified paper. Proceedings Series No. 11 Published by UNW-DPC, Bonn, Germany August 2013 © UNW-DPC, 2013 Disclaimer The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the agencies cooperating in this project. The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the UN, UNW-DPC or UNU concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Unless otherwise indicated, the ideas and opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily represent the views of their employers.
    [Show full text]
  • Developing Fertilizer Recommendations for Agriculture
    Developing Fertilizer Recommendations for Agriculture by Courtney Pariera Dinkins, former Research Associate; and Clain Jones, Extension Soil Fertility Specialist/Assistant Professor, Department of Land Resources and Environmental Services Developing fertilizer rates specific to your soil and crops should improve crop MontGuide yield and profit. MT200703AG Revised 7/19 THE PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE IS TO PROVIDE Soil Analysis Conversion producers, Extension agents and crop advisers with the Laboratories report some nutrients in parts per million tools to more accurately determine fertilizer rates to (ppm), and, generally, will convert results from ppm to optimize crop yield and reduce loss of nutrients to the pounds per acre (lb/acre) for mobile nutrients, such as environment. N. However, if soil sampling depth was not provided to Fertilizer Recommendations and Guidelines the lab, this conversion cannot be made. To determine N application rates, results in ppm will need to be converted Soil test results typically include a fertilizer to lb/acre (see Calculation Box 1). recommendation that is based upon previous crop, the crop to be grown and yield goals (just for nitrogen, N). However, recommended fertilizer rates may be adjusted based on climate and soil properties at your specific location due to the high degree of variability throughout the state of Montana. In addition, many labs do not use Montana guidelines, so you may need to determine fertilizer rates yourself, or at least check the recommended rates. If you are unfamiliar with soil test reports, developing yield goals or fertilizer calculations, please first see the MontGuide Interpretation of Soil Test Reports for Agriculture (MT200702AG).
    [Show full text]
  • Plant Nutrition of the Cranberry Crop
    17 PLANT NUTRITION OF THE CRANBERRY CROP Lloyd A. Peterson Horticulture Department University of Wisconsin-Madison The cranberry plant requires certain chemical elements which we refer to as plant nutrients for normal growth and development. Three of these elements (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen) come from air and water, and another 13 elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, boron, manganese, iron, copper, chloride, and molybdenum) are supplied by the soil and are absorbed into the plant by the root system. If any one of these 13 elements is not adequately supplied by the soil, it is necessary to supply the element of concern by fertilization. However for a majority of these elements, the soil supplies an adequate amount for normal growth, and as growers you need not be concerned with but a few of the elements. If a reasonable fertilizer program has been followed, fertility will very seldom be a problem. As growers it is important that a diagnostic procedure be available to evaluate the nutritional status of your crop. One procedure is leaf or tissue analysis. A tissue analysis can provide an almost complete listing of the soil supplied elements which allows for a good evaluation. For a perennial crop like cranberry, tissue analysis is a good diagnostic tool. For tissue analysis to be effective, it is essential that a set of standards for the nutrient elements be available for comparison to the elemental composition of field tissue samples. This comparison will assist in the determination of the absence or presence of a plant nutritional problem. A set of standards for a number of the nutrient elements was developed by Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Hydroponic Fertilizer OASIS® Grower Solutions Product Sheet Complete Fertilizer for Hydroponics Balanced Nutrients for Young Plants and Initial Hydroponic Production
    Hydroponic Fertilizer OASIS® Grower Solutions Product Sheet Complete Fertilizer for Hydroponics Balanced Nutrients for young plants and initial hydroponic production All of the elements that hydroponic plants need - Doubling growth in OASIS® Hydroponic foam mediums. OASIS® Grower Solutions Hydroponic Fertilizer is a complete one-bag fertilizer specifically designed for commercial and hobby hydroponic production of lettuce, herbs, greens and most vegetables. The balanced nutrient proportion promotes robust growth and minimizes the necessity for constant back adding of elements, thus eliminating mixing errors and reducing the labor expenses. OASIS® Grower Solutions’ Hydroponic Fertilizer promotes vigorous plant growth and greater yield through a chelated micronutrient package, whereas traditional fertilizer blends may cause deficiency and struggling plant growth. The Hydroponic Fertilizer has a proprietary blend of iron chelates that helps keep iron available even as the pH increases up to a high of 8.0. It additionally contains a significant level of soluble calcium and magnesium. This blend is fortified by the formulation power of the JR Peters family, a leader in high-quality water soluble fertilizers. The Peters have been proudly innovating and manufacturing fertilizer in the USA for more than 67 years. When the Hydroponic Fertilizer is used with Horticubes® and Horticubes® XL foam mediums in the application of the initial watering, it improves the nutrient availability and the uptake to increase seedling growth by 200%. FPO Per Tray
    [Show full text]
  • Plant Nutrition
    Plant Nutrition David Robson University of Illinois In early agricultural societies, it was observed that crop yields could be increased by adding animal manures or plant debris to soil. We continue this practice today with regular additions of organic matter. We have also learned that this simple practice provides a steady source of nutrients for plants, improves soil structure and tilth or looseness. Chemical sources through fertilizers have also been used to supply nutrients needed for plant growth and development. Elements Required By Plants Research has shown that 17 elements are necessary for most plants to grow and develop properly. Nine elements are used in relatively large quantities and they are referred to as major elements or macronutrients. The nine major elements are: Carbon (C) Hydrogen (H) Oxygen (O) Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) Calcium (C) Magnesium (Mg) Sulfur (S) The eight remaining elements are used by plants in small quantities and are called trace elements, minor elements, or micronutrients. Even though these minor elements are needed in small quantities, they are equally essential to plant growth and development. The micronutrients are: Boron (B) Zinc (Zn) Manganese (Mn) Copper (Cu) Molybdenum (Mo) Chlorine (Cl) Iron (Fe) Cobalt (Co) Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are the three elements used in the largest amounts and are the building blocks for plant growth, forming carbohydrates (sugars and starches) and oxygen forming carbon dioxide and water. Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are obtained mainly from the air and water. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are considered the primary macronutrients. Calcium, magnesium and sulfur are classified as secondary macronutrients.
    [Show full text]
  • Fertilizer Fact Sheet
    TIMING FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON LONG ISLAND Green Practices for Green Grass ▐ Overview Grass can only absorb fertilizer when it is actively growing. Turfgrass plants stop growing - become dormant - when the soil temperature is below 55°F or in the heat of the summer. Cooler soil temperatures also slow the bacterial action that makes some fertilizer nutrients available to the plants. Fertilizer not absorbed by grass leaches into the subsoil and makes its way into groundwater or runs off into surface water, where it acts as a pollutant, contributing to algal blooms and poor water quality. ▐ Spring Application The University of Connecticut Turfgrass Nutrient Management Bulletin of 20171 describes why the timing of nitrogen applications is important to reducing nitrogen losses: Allow turfgrasses to come out of dormancy in the spring before applying fertilizers. Soils should be allowed to warm and dry out before fertilization. Application of nitrogen fertilizers to dormant or semi-dormant turf in the spring … increases the risk of nitrogen loss. In the spring, soil temperatures on Long Island typically reach 55°F by April 12. In the absence of measuring soil temperature, mid-April is a good start date if fertilizer is found to be necessary. KEY POINTS Summer Application Careful fertilizer use is important to Fertilizer application is not recommended during the summer when heat and protect Long Island’s water. drought stress turfgrass leading to low or no growth and minimal if any need for Pay attention to soil temperatures – fertilizer.3 grass must be active to benefit from fertilizer. When using slow release fertilizer allow adequate time for grass to ▐ Fall Application absorb the fertilizer before going The University of Connecticut Turfgrass Nutrient Management Bulletin dormant in the fall.
    [Show full text]