Deciding what type of Controlled release fertilizers (CRF’s) is right for your crops should be the first step.

§       There are many formulations to choose from and not one is the only right way. NPK ratios, nitrogen source, methods of release, product longevity, release curves and technology, prill or particle size, and just how you plan to apply it should all be considered when selecting a CRF.  

o       All the choices and options can be dizzying.

§       Ask your local suppliers and product representatives for recommendations and rely on their expertise.

o       They all have an interest in you succeeding so use their product knowledge, experience and technical support for a place to start.

 

Uniform distribution of CRF into the growing media can influence success or failure with this method of feeding.

 

§       If the fertilizer prills are not mixed evenly into the media, inconsistent results may occur.

§       Many different methods of incorporating CRF into growing media exist.

o       Sophisticated equipment is not imperative to achieve quality results with these products.

§         In-line mixers with blenders work great for some growers.

§         Others are successful with front end loaders or skid steer.

§         I have seen thoroughly blended mixes in cement mixers and in piles from a grain shovel.

§       Whichever method is most practical for you uniformity should be targeted.

o       This is especially important when blending CRF into media slated for small containers.

§       Large container sizes such as quart pots and hanging baskets allow for a little more variability in the amount of prills within their soil volumes.

§       When smaller containers such as 4-packs and 6-packs are filled it is much more crucial to have the CRF blended more consistently.

o       Some fertilizer suppliers have addressed this issue by designing much smaller products referred to as mini prill formulations.

o       By switching from a traditional sized CRF prill to a mini prill a grower can increase the distribution by approximately 5X.

o       One drawback here is that only a handful of different formulations currently exist in this smaller size prill.

§       The key to remember is proper distribution is essential to using CRF’s successfully.

 

Many of the benefits of incorporating CRF into your bedding plant production can be realized right away.

 

§       CRF has helped improve the growth of many of the plants we produce by increasing their size more quickly.

§       We have been able to reduce many of our crop times.

§       Growers can skip the step of rinsing the foliage after feeding since there is not any contact with the leaves.

§       Stock tanks of liquid fertilizer do not need to be prepared, fertilizer injectors are not necessary.

§       Plants that leave our greenhouses with CRF blended in the media are likely received with a higher fertility charge than if fed with water soluble fertilizer alone.

§       We believe these plants can be more properly maintained with clear water by our customers and will have an extra reservoir of nutrition when transplanted or grown on by the end customer.

§       All of this while reducing the amount of fertilizer that is applied to the spaces between the pots.

§       Targeting individual plants with nutrients and not large areas of production space is less wasteful and more environmentally responsible.

 

Incorporating CRF’s into your bedding plant programs may be a suitable alternative to feeding with water soluble fertilizers.

 

§       Understanding some of the potential benefits and experiences that we have achieved with CRF’s may help many of you decide if beginning trials in your own production makes sense.

§       Although it has taken a great deal of time and trialing we are finding success with CRF in many of our bedding plant programs and look to expand their use in the coming seasons.