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Title: NITRATE LOSSES IN RUNOFF WATER FROM IRRIGATION EVENTS AT FOLIAGE AND BEDDING PLANT NURSERIES IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Author
item MOZDEN, MIGUEL - UF
item WILSON, CHRIS - UF
item Albano, Joseph
item YEAGER, TOM - UF

Submitted to: Southern Nursery Association Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2005
Publication Date: 12/1/2005
Citation: Mozden, M., Wilson, C., Albano, J.P., Yeager, T. 2005. Nitrate losses in runoff water from irrigation events at foliage and bedding plant nurseries in south florida. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference. 50:593-595

Interpretive Summary: The presence of nitrate in runoff water from nursery production areas indicates that more of the nutrient is being applied than the plant can utilize and/or inefficient fertility/water management programs. Results from this research will be useful for designing production systems for removing nutrient and pesticide contaminats in runoff. One such system under investigation is a microbial-based bio-filter. Conceptually, bacterial-based systems can be installed underneath production areas, walkways, and roadways, reducing the need for dedication of large land areas for retention of runoff water.

Technical Abstract: The presence of nitrate in discharge water from nursery production areas is indicative of inefficiencies in plant nutrient uptake and fertility/water management programs. Results from this research will be useful for designing microbial-based nitrate removal biofilters that smaller nurseries and greenhouses can employ for reducing risks in the future. Conceptually, these systems can be installed underneath production areas, walkways, and roadways, reducing the need for dedication of large land areas for retention.