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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #207071
Title: Foliar Nitrogen Fertilization for Perennial Nursery Crops

Author
item BI, GUIHONG - MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV
item Scagel, Carolyn

Submitted to: Nursery Management and Production
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2007
Publication Date: 3/1/2007
Citation: Bi, G., Scagel, C.F. 2007. Nitrogen foliar feeding has advantages. Nursery Management and Production. 23(3):43-47.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Nitrogen (N) availability affects plant growth and development and is intimately linked to the quality of nursery plants. In nursery production, N is commonly applied to the soil as controlled release and/or liquid fertilizers. However, research has shown that combining foliar N fertilization with a soil-based fertility program improves the quality of nursery plants. Foliar fertilization is the practice of applying nutrients to plant leaves or needles. Using foliar N fertilization during nursery production can correct N deficiencies, decrease fertilizer inputs and minimize N runoff. To achieve the best results from foliar N fertilization, growers need to understand how plant and environmental factors influence the efficiency of foliar N uptake. This article briefly discusses how the seasonal pattern of N demand by the plant and the timing of foliar fertilization influence the effectiveness of foliar N fertilization during nursery production.