Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #224009
Title: Leachate Micronutrient Concentrations From Containerized Waxleaf Privet When Using Four Different Types of Controlled-Release Fertilizers.

Author
item MERHAUT, DON - UNIV. OF CA, RIVERSIDE,CA
item Albano, Joseph
item BLYTHE, EUGENE - MS STATE U,POPLARVILLE,MS
item NEWMAN, JULIE - UNIV. OF CA, VENTURA,CA

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/28/2008
Publication Date: 7/1/2008
Citation: Merhaut, D., Albano, J.P., Blythe, E., Newman, J. 2008. Leachate Micronutrient Concentrations From Containerized Waxleaf Privet When Using Four Different Types of Controlled-Release Fertilizers. HortScience. 43(4):1265.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Concentrations of iron, manganese, copper, zinc and molybdenum were measured for leachate collected from containers containing one of four types of controlled-release fertilizers (Osmocote plus Micromax, Nutricote, Polyon, and Multicote) during a 47-week plant production cycle for containerized, outdoor-grown waxleaf privet (Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum'). The 2.4 L containers of substrate with incorporated fertilizer were planted with liners of waxleaf privet and placed on benches. Leachate from containers was collected weekly and monitored for pH, electrical conductivity, and nutrient concentrations. Depending on the micronutrient, concentrations in leachates were relatively high during the first 8 to 14 weeks of the study, and then rapidly decreased du ring the remaining portion of the study, regardless of fertilizer type. Concentrations of copper fluctuated throughout the study. Some differences were observed among fertilizer types, with Nutricote-fertilized plants showing notably higher concentrations of iron, zinc and molybdenum in leachates during the first half of the study relative to the other fertilizer types.