March 2019 - 16

PLANT NUTRITION
Improving Your Fertilizer
Efficiency in 20 Minutes
Read on to learn about four easy ways to increase nutrient efficiency in your greenhouse.
BY KRYSTAL SNYDER
G
rowers are always looking
for ways to increase overall
efficiency, cut production and
labor costs, reduce shrink, and get the
most bang for their buck. There are
four easy ways to increase nutrient
efficiency, and accomplish the points
above. By knowing your water quality,
matching your fertilizer program to
your crops and water quality, grouping
plants by pH and EC requirements,
and monitoring in-house pH and ECs,
you can achieve great results and
reduce some inputs.
WHERE TO START
The key to any successful fertilizer
program is getting your water tested
first. Having your water tested by a
reputable horticulture lab in December
or January will get you off on the right
foot. I say a $40 water test is the
best $40 you will spend all year. Once
you have a current water test, talk
to a technical rep, fertilizer supplier
or Extension agent about how to
proceed. You also will need to think
about your space and the needs of
your crops. Remember, everyone's
water is different. Just because a
fertilizer works for your neighbor
doesn't mean it will work for you.
16 MARCH 2019 GPNMAG.COM
WATER TYPE
Very Low Alkalinity
or Pure Water
Low Alkalinity
ALKALINITY
<60 ppm
60-100 ppm
Moderate Alkalinity 100-160 ppm
Moderately
High Alkalinity
High Alkalinity
150-200 ppm
180> ppm
FERTILIZERS TO CONSIDER
17-4-17 , 15-5-15, 13-2-12
21-5-20 with 15-5-15,17-4-17,16-2-15
21-5-20 + Extra Mg, 25-5-15 with extra Mg,
20-3-19 Petunia FeED
16-2-15, 15-15-15 Geranium+ Extra Mg
21-5-20, 25-5-15, 21-8-18, 20-3-19 Petunia FeED
*may need acid injection as well
21-5-20 + Mg, 25-5-15,
20-3-19 Petunia FeED
* acid injection is almost always necessary
Figure 1. Recommended fertilizer formulations based on water alkalinity.
Low EC
Bacopa
Media pH under 6.2
Begonia
Browallia
Coleus
Gazania
Low EC
Canna
Media pH above 6.2
Impatiens
Marigold
Moderate EC
Calibrachoa
Celosia
Gerbera
Petunia
Zinnia
Moderate EC
Gaillardia
Geranium
Pentas
Figure 2. Example of plants grouped together based on similar EC and pH requirements.
High EC
Angelonia
Gaura
Ipomoea
Lantana
High EC
Portulaca
Geranium
Low pH (5.4-5.8) Moderate pH (5.8-6.2), High pH (6.2-6.8), Low EC (under 1 ms/cm), Moderate EC (1.0-1.5 ms/cm), High EC (1.5 ms/cm and over)

http://www.GPNMAG.COM

March 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March 2019

March 2019 - 1
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