Explore the details of UF/IFAS research for integrated nutrient management through the use of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF).
“Integrated nutrient management is critical for improved and sustainable citrus production,” advised a recent Citrus Industry article authored by UF/IFAS researchers out of the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) in Lake Alfred. The article shared that strategies like “split fertilization applications, the use of leguminous cover crops, and the incorporation of soil amendments” can improve citrus production and fruit quality; it examined research into nutrients and a soil amendment, and we’re sharing details of the first: controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). The article advised that this study’s “Data collection will result in new recommendations for using CRF across Florida citrus-producing regions impacted by HLB.” See the details below.
Controlled-Release Fertilizer (CRF) Research Details
According to the article, “(UF/IFAS) researchers conducted a study on mature orange trees to compare two new nutrition programs utilizing controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) to provide year-round elevated levels of secondary and micronutrients with a selected standard commercial nutrition program. The treatments were as follows:
1) CRF1: A four-time soluble dry application program where the second and fourth applications are the complex mix containing 180-day CRF products at about 150 pounds per year
2) CRF2: A four-time application of soluble dry program, designed to test the new Diamond R 5-1-5 CRF 180-day product along with a more affordable source of NPK at 150 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year
3) Control: Commercial grower standard applied as a granular fertilizer at 200 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year”
Research Results and Beyond
The article shared that “In the second-year data, fruit yield and juice quality were not different between treatments. There were also no differences in canopy size, but the study is continuing in its third year to determine responses with regard to fruit yield, juice quality and canopy size.”
See our next blog in the series, focusing on research into nitrogen and phosphorus.
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.