We are living in a time of highly advanced and ever-changing technology. Most people immediately think it’s all about computers, automobiles and electronics. But, there has also been great technological change in the horticultural sector.
Recently, fertilizer companies created new slow release fertilizers which provide great advantages for improved plant and lawn health.
The new fertilizers provide many advantages, which include a uniform feeding release to plants and lawns, fewer applications and positive results for the environment. The fertilizer lasts as long as 16 to18 weeks in the soil, compared to conventional fertilizers which last 6-8 weeks.
Sometimes called coated fertilizer, the new product allows the release of nutrients at a specific rate over a determined period of time. Each granular piece has a protective membrane that controls the nutrient release. Moisture enters the coating through the pores, and dissolves the active nutrients into a solution. When the sun heats up the soil, the protective membrane begins to break down. This allows the nutrient solution to spread in small amounts, slowly feeding the plants.
By providing slow release of nutrients, there is protection against waste through leaching with the rain or irrigation water. In comparison, the risk of loss is high when using conventional fast release fertilizers.
Another advantage of the technology is the even feeding process eliminates the growth surge that occurs with a conventional fertilizer.
Slow release fertilizers are applied twice annually.
In order to achieve the full advantage of the new fertilizer, it requires a specialist with the knowledge to select the correct rate of application, appropriate time of application and correct composition for the particular plants. It is the way of the future.
