Shinjiro Sato and Kelly Morgan. Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 2686 SR 29 N, Immokalee, FL 34142
Nitrogen (N) fertilizers play one of the critical roles in production programs of Florida agriculture. However, a fraction of applied N is not available for plant uptake through various mechanisms in soil, of which leaching below the root zone is of particular importance in Florida sandy soils. Various controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) have shown reduced leaching losses of different N forms, as compared to readily soluble N fertilizers. However, degree of the effect depend on various experimental and environmental factors including type of CRFs. This study was conducted in 2006- and 2007-spring seasons to elucidate spatial and temporal distribution of N (ammonium-N and nitrate-N) from CRFs applied in fumigated, raised bed covered with polyethylene-mulch under seepage irrigation in southwest Florida. Controlled-release fertilizers studied included SCU, nitamin (pellets), nitamin liquid, multicote, and agrocote, including a soluble fertilizer for comparison purpose. All CRFs showed delayed N release and distribution patterns compared to those from soluble fertilizer, but with different temporal distribution depending on type of CRFs. Temporal release patterns of different CRFs should be considered before applying for crops with different growing patterns to match N requirement.