Optimising Fertilisation, Rainfall, and Irrigation

When growing plants outdoors, it is always recommended to add a base rate of Osmocote® (at least 75%) to the growing medium. This will ensure a steady and continuous supply of essential nutrients. On top of this base rate, you can apply additional water-soluble fertilizers to steer crop growth based on the crop’s requirements during each growth stage.

Special attention needs to be paid after a period of heavy rainfall; Plants could benefit from a temporarily higher application of water-soluble fertilizers to quickly increase EC levels in the growing medium. Depending on the amount of rainfall in a short time, the water-soluble fertilizer rate may need to be redetermined. Your ICL technical advisor has the experience to help you.

Get started with these tips and tricks.

• Measure the impact of your work by placing rain gauges between plants, preferably in several places throughout the nursery.
• If frequent watering applications are needed to keep the soil moist, add 0.5 to 1.0 EC worth of nutrition at a time, depending on the plant’s need.
• If you are using a fertilizer solution with an EC of 2.0 mS/cm or more, sprinkle briefly with clean water afterwards (one to two minutes).
• Measure how much water you are giving per square meter. Do this by turning on your sprinklers and using cups or rain gauges to measure how much water your plants are getting.
• Measure the time it takes for water (with fertilizer) to get from your pumping system to the farthest end of the nursery. You can check this by adding coloring to the water.
• Always have insight into the EC value of your irrigation water. Take this value into account when measuring the total EC.