Optimizing fertilization, 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 throughout the season. 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 can 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 local ICL technical advisor has the knowledge experience to help you.

Here are some tips to get started

• Measure the results 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 by turning on your sprinklers and using cups or rain gauges to measure how much water your plants are getting
• Add coloring to the water to measure the time it takes for it to get from your pumping system to the farthest end of the nursery
• Always have insight into the EC value of your irrigation water and take this value into account when measuring the total EC