Osmocote 5 Stories: Juniperus in Czechia

In Obříství, 30 kilometers north of Prague, Czech Republic, you will find tree nursery Arboeko where Jaroslav Zeman is the production manager. The nursery has an operating area of around 205 hectare and a container area of 11 hectare. Here, Jaroslav grows Azalea, Rhododendron, conifers, climbing plants, shrubs, and fruit trees. Jaroslav: “Ever since we have started working with the controlled release fertilizers of Osmocote, we were interested in any further developments and where it would take us. As the leading tree nursery in Czech Republic, we were eager to experience Osmocote 5 as early as possible.”

“As the leading tree nursery in Czech Republic, we were eager to experience Osmocote 5 as early as possible.”

In recent years, Arboeko Nursery has achieved very good results with their container crops with the use of Osmocote Exact Hi.End (5-6 months and 8-9 months). “We usually use 4 to 5.5 kg / m³. In addition, we apply Universol for hard water when required.”

Osmocote 5: Grower’s experiences

To trial the new Osmocote 5, Jaroslav chose various Juniperus crops (horizontalis, squamata, chinensis ‘Stricta’), Prunus laurocerasus ‘Mano’ and ‘Otto Luyken’. He applied a rate of 4 kg/ m³. Jaroslav: “We particularly liked the release of nutrients by autumn and the very good coloring of the trees.”

“The plants had good and many healthy roots. Shoots were strong and well matured. We are very satisfied with Osmocote 5 and will be using it on a larger scale in 2021.”

“We also had good results with Gaultheria. These plants have a compact growth pattern with multiple shoots of beautiful dark colors. We observed that the Juniperus crops had a very good growth in autumn. The plants had good and many healthy roots. Shoots were strong and well matured. We are very satisfied with Osmocote 5 and will be using it on a larger scale in 2021.”

Jaroslav is happy with Osmocote 5, especially since the product has a comparable and consistent release pattern, but without the double coating. Jaroslav: “In the long-term, this will mean it will be even easier to use in dosing devices. We also like the excellent trace-element supply over the entire cultivation period, especially up to the point of sales.”