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Copy link Osmocote N-BOOST and Cal-BOOST: Solutions for New Growing Media
Hoogenraad, The Netherlands
Key Conclusions
- Peat‑free growing media produced lower biomass and quality when fertilized only with Osmocote 5.
- Adding Osmocote N‑BOOST or Cal‑BOOST at 1 g/l restored plant performance to the level of the peat‑based control.
- Both products effectively compensate for nutrient limitations in new growing media.
- Supplementary fertilization is a reliable strategy to maintain high plant quality in peat‑free substrates.
Objective
The trial evaluated how Hydrangea paniculata performs in three different peat‑free growing media compared with a peat‑based substrate, and whether additional fertilization with Osmocote N‑BOOST or Cal‑BOOST can compensate for reduced growth typically observed in peat‑free mixes. Fresh weight and overall plant quality were assessed to determine the effectiveness of these supplementary fertilizers.
Trial Details
Trial station
Hoogenraad, The Netherlands
Product
2-3M
Assessments
fresh weight and overall plant quality
Treatments
The trial was conducted at the ICL trial station at Hoogenraad using Hydrangea paniculata. Plants were potted on 17 April into four substrates: three peat‑free growing mixes and one peat‑based control. All treatments were applied consistently across all substrates, and plant performance was assessed through fresh weight and overall plant quality.
To evaluate how supplementary fertilization supports growth in peat‑free media, three fertilizer treatments were compared. Osmocote 5 (5-6M) at 4 g/l served as the base nutrition in all treatments. Two additional products, Osmocote N‑BOOST and Cal‑BOOST, were included at 1 g/l to test whether targeted nitrogen or calcium-magnesium supplementation could compensate for reduced growth typically observed in peat‑free mixes.
| Product | Dose rate | NPK-analysis | 2nd product | Dose rate | NPK-analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osmocote 5 5-6M | 4 g/l | 16-8-12 | - | ||
| Osmocote 5 5-6M | 4 g/l | 16-8-12 | Osmocote N-BOOST | 1 g/l | 38-0-0 |
| Osmocote 5 5-6M | 4 g/l | 16-8-12 | Cal-BOOST | 1 g/l | 20-5-5+7CaO+MgO |
Treatments
The trial was conducted at the ICL trial station at Hoogenraad using Hydrangea paniculata. Plants were potted on 17 April into four substrates: three peat‑free growing mixes and one peat‑based control. All treatments were applied consistently across all substrates, and plant performance was assessed through fresh weight and overall plant quality.
To evaluate how supplementary fertilization supports growth in peat‑free media, three fertilizer treatments were compared. Osmocote 5 (5-6M) at 4 g/l served as the base nutrition in all treatments. Two additional products, Osmocote N‑BOOST and Cal‑BOOST, were included at 1 g/l to test whether targeted nitrogen or calcium-magnesium supplementation could compensate for reduced growth typically observed in peat‑free mixes.
| Product | Dose rate | NPK-analysis | 2nd product | Dose rate | NPK-analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osmocote 5 5-6M | 4 g/l | 16-8-12 | - | ||
| Osmocote 5 5-6M | 4 g/l | 16-8-12 | Osmocote N-BOOST | 1 g/l | 38-0-0 |
| Osmocote 5 5-6M | 4 g/l | 16-8-12 | Cal-BOOST | 1 g/l | 20-5-5+7CaO+MgO |
Results
Across all three peat‑free growing media, plants receiving only Osmocote 5 showed lower fresh weight and reduced plant quality compared with the peat‑based control substrate. When 1 g/l Osmocote N‑BOOST or 1 g/l Cal‑BOOST was added, this deficit was fully compensated. Fresh weight and plant quality in peat‑free substrates reached levels comparable to Osmocote 5 in peat‑based substrate, demonstrating that both supplementary fertilizers effectively support growth in alternative media.
Plants treated only with Osmocote 5.
Plants treated with Osmocote 5 and Cal-BOOST
Plants treated with Osmocote 5 amd Osmocote N-BOOST
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