Dolomite Phosphate Rock–Based Slow-Release Fertilizer for Agriculture and Landscapes
2012
Yang, Yuangen | He, Zhenli | Yang, Xiaoe | Fan, Jinghua | Stoffella, Peter | Brittain, Charlotte
Most soils in Florida are very sandy, and water-soluble fertilizers (WSF) are subjected to leaching loss. Alternate fertilization is a promising practice to reduce such loss. Dolomite phosphate rock (DPR), which contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, is potentially useful for agricultural production and landscaping plants. In this study, DPR fertilizers were developed from mixing of DPR material and N-viro soil. A typical agricultural soil (Alfisol) in Florida was used for greenhouse studies, and ryegrass and citrus seedlings were tested. The DPR fertilizers appeared superior to WSF for the growth of ryegrass based on dry-matter yield and nutrient concentrations in plant; however, it was not evident in citrus seedlings. DPR fertilizers were effective in raising pH (by 3 units) and electrical conductivity of acidic sandy soils and increasing soil organic matter, total nutrients, and available nutrients. The concentrations of copper, lead, and zinc in the plant tissues were less than toxicity limits.
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