Case – Ornamentals
We now have a better understanding that a sound agronomic program along with sufficient levels of oxygen in the root zone produces a robust root mass that promotes additional nutrient uptake and will ultimately reduce water, nitrogen, and phosphorus leachate and nutrient flow off-site. Unfortunately, the irrigation water we are providing rarely contains those levels.
A trial was established at a south Central Florida ornamental nursery to test the impacts of improved oxygen levels in the soil.
During the first week of December 2021, six varieties of ornamentals were planted in 3-gallon containers. They included:
Allamanda schotti ( Bush Allamanda), Dianella tasmanica ( Flax lilly ), Dietes iridiodes ( African iris ), Ixora ‘petite’, Plumbago auriculata, Viburnum odoratissimum
They were planted with four different nutrient treatments:
- Recommended full rate time-release fertilizer
- Recommended full rate time-release fertilizer w/ added biologicals
- Recommended full rate organic fertilizer w/ added biologicals
- 65% rate time-release fertilizer w/ added biologicals
Half of the plants from each nutrient treatment:
A. Received irrigation water without oxygen added
B. and half received irrigation water with oxygen added
On April 1, 2022, observations were made of the different treatments regarding root mass and plant biomass. Look at the pictures and draw your own conclusions.
