Optimal Organic Fertilizer Rates for Greenhouse Production of Container Fresh Herbs |
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| Authors: | Qian Sun Yun Qian Kati W. Migliaccio Teresa Olczyk Yuncong C. Li |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Institute of Agricultural Facilities and Equipment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China;2. Key Laboratory of Protected Agricultural Engineering in the Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China;3. Department of Soil and Water Science, Tropical Research and Education Center, IFAS, University of Florida, Homestead, Florida, USA;4. Department of Soil and Water Science, Tropical Research and Education Center, IFAS, University of Florida, Homestead, Florida, USA;5. Biomedical Engineering Department at Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA;6. Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA;7. Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension, IFAS, University of Florida, Homestead, Florida, USA |
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| Abstract: | There is minimal published research information on optimal fertilizer rates for growing organic herbs in a greenhouse container system under warm climate in south Florida. Our objective was to determine the optimum organic fertilizer rate for container herb production in a greenhouse for basil (Ocimum basilicum), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), and dill (Anethum graveolens) using Perdue certified organic fertilizer (Agri Recycle, 4–2-3, Seaford, DE) (4N-0.85P-0.25K). The organic fertilizer was mixed with potting medium (Fafard, Conrad Fafard, Inc.; Agawam, MA) at four rates: 0, 10.6, 21.1, and 31.7 g of fertilizer per L of potting medium. Results indicated an increase in nitrogen in plant tissue with an increase in fertilizer rate for all herbs and both trials. Based on statistical results from the fresh and dry weights of the herbs, the Purdue fertilizer rate for optimum production should be between 21.1 and 31.7 g of fertilizer per L of potting media. The lower fertilizer rate (21.1 g) is more attractive for overall production since it would result in a lower cost than using the 31.7 g fertilizer rate. This recommendation is based on the fertilizer chosen, the herb, the potting media, and the location of this study. |
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| Keywords: | Basil (Ocimum basilicum) coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and dill (Anethum graveolens) certified organic fertilizer |
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