| Two experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of recycled paper pellet mulch on container petunia nutrition. Osmocote 14-14-14 was applied over or under the mulch, or incorporated in the substrate. Paper mulch reduced leachate nitrate (NO3-N) and ammonium (NH4-N) levels, as well as petunia shoot dry weight, regardless of fertilizer application method. Recycled paper mulch retained up to 48% of the total nitrogen (N) applied, depending on fertilizer application method. However, in the second experiment fertilizer incorporation resulted in more N in the leachate (both mulched and non-mulched treatments). Fertilizer incorporation resulted in less N retained by paper and reduced the negative effect of paper mulch on petunia growth.; Recycled paper products were tested as nutrient filters in the bottom of nursery containers. Eight experiments using 23 species and cultivars were conducted. Data collected included leachate N and phosphorus (P) levels, N retained in paper products and plant growth data (shoot dry weight, growth index, foliar color, foliar N, flower number, SPAD and quality ratings). Recycled paper filters were evaluated in combination with various fertilization methods: controlled release fertilizers (CRFs): Osmocote 14-14-14 or Osmocote 18-6-12, Sta-Green Nursery Special 12-6-6 or 12-4-6 (Chapter IV, in combination with a CRF), or liquid fertilization (Chapter I, in combination with CRFs).; Recycled paper pellets reduced growth of some annuals, had no effect on growth of azaleas in two experiments, and increased azalea growth by up to 57% in another experiment.; Four experiments were conducted in the laboratory to evaluate environmental impact of recycled paper filters in nursery containers. Plastic columns with paper pellets in the bottom were leached in 4 weekly cycles of 3 leaching events each. Nitrogen sources used were KNO3 (Chapter V) and (NH 4)2SO4 (Chapter VI). Leachate ICAP analysis revealed that heavy metal leaching was either well below EPA drinking water standards, was not affected by paper pellets or, in some instances, was reduced by paper pellets, when compared to columns without paper. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
