Please click here to access the main AHDB website and other sectors.
- Home
- Knowledge library
- When using a controlled release fertiliser may be a better option
When using a controlled release fertiliser may be a better option
If liquid feed is not working in a crop because of low water use, a controlled release fertiliser product may be a better option. Read this page to understand what factors you need to consider.
Go back to the main liquid feed page
What is controlled release fertiliser?
Controlled release fertilisers are also known as CRFs, they are a granular form of fertiliser that releases nutrients over time. There are different CRF products and the time for releasing nutrient will vary according to the crop they are designed for.
How are they used?
- The CRF is mixed into the growing media as additional fertiliser to the base feed that is already there.
- The product used should release nutrients over the life of the crop you are growing.
- If the right CRF is being used it shouldn’t need extra feed.
- They should give a steady supply of feed as the crop grows.
- They are sensitive to temperature and growing media EC should still be monitored.
What are the benefits of controlled release fertiliser
A controlled release fertiliser doesn’t rely on irrigation water as the delivery method, so it allows the link between water use and irrigation to be broken and is beneficial in periods/crops of low water use.
Consider Switching if:
- You are growing at low temperature and water use is low
- Your crop has a low water demand but high feed requirement
- Your crop is sensitive to high EC, so you can’t increase the feed/water ratio in your dosing system.
Useful links
Interactions between irrigation method and liquid feed in bedding crops
Interactions between growing media and liquid feed
What level of electrical conductivity should I have in my bedding crop?
Read more about nutrient management in different crops in RB2019
Authors
Hilary Papworth (NIAB) and Benjamin Tea (NIAB)
Topics:
Sectors: