Impact of fertilization strategies on the growth of lavender and nitrates leaching to environment

Abstract

Horticultural industry significantly affects the environment. In particular, large amounts of irrigation water and fertilizers required for intensive plant production can result in an increased nutrient runoff to surface and ground water. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different fertilization strategies on the growth and flowering of container-grown English lavender cv. Dwarf Blue and the composition of the leachates generated by this crop. Three types of controlled-release fertilizers (Osmocote 16-9-12, Plantacote 15-10-15 and Multicote 17-17-17) at three rates (1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 g/l) were compared to fast-acting fertilizers. The application of Multicote promoted vegetative growth of lavender but inhibited the appearance of flower spikes. Plants fertilized with Osmocote and Plantacote at the highest rate produced the highest fresh weight and the highest number of flowering spikes, as well as the best quality. However, these rates gave relatively high values of nitrogen nitrate content after 4 weeks of plant cultivation. Among the applied controlled-release fertilizers, Multicote had the lowest potential to contribute nitrate pollutants discharged from containers.

Keywords

• container-grown plants
• lavandula angustifolia
• nursery production