The effect of controlled-release fertilizer on potted flowering hybrid Curcuma growth

The effectiveness of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) in maintaining the growth of hybrid Curcuma as a potted-flowering Plant was investigated in the Top End of the Northern Territory, Australia. Four treatment levels of the CRF Osmocote-Pro(R) formulation N16:P11:K10 (12-14 months) at 2, 4, 6 and 8 g L-1 were incorporated into soilless potting medium containing a selection of Curcuma hybrids. Leachates were collected fortnightly to monitor the release of nutrients of the four rates of CRF. Analyses of the top growth, fresh rhizome weight and potting medium were taken at the end of the trial. The response of different Curcurna hybrids to varying rates of CRF for pot plant production is presented in this paper. The present research will provide north Australian growers with baseline information on the optimum rates of CRFs use in the nursery for the production of marketable potted-flowering Curcuma plants.