DETERMINING NUTRIENT REMOVAL RATES FOR SELECTED HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL CROPS
Applied Research
Thomas Dudek
Senior Extension Horticulture Educator
MSU Extension- Ottawa County
Grand Rapids
Abstract
\r\n Michigan field-grown herbaceous perennial plant growers lack science-based information to help them make informed phosphorus (P2O5) application decisions. Phosphorus removal rates for major herbaceous perennial crops (Coreopsis, Daylily, Hosta, Iris, Penstemon, Creeping phlox and Wormwood) grown in Michigan were not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the phosphorus removal rate for eleven common herbaceous perennial varieties grown in fields in West Michigan. Plant samples were harvested from commercial nursery fields near Hamilton, Michigan and sent to MSU for whole plant nutrient analysis. From the analysis, calculations were made to determine nutrient removal rates based on harvest yields and nutrient content of each variety. This study found that field-grown herbaceous perennial crops remove significant amounts of P2O5, as well as nitrogen and potassium (K2O). The phosphorus removal rate for all varieties ranged from 7.1 to 21.5 lb./ton or 14.2 to 191.4 lb./acre (root mass only). When vegetative tops were removed along with the root mass for Phlox subulata ‘Redwings’, phosphorus removal rates increased from 10.5 lb./ton to 23.4 lb./ton. Data generated from this study will be used by growers to comply with Michigan’s Right to Farm guidelines with respect to phosphorus applications to their farms.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: *T. A. Dudek, M.C. Gould
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Dudek, *. Senior District Extension Horticulture and Marketing Educator, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan, 49460
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Gould, M. Extension Educator, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan, 49460