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The Chrysanthemum 'Sunny Mandalay', a 10 week short cultivar was planted one cutting per 4.5"(11.5cm) round pot. Standard fertilization was 210ppmN with 20-10-20. The study was conducted
at the University of Illinois (1996-97).
Leachate was collected (see photograph) and analyzed 9 times over the production period (84 days) for phosphate, nitrate-N, ammonia-N, S, K, Na, Mg, Ca, pH
ad EC. Weekly growth measurements were made of subjective quality rating, height and width; and a final rating of consumer appeal; fresh & dry wieghts and tissue nutrient at midcrop and harvest.
ZeoponiX mediums A and B reduced levels of ammonia, nitrate and K in leachate the greatest (see graph). Medium D decreased leaching of nitrogen, phosphate and K., and received only nitrogen
fertilizer. ZeoponiX material C produced plants closest in consumer quality to the control, while receiving only 50% of the standard fertilizer. The researchers concluded that ZeoponiX's growth mediums
show promise for decreasing nutrient leaching and using substantially lower rates of soluble fertilizer use. |
