PAT2H Horticultural Consulting Services, Rydal, Georgia, 2008
Due to increased environmental awareness and escalating costs of quality control release fertilizers greenhouse production is in need of alternative nutrient sources, preferably derived from sustainable resources. Therefore, Suståne® 12-12-12 (90 day), a natural based fertilizer made from aerobically composted turkey litter blend with high quality coated controlled release fertilizer was evaluated for use on ‘Alabama’ Coleus. The trial compared Suståne 12-12-12 (90 day) to two industry-leading controlled release fertilizers, a 13-13-13 (T70) and a 14-14-14 (3-4 mo.). Each fertilizer was incorporated at a rate of 0.85 pounds of nitrogen per cubic yard. The potting medium was a 50:40:10 mix (by volume) of pine bark, peat and perlite.