Performance of Turkey litter compost as a slow-release fertilizer in containerized plant production

An experiment was conducted to develop a protocol for using compost in nursery crop production. Five rates of inorganic fertilizer (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 g N) and two irrigation Volumes (600 and 900 mt per 3.8-L container) were evaluated for their effects on Rudbeckia fulgida Ait. 'Goldsturm' and Cotoneaster dammeri Schneid. 'Skogholm' growth ina pine bark substrate amended with composted turkey litter (CTL)1 Additions of greater than or equal to 2 g N per container for cotoneaster and greater than or equal to 1.0 g N for rudbeckia were required to produce growth equivalent to that of plants in a control treatment that simulated typical production by a grower in the southeastern United States. Phosphorus, Cu, and Il;Mg contents of cotoneaster and rudbeckia plants grown in CTL-amended substrates with no fertilizer added (Og; N) were similar to or greater than that of the control. Phosphorus concentrations in the substrate solutions were higher in all CTL-amended substrates than in the control regardless of fertilizer addition. This suggests that P released:from CTL had a greater impact than P added with fertilizer. The greatest nutrient value of CTL may be as a P source and a replacement for dolomitic limestone and micronutrients in container-grown plant production.