12/3/2021 - By Dr. Tom Reed

Conclusion:

The trial evaluated POLYON® controlled release fertilizer (CRF) 20-0-20 blend compared to four application soluble program utilizing a 14-2-17 for 210 lb N, 32 lb P, and 270 lb K/ac with soluble micronutrients. The Harrell’s blend had 100% CRN and 70% CRK applied three times at 300 lb/ac for this data evaluation period. The Harrell’s block was 141 ac and the two soluble blocks were 52 and 131 ac. All blocks received one ton of compost and 25 lb N/ac foliar applied. The Harrell’s blend had consistent pounds solids and greater pounds solids increase per season (2018-20) compared to previous grower standard (2017-18) than the trial soluble program to previous grower standard (>30 pounds solids/season increase more than soluble blocks). Harrell’s block also had a greater increase in the percentage of boxes/ac during the trial period.

Figure 1: Pounds solids/ac for three blocks. Grey bars represent 2017-18 previous grower standard and colored bars represent 2018-19 and 2019-20 growing seasons chronologically.

Figure 2: Average across two seasons pounds solids/ac increase compared to previous grower standard.