A simple format for reporting methods used in nutritional studies: Application with Loropetalum response to fertilizer rates

Loropetalum (L. chinense) cv 'Blush','Burgundy', and 'Pizzazz' were grown f or 16 months using different rates and application schedules of a 17-7-12 s low-release fertilizer. Rates were 45, 68, or 91 g pot(-1), each applied on ce in the Spring, or as a split application, half in the Spring, and half i n the Fall. A simple format for reporting fertility, methodology used in ti ssue sampling, and analytical methodology was developed and used. Fertilize r treatments did not affect significantly growth and color ratings 4 and 12 months after potting (p>0.30). 'Burgundy' was significantly the fastest gr owing cultivar. Yet, all plants from all treatments and cultivars were of c ommercial quality 12 months after potting. Foliar nutrient content was sign ificantly affected by fertilization treatment for most of the essential ele ments (p<0.03), but not by cultivar (p>0.10). However, differences due to f ertilizer treatments were of limited practical:importance as they did not f ollow the trends in fertilizer rates. Based on these results, sufficiency r anges (% for macronutrients; and ppm for micronutrients) were proposed for Loropetalum when the plant-part sampled was the healthy leaves from the ter minal 10 to 15 cm of 4 to 6 branches, without any woody tissue: 1.10<N<2.30 ; 0.10<P<0.30; 0.50<K<1.00; 0.70<Ca<1.50; 0.1<Mg<0.20, 5<B<20; 5<Cu<10; 20< Fe<80; 10<Mn<40; and 10<Zn<40.