Introduction to the correct use of Osmocote

Osmocote, developed by the Scott Company of the United States, is a special fertilizer for garden plants with excellent results. Recently, Osmocote has been imported into China in batches. After trials by some research institutes and flower and tree nurseries in the Guangzhou area, it was found that Osmocote is suitable for shade-loving plants,orchids, bonsai and so on. The main components of Osmocote are 14% nitrogen (N) (of which 7.2% is nitrate nitrogen and 6.8% is ammonium nitrogen), 14% phosphorus (P2O5), and 14% potassium (K2O), and it also contains a variety of trace elements required for the growth and development of ornamental plants. The biggest difference between Osmocote and ordinary compound fertilizer is that its outer surface is coated with a special medium that can control the slow release of nutrients. Therefore, Osmocote can gradually release the nutrients needed by plants in step with the plant growth process, greatly improving fertilizer use efficiency. According to trials at the Guangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences base, when ordinary imported compound fertilizer was applied to shade-loving plants such as peace lilies, Green Emperor, and Green Giant, the fertilizer use efficiency was about 30%, and the fertilizer effect lasted about 28 days; while with Osmocote, the fertilizer use efficiency reached 99%, and when the average soil temperature was 21°C, the fertilizer effect lasted as long as about 120 days. According to technical data from the Netherlands, if the average soil temperature is 16°C, the fertilizer effect period of Osmocote can last more than 180 days. Because Osmocote is coated with a special medium, even if Osmocote is placed in direct contact with plant roots, it will not damage the roots. The use of Osmocote is extremely simple. For example, when used for temporary planting of tissue-cultured seedlings, sowing flower seeds, or potting plants, Osmocote can be mixed with the planting substrate before planting the plants, with a usage amount of about 120-150 grams per cubic meter. For potted plants, Osmocote can be scattered on the surface soil of the flower pot or shallowly buried in the pot soil. Apply 2 grams to a flower pot with a diameter of 15 cm, 3 grams to a flower pot with a diameter of 20 cm, and 5 grams to a flower pot with a diameter of 30 cm. The usage amount for a seedbed is 30 grams per square meter. (Guangdong - Song Guoxiong)