HOW OSMOCOTE WORKS
Every prill consists of a water-soluble nutrient granule coated with a thin semi-permeable resin. This coating controls the release of nutrients according to changes in soil temperature. More nutrients are released during warmer, active growing periods and less in cooler, inactive periods. Osmocote does not contain urea. Each prill contains the optimum balance of readily absorbed Nitrogen Phosphorus and Potassium which are being released together to promote greener, healthier plants.

CHOOSING THE CORRECT OSMOCOTE FORMULATION

To ensure economical and accurate application of Scotts controlled release fertiliser, individual products are labelled according to NPK analysis and standard longevity. This standard release time is based upon an average soil temperature of 21°C. Warmer temperatures will shorten, while cooler temperatures will lengthen the stated longevity. In these circumstances you may need to compensate by choosing an Osmocote formulation with either a shorter or longer standard longevity.

STEP 1

To determine the correct Osmocote formulation for your climate and crop follow these easy steps:

• Using the Longevity Chart below, select your average soil/growing media temperature along the horizontal axis.
• From the same Longevity Chart, select your crop feeding time along the vertical axis.
• The point where the vertical and horizontal axes intersect indicates the Osmocote colour code most suitable for your desired longevity.

STEP 2

• Now using the Product Rate Chart on the next page find your crop group (e.g. Nursery stock/flowering pots, etc.) and move across the chart to find the matching Osmocote colour code (identified in step 1).
  
• The number in each square indicates the Base application Rate of product expressed in kg/cubic Metres.
• Rates for unfertilised, pH adjusted media at an average temperature of 21°C.

STEP 3

The base application rate identified above may need to be adjusted for your specific growing conditions.

• Using the chart below identify the prevailing growing environment and the temperature range expected throughout the feeding period.
• The number in each square indicates the percentage adjustment, which needs to be made to the Base Application Rate identified in step 2.
• Use this percentage adjustment to calculate your final Recommended Application Rate (kg/m3). For topdress and dibble application rated (gm/pot), consult the Topdress Rate chart.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS - GROUP A

• Supplementary liquid feed is used.
• Capillary watering systems are used.
• Low light conditions prevail (e.g. interior landscape).
• Potting mix container over 50% peat or lacks drainage (AFP<12%).
• When Osmocote is dibble applied.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS - GROUP B

• High growth environments prevail.
• Very open, well-drained potting mixes are used (AFP >20%).
• When Osmocote is top-dressed.
• With high irrigation rates or when extended rain is expected.

TOPDRESS RATE CHART

APPLICATION METHODS

MIXING - through growing media is suitable for all recommended crops and can be used with any type of irrigation system. Mix thoroughly through the growing media taking care not to damage the prills as this may reduce their longevity. Fertilised growing media should not be kept longer than 7-10 days depending on storage temperature. If stored longer leach well before using and flatten the pile to less than 1 metre to prevent excessive build up.

TOP DRESSING - is possible at anytime during the life of the crop and is normally done when plants are kept at the nursery for longer than the predicted longevity of the Osmocote used at potting time. It should be used in conjunction with overhead irrigation system. For further information refer to the Top Dress Chart above.

DIBBLING - is suitable for well rooted tubes or large plants and has several advantages over other methods including:

• Virtually no wastage as only the plant benefits, not the weeds. Product will not be lost if plant is tipped over or hand weeded.
• More uniform release of nutrients due to the temperature in the middle layers of the potting mix fluctuating much less than the top layers. The result is better quality plants, sooner. Only Osmocote and Osmocote Plus have the safety characteristics required for the dibbling method (Dibbling is not suitable for bare rooted stock and planting small cell plugs).

HOW TO DIBBLE

• Make dibble hole in potting mix.
• Drop in desired amount of Osmocote or Osmocote Plus.
• Rest plant on top of fertiliser (do not plunge plant into or through fertiliser).
• Water plant thoroughly after potting. There should be some leachate from bottom of pot. NB. When re-potting, ensure the bottom of the dibble hole is approximately in the top half of the larger container.

WARNINGS

• Soil mixtures containing Osmocote should not be stored longer than 7-10 days depending on temperatures without leaching prior to use. Osmocote should be applied after steam sterilising.
• Avoid the risk of fertiliser burn in hot weather by maintaining pot moisture levels.
• Do not dibble red (3-4 months) products or Osmocote Nursery Mix.

OSMOCOTE® PLUS - CONTROLLED RELEASE FERTILISER - The ultimate fertiliser technology to deliver greater cost savings and better performance.

The major elements (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) have been combined with the latest micronutrient technology, inside the Osmocote prill, delivering a continuous feed of both macro and micronutrients.

• Controlled release of the full set of essential trace elements (Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Molybdenum, Boron) throughout the entire longevity of the product.
• More uniform, smaller granules for easier and more even distribution.
• Increased Iron (Fe) level of which 50% is in chelated form (EDTA) for faster and deeper greening.

© Steve Cselka 2002 - 2010