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Contrasting the effects of organic vs. inorganic fertilizers on plant health

Parwinder S. Grewal, Entomology Interest in organic lawn care practices has increased in recent years in the United States. This study compared the effect of 11 organic fertilizers, applied at manufacturers recommended rates, on tall fescue (turfgrass) infected with the fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum, in the greenhouse. The impacts the research team considered included quality based on greening effect, shoot and root growth, shoot nutrient content (reflecting nutrient uptake), and alkaloid content, which is an indication of insect resistance. Measurements were taken of turfgrass quality on a scale of 19 on a weekly basis, shoot and root growth monthly, and shoot contents of macro- and micronutrients and of various alkaloids after four months. The researchers compared these effects to those of a chemical fertilizer, Scotts Turf Builder. The results indicated that the fertilizers Corn Gluten and Cockadoodle Doo generated the highest turfgrass quality and shoot growth, but Natures Touch with enzymes enhanced root growth. Compared with the chemical fertilizer, the organic fertilizers Cockadoodle Doo, Corn Gluten, and Natures Touch with enzymes generally resulted in better turf quality and higher shoot growth. Although Cockadoodle Doo, Vigoro, and Scotts Turf Builder resulted in higher macronutrient content in turfgrass shoots, there was no correlation between the fertilizers nutrient content and the shoots nutrient content four months after application. Significant differences were found for all measured alkaloids among the 13 treatments, but these differences varied with the fertilizer.
Parwinder S. Grewal

Compared with the chemical fertilizer, the organic fertilizers Cockadoodle Doo, Corn Gluten, and Natures Touch with enzymes generally resulted in better turf quality and higher shoot growth.

Overall, organic fertilizers produced higher turfgrass quality, growth, and insect resistance capacity (alkaloid content) compared with the standard chemical fertilizer, Scotts Turf Builder. On the basis of the high to excellent turfgrass greening quality ratings, root to shoot ratio, shoot nutrient and alkaloid content in this study, the team concluded that Cockadoodle Doo, Vigoro, Corn Gluten, and Natures Touch with enzymes are relatively superior organic fertilizers. Future research should focus on the evaluation of these fertilizers under field conditions, including different soil types and turfgrass species and cultivars.

www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/seeds SEEDS: The OARDC Research Enhancement Competitive Grants Program