Slow-release Fertilizers

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​Slow-release, time-release, and prilled fertilizers are commonly used in the nursery and potted plant industries because nutrients are released gradually over time. These fertilizers are preferred over granular and quick-release fertilizers when rearing young coffee plants to avoid root and subsequent shoot and leaf burning due to excessive fertilizer salts on young, susceptible roots. Fertilizer product labels typically provide an approximate time frame for the release of nutrients although humidity, temperature, irrigation, and rainfall can slow or hasten the actual period of release. Since the initial cost of slow-release fertilizers is typically higher per pound than granular fertilizers, a cost-benefit analysis is necessary to better understand the use of time-release fertilizers in a coffee orchard system. 

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