Effectiveness of Pasteurized Poultry Litter as a Partial Substitute for Controlled-release Fertilizers in the Production of Container-grown Ornamental Plants

In two experiments, pasteurized poultry litter (PPL) was evaluated as a potential substitute for controlled-release fertilizers in the production of container-grown downy jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum), chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), and areca palm (Dypsis lutescens). Downy jasmine and chinese hibiscus generally grew better when provided with PPL as a micronutrient source than with no micronutrients or with an inorganic micronutrient blend (MN). However, areca palm grew poorly with PPL as a fertilizer supplement compared with MN-fertilized areca palm. PPL provided high levels of ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during the first few weeks, but soil solution levels of these elements dropped off rapidly in subsequent weeks. The large amount of phosphorus leached from the containers fertilized with PPL is an environmental concern.