College of Agricultural Sciences

Electrical conductivity or 'salts' in soils and media are addressed by the author in terms of what a salt meter does, what electrical conductivity means, and how the information can help the grower. Several methods used to do electrical conductivity readings are included.

A discussion about the importance of plant root health in the landscape environment and the factors that can influence root system health. The authors address a variety of topics that influence root health ranging from nursery production methods to landscape practices.

Research was conducted on one-year-old container grown Rhododendron L. (Rhododen- dron ‘H-1 P.J.M’) and azalea (Rhododendron ‘Cannon’s Double’) to determine the influence of fall sprays of urea on the uptake of nutrients other than nitrogen (N).

Rhododendron (Rhododendron ‘H-1 P.J.M.’) and azalea (Rhododendron ‘Cannon’s Double’) were grown with (+N) or without (N-deficient) nitrogen (N) from May to September to determine the effects of N-availability on uptake, demand, and allocation of other mineral nutrients.

A study was conducted involving Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Merritt’s Supreme’ to determine whether nitrogen (N) fertigation rates applied during vegetative growth and spray applications of urea in the fall influences plant growth and flowering during forcing.

Container-grown ‘Summit’ green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) trees were used in a recent study in an effort to determine whether cold tolerance of the tree's buds and stems are related to nitrogen (N) application rate and fertilizer form.

Nursery-grown green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica ‘Summit’) trees were tested to determine the relationship between the nitrogen (N) status of the trees in the fall and bud necrosis during the following spring. The results of the study and it's implications are discussed by the authors.

An investigation was conducted into the increased susceptibility of pear nursery trees to infection by Phytophthora syringae following fall foliar sprays of urea which increased nitrogen (N) content in the trees. The authors discuss the methods and materials involved in the experiments along with the results.

The results of an investigation on pear (Pyrus communis L. OHF97) to determine whether specific factors influence the tree's susceptibility to Phytophthora syringae Klebahn. The factors included tree growth stage, nitrogen (N) status, wound age, and infection environment.

Research was conduced on the effect of using a clay-amended substrate to improve nutrient and water efficiency for plants in containers. The presentation includes detailed results on the performance of the different plants used.