NFREC scientists have long been at the forefront of research and extension in soil fertility and plant nutrition.  Workers at NFREC have conducted some of the original research underlying the fertilization recommendations for vegetables and agronomic row crops in Florida.  Research at NFREC helped calibrate the Mehlich-1 soil test extractant currently used by the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service to make fertility recommendations for vegetables and row crops.  Scientists also have contributed much information about soil pH management and liming practices for vegetables and row crops.  Fertility recommendations have been developed from NFREC for tomato, pepper, eggplant, watermelon, muskmelon, snapbean, sweet corn, potato, corn cotton, and peanut. 

Research also has been conducted on determination of optimum fertilization rates for vegetables and row crops.  Many of the fertilization recommendations used today stem from research conducted at NFREC.  Fertility programs including rate, timing, and source for fertilizers have been developed for tomato and watermelon.  Nitrogen studies have led to fertilizer recommendations for corn and cotton.  Plant nutrition studies have been conducted to determine critical leaf nutrient concentrations.  Petiole sap testing protocols have been developed for tomato and watermelon so farmers can determine plant nutrient status in the field. 

Scientists have developed nutrient scheduling programs for drip-irrigated vegetable crops.  Florida is a leading state for use of drip irrigation in vegetable crops. 

Fertility research at NFREC includes combining nutrient and water management programs to formulate nutrient best management practices (BMPs) for vegetables and row crops.  Extension workers from NFREC are demonstrating these BMPs for vegetables and row crops on commercial farms.  Newly developed BMPs are being introduced to the nursery producers of northern Florida. Some milestones of soil fertility and plant nutrition at NFREC include: 

• Calibration of the Mehlich-1 soil test extractant for vegetables and row crops.

• Demonstration of optimum fertilizer timing for tomatoes grown on plastic mulch.

• Development of the plant petiole sap test procedures.

• Development and demonstration on nutrient BMPs for potato, sweet corn, and carrot.

• Establishment of the UF/IFAS Livestock Waste Testing Laboratory.

• Demonstration of use of controlled-release fertilizers on commercial scale for potato.

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