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25 Apr 2022

How to reduce Fertilizer costs | Doggett Corporation

Reducing Costs We all know the cost of doing business is ever increasing.  Fuel costs, labor, equipment is at all-time highs.  Fertilizer components are no exception.  There are some ways you can somewhat help get the most out of your plant nutrient dollar, stay competitive and profitable. Consider the plant species you are feeding. Also consider the immediate environment, soil type, pH, and is it very wet or dry.  Taking a soil test can help determine what nutrients are lacking or in excess. Another way to determine nutrient needs would be to take foliar tissue test during the growing season.  By doing this you can figure out what specific nutrients the plant needs. When considering a fertilizer formulation, don’t look for the cheapest products out there.  Consider what product will give the best results and return on your dollar.  Look...

28 Nov 2021

Fertilization During Late Fall And Dormancy Period | Doggett

FERTILIZATION DURING LATE FALL AND DORMANCY PERIOD There is much discussion about the effectiveness of fertilizer applications during late fall. As a PHC operator, it is a great way to generate revenue into the late season and keep your employees working.   As for the benefit of trees and shrubs, there are three compelling reasons why this is an effective time for a root stimulating type of application.   Although shoot growth, or lack thereof, is the most obvious sign of dormancy, root activity and growth never stop.   When the dormancy occurs growth systems within the plant turn to root production.   During this time, trees and shrubs produce most of their non-woody root extension.    It is important to keep in mind that we do not want to over stimulate the plant, but to maximize the effectiveness of...

14 Sep 2021

Tips to Strengthen Trees Before Winter | Doggett

Fall is here and winter is right around the corner. You want to give your clients’ trees the best chance to overcome the summer stress and prepare for the cold winter months. 3 Tips to Strengthen Trees Before Winter Are: 1) Fertilize Before the Ground Freezes. We know trees and shrubs use nutrients all year-long. Yet, fall is when trees put on 60% of their annual non-woody (feeder) root growth. Applying fertilizer from early-late fall before the ground freezes is a good approach. Fertilizers can be applied before the leaves drop and the soil temperatures drops. Nutrients can be taken in by the root system and stored as energy for the spring when trees come out of dormancy.   Use a high-quality professional slow-release fertilizer with a low salt index like our Fall 12-24-24, 6-12-12 fall liquid, or 11-22-22 organic...

25 May 2021

What are Phosphites?

What are Phosphites? A simple definition: A Phosphite (H3PO3) is a Phosphate (H3PO4) with one less oxygen (O) molecule.   That missing oxygen molecule makes Phosphites vastly different from Phosphates.   Phosphate is the phosphorous (P) in NPK fertilizers.   Phosphite is more soluble than Phosphate. This makes foliar and root uptake more efficient. It slowly converts to phosphorus following an application to roots or foliage and also offers additional unique benefits:   1. Works as a biodegradable fungicide to help protect plants from Phytophthora and armillaria root rot.   2. Can be applied as a direct application to open wounds or bleeding cankers on trees to help speed healing.   3. As a soil application, it enhances plant resistance to stresses induced by drought, water logging, disease, and insect infestations.   4. Reacts with soil bacteria to produce mycorrhizae...

13 May 2021

Humates

What are Humates? Humates (humic acids) are the result of the decomposition of plant and animal tissue in the soil.  This final decomposition (humate) creates complex molecules which provide a variety of benefits to soil and plants. For more information click this link. Plants grown in humate rich soil produce better growth, better nutrient uptake, and are less subject to stress. Humates increase soil water holding capacity, holding up to seven times their volume in water. Humate molecules attach to plant roots and enhance the uptake and efficiency of nutrients. Humates stimulate root growth and development, thus speeding up establishment of newly planted trees, shrubs, and turf. Although humate is not a fertilizer, it complements a good fertilizer program. In soils, especially those lacking in organic matter, it is often advantageous to supplement the humate profile. ‘Doggett’s Natural Resource’ product...

22 Apr 2021

Micronutrients

Micronutrients  are plant nutrients essential for optimum plant growth, but required in small amounts. Most complete fertilizers contain 6 micronutrients, and the percentage of each is critical to prevent toxicities and/or deficiencies. These include: 1: Boron (B) – Aids in the differentiation of plant cells, and also regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates. 2: Copper {Cu) – Activates several essential enzyme systems in plants. 3:  Iron (Fe) – Required for the formation of chlorophyll, and also controls the synthesis of indoleacetic acid, a plant growth regulator. 4:  Manganese (Mn) – Assists iron in chlorophyll formation.  High levels of Mn may induce Fe deficiency.  This symptom is sometimes called Mn toxicity. 5:  Zinc (Zn) – An essential component of several enzyme systems.  Like Fe, it also controls the synthesis of indoleacetic acid. 6:  Molybdenum (Mo) – Required by plants for utilization of...

29 Mar 2021

Why Fertilize Trees and Shrubs?

Why do we fertilize trees & shrubs? Especially in the urban landscape setting, trees, as well as shrubs and ornamentals are the most valuable asset on the property. Promotes health, vigor, color and growth of landscape species. Simply to mimic the forest floor. Here is an article on the value of trees. Characteristics & Functions of Roots are as follows: Three Primary Functions • acquisition of soil-based resources: water & nutrients • plant anchorage • food (carbohydrate) storage Secondary Functions • synthesis of growth regulators • plant propagation • tubers • root buds • suckers Effect of N on Root : Shoot Ratios Fertilizers (nitrogen) generally stimulates shoot growth more than roots. This results in decreased root : shoot ratios Question:If soluble (coated) nitrogen sources contribute N faster vs. MU/UF, can they limit root growth; root; shoot ratios? Bottom Line:...

22 Mar 2021

Manganese (Mn) in Trees & Shrubs

Manganese (Mn) plays an important role in plants..  Considered a micro-nutrient, it is one of the essential nutrients required for growth. Plants depend on it to aid in photosynthesis, chloroplast formation, nitrogen metabolism and synthesizing enzymes. Tissue testing is an excellent way to determine if a tree or shrub is Mn deficient.  Certain trees are inefficient in utilizing Mn. Even though it can occur in any plant species, the most common are pin oaks, maples, dogwoods and river birches. Signs or symptoms would be pale green or yellow leaves with darker green veins. Mn deficiency is a serious, widespread plant nutritional disorder.  It is often found in dry, well-aerated and calcareous soils, as well as in soils containing high amounts of organic matter.  Bio-availability of Mn can decrease far below the level that is required for normal plant growth To...

22 Feb 2021

Mycorrhizae a Living Body Within Your Plants

Mycorrhizae a Living Body Within Your Plants. Planting, whether you are doing it as a hobby, to kill some time and relax, an ingredient resource for cooking, for livelihood, for the beautification of your own spaces, or simply because of your green thumb, whatever motivates you to start and keep going, I'm sure that you'd like to hear and know more about the amazing processes behind the growth of your cherished plants. Did you know, particularly, land plants have their way of coping mechanism? Yes, you heard it right! Plants also behave as an actual person does. They have their means of surviving and living their way through the ecosystem. Have you ever heard of Mycorrhizae? It's most likely that you'll find it unusual to see these letters combined in just one word. Just how rare you'll bump into this...

17 Feb 2021

Organic Fertilizer a Natural Diet

Organic Fertilizer a Natural Diet for the Greens, if you will be asked about your "Gardening 101" experience, this is probably one of those first answers you'll pitch! The most common, easy, and natural way of feeding our plants: through organic fertilizer. It is easy to discuss and share this common knowledge from our personal experiences in planting/gardening. It might be from our parents, family members, friends. It can be from school-related activities and projects that involve growing plants or even trees. Not to mention, you might also gain this source of knowledge from a group of people who are educated through undergoing and actively practicing the usage of organic fertilizer. It will come out naturally. It's as if it's the source of truth in agriculture in rural (countryside) areas. Now hear me out while I share some friendly tips...