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Q. We are a grower of ground covers and perennials. We are currently reveiwing our fertility program. Can you refer me to some good, current articles or links on basic fertility management? Thanks very much. -- Cathy

A. As you probably know, fertility management is a complex and everchanging task, and everyone does it a little different. As availability, regulations, and research changes, so do the strategies of managing nutrition. Unfortunately, there is no magic recipe, and if there was, it would probably be different tomorrow.

On the bright side, though, there are some good general sources for developing an up-to-date, basic nutrient management system. Here are the sources I would check (some general, some specific):

* Have on hand a couple of good plant nutrition textbooks such as Mengel and Kirkby's "Principles of Plant Nutrition" or Marschner's "Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants."

* Ask other growers what they know or have learned.

* Ask suppliers to provide as much information as possible on products.

* Look into Extension publications.

* Ask your local Extension agent.

* Search databases of a college or university library for crop specific information.

* Follow trade journals (such as NMPRO).

* Use scientific journals (Journal of Environmental Horticulture, HortTechnology, HortScience, American Journal of Horticultural Science, etc.).

* Try association publications such as the Best Management Practices manual put out by the Southern Nurserymens Association (can be found at http://www.sna.org/snastore/bmp.shtml).

Thanks for the question Cathy! I hope these resources help. -- David Sandrock

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