Scientia Horticulturae 162 (2013) 135–143

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Scientia Horticulturae
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/scihorti

Effect of fertilizer potential acidity and nitrogen form on the pH

response in a peat-based substrate with three floricultural species
Connie N. Johnson a , Paul R. Fisher a,∗ , Jinsheng Huang a , Thomas H. Yeager a ,
Thomas A. Obreza a , Richard P. Vetanovetz b , William R. Argo c , A. Jeremy Bishko d
a
IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
b
Sun Gro Horticulture, 16250 Hunters Run, Marysville, OH 43040, United States
c
Blackmore Company, 10800 Blackmore Avenue, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
d
University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, United States

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: The potential of a water soluble fertilizer (WSF) to raise or lower substrate-pH is estimated in calcium
Received 6 March 2013 carbonate equivalents (CCE) of acidity or basicity per unit mass of fertilizer. The CCE is currently esti-
Received in revised form 30 July 2013 mated using Pierre’s Method, PM, which is based on assumptions as to the effects of nitrogen and other
Accepted 1 August 2013
ions in field soils that may not apply in container substrates. In a greenhouse experiment, the substrate-
pH change was measured with 18 WSFs that varied in the concentration of NH4 -N, NO3 -N, urea-N and
Keywords:
other nutrients. ‘Ringo Deep Red’ Pelargonium × hortorum (Bailey. L.H.), ‘Super Elfin Bright Orange’ Impa-
Alkalinity
tiens wallerana (Hook. F.), and ‘Ultra Red’ Petunia × hybrida seedling plugs were grown in 70%:30% (v:v)
Calcium carbonate
CCE
peat:perlite substrate amended with dolomitic hydrated limestone. Plants in 900 mL, 6-celled containers
N fertilization were top-irrigated with a total of 3.07 L over 4 weeks at 100 mg L−1 N without leaching. Plant species
Substrate-pH varied in their pH effect, in the order from acidic to basic of Pelargonium, Impatiens, and Petunia. Fertilizer
CCE was positively correlated with substrate-pH, with r2 between 0.54 and 0.80 depending on the species.
Multivariate regression also quantified NH4 -N, NO3 -N, and urea-N concentration effects on substrate-pH
and CCE of applied fertilizer. Estimated mequiv. of acid (negative values) or base (positive values) per
mmol of each nitrogen form applied were NH4 -N −0.6678, −0.6143, −0.8123; NO3 -N 0.0713, 0.2746,
−0.1296; and urea-N −0.2038, −0.1445, −0.2711 for Impatiens, Petunia, and Pelargonium, respectively.
Ammonium-N therefore had a strong acid effect, nitrate-N was a weak base or acid, and urea-N was a weak
acid. Calculation of CCE based on PM or nitrogen alone provided a similar R2 with observed pH, despite
a wide range in concentrations of macronutrients other than N in the fertilizer blends. Pierre’s Method
and nitrogen estimates of CCE for fertilizer blends were similar to each other (R2 = 0.97). However, PM
estimates were biased compared with experimental results, over-predicting acidity of high-ammonium
fertilizers, and over-predicting basicity of high-nitrate fertilizers. Results indicate that nitrogen form and
concentration may provide a simple estimation of the acidity or basicity of blended fertilizers, although
research under other growing conditions would be required. Accurate estimation of CCE is important to
help growers formulate appropriate fertilizers to balance other factors such as water alkalinity and plant
species.
© 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction manganese and boron are likely to arise. In container production,

Selection of a water soluble fertilizer (WSF) type and
concentration is a key pH management decision for container-
grown floricultural crops after planting. Maintaining substrate-pH
between 5.6 and 6.4 provides adequate nutrient availability in root
substrate for most floricultural species (Argo and Fisher, 2002). Out-
side this pH range, deficiencies or toxicities of nutrient such as iron,
∗ Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 352 273 4581.
E-mail address: pfisher@ufl.edu (P.R. Fisher).
WSF recommendations typically specify the nitrogen concentra-
tion and form, and the NPK balance (Nelson, 2003; Styer and
Koranski, 1997). Fertilizer selection aims to balance water alkalin-
ity and the tendency of particular crop species to raise or lower pH.
Predicted pH effect of a fertilizer is described either by the potential
acidity or basicity (Pierre, 1933; Ståhlberg, 1981) or the proportion
of total N in the form of NH4 -N (Argo and Biernbaum, 1996; Styer
and Koranski, 1997).
Challenges exist when applying Pierre’s Method [“PM”, Pierre
(1933)] to fertilizer decision-making in floriculture production.
First, the units of PM are kg of CaCO3 equivalents (CCE) per ton

0304-4238/$ – see front matter © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2013.08.001
136 C.N. Johnson et al. / Scientia Horticulturae 162 (2013) 135–143
(based on application to field soils) whereas WSF are applied as
a concentration (mg L−1 ) of N in solution. Second, although the
percentage of N in the NH4 -N form is considered to have a domi-
nant effect on fertilizer acidity or basicity in floriculture production
(Styer and Koranski, 1997, p. 207), the relationship between PM and
N form is not directly apparent. The PM assumes that (1) the acid-
ifying effect is caused by all the S and Cl, one-third of the P, and
one-half of the N contained in the fertilizer; (2) Ca, Mg, Na, and
K are base forming elements; and (3) ammonium-N is completely
nitrified and nitrate-N combined with bases such as sodium or cal-
cium will have a net basic effect (Pierre, 1933; Tisdale and Nelson,
1966). As a consequence of these assumptions, PM predicts that
ions such as Cl− in a blended WSF will sometimes have a greater
effect on fertilizer acidity than N (Johnson et al., 2010).
It can be hypothesized that N would contribute a major propor-
tion of the observed substrate pH effect of a blended WSF. Epstein
and Bloom (2005) indicated that on average, crop plants take up 250
atoms of K, less than 125 atoms of all other essential macronutri-
ents, and less than 3 atoms of each essential micronutrient for every
1000 atoms of N. Fertilization with NH4 -N causes substrate-pH to
decrease because of H+ release during root uptake and nitrification
of NH4 + -N to NO3 − -N (Lang and Elliott, 1991). Rapid nitrification
occurs in container substrate above pH 5.5, which is the typical
growing range for most container crops (Argo and Biernbaum,
1997; Lang and Elliott, 1991). As a microbial process, nitrifica-
tion rate is affected by multiple factors such as pH, temperature,
oxygen, moisture, weeks of cropping, substrate components, nitro-
gen form and concentration (Lang and Elliott, 1991). Ammonium
uptake is energetically favored over nitrate uptake when both N
forms are supplied (Engels and Marschner, 1995; von Wiren et al.,
2001). Ammonium-N is therefore likely to have greater influence
on substrate-pH than the two other common forms of N in WSF,
which are NO3 -N and Urea-N. Fertilization with NO3 − increases
substrate-pH resulting from OH− or HCO3 − secretion associated
with balancing ion uptake (Marschner, 1995; Argo and Biernbaum,
1997). The pH effects of urea nitrogen vary depending on the
dynamics of urea hydrolysis and the subsequent fate of NH4 + and
NO3 − . Urea hydrolysis consumes protons whereas the process of
plant uptake of NH4 + produces protons. Therefore, urea nitrogen
would have a net basic effect in the absence of nitrification or plant
uptake of NH4 + ions, a net neutral effect if the resulting NH4 + ions
from urea hydrolysis are taken up by plant roots, or a net acidic
effect if the resulting NH4 + ions are nitrified, producing a net of
2H+ (Verburg et al., 2003):
(NH2 )2 CO + H2 O + 2H+ → 2NH4 + + CO2 [Ureahydrolysis]
2NH4 + + 4O2 → 2NO3 − + 2H2 O + 4H+ [Nitrification]
Plant species is also an important factor to consider in N
uptake. Plant species adapted to soils that are acidic or with low
redox potential tend to have a greater rate of uptake of ammo-
nium (Marschner, 1995, p. 247). In contrast, plant species adapted
to calcareous soils (where nitrification of ammonium to nitrate
is favored) have greater uptake of nitrate-nitrogen. Floricultural
crop species can also be categorized by their efficiency of iron
(Fe) and manganese (Mn) uptake (Argo and Fisher, 2002). Iron-
efficient plants (for example, zonal Pelargonium) are efficient at
manipulating substrate-pH in the root zone to increase the solu-
bility and uptake of Fe and Mn. Fe and Mn toxicity often occurs
when substrate-pH decreases below 5.6. Iron-inefficient species
(for example, Petunia) experience Fe and Mn deficiencies when
substrate-pH increases above 6.5. Iron-intermediate plants (for
example, seed Impatiens) are less susceptible to micronutrient tox-
icities and deficiencies and can be successfully grown over a larger
pH range.
The objective of this study was to quantify the relationship of PM
estimation of CCE with both substrate-pH and N form in blended
WSF used in container plant production of bedding plants. Three
experiments were run, including a trial with three floriculture crops
that differed in reported iron efficiency (Pelargonium, Impatiens,
and Petunia), and two additional experiments with Impatiens only.
Several hypotheses were tested related to fertilizer CCE, nitrogen
form, and substrate-pH. We hypothesized that increasing acidity
of CCE predicted by PM would be correlated with decreasing pH
in a container substrate. It was further expected that the classifi-
cation of an “acidic”, “neutral”, or “basic” fertilizer as predicted by
CCE would be only a relative measurement given the influence of
other factors such as plant species. The CCE on a mequiv. of acidity
or basicity per L basis was expected to be more closely correlated
with substrate-pH than CCE on a kg/metric ton basis when WSF are
applied in solution at a specific N concentration. The response in
substrate-pH was related to the dose of a strong mineral acid or
base using a methodology developed by Johnson et al. (2010). The
substrate-pH change in a greenhouse experiment with fertilizers
that varied in CCE predicted by PM could therefore be compared
with the substrate-pH dose response from a mineral acid or base. A
close relationship was hypothesized between the ratio of N forms
and substrate-pH, whereby NH4 -N would have an acid effect on
substrate-pH, NO3 -N would have a basic effect, and urea-N would
have an intermediate effect. Estimations of mequiv. of acidity or
basicity based on nitrogen form or fertilizer CCE were compared.
Should N form alone provided a close approximation of CCE and
effects on substrate-pH, this may assist growers in interpreting and
selecting WSF formulations.
2. Materials and methods
2.1. Multiple species experiment
In spring 2010 at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (Lati-
tude: 29.65◦ N), a 70%:30% (v:v) peat:perlite substrate was mixed
with dolomitic hydrated limestone (97% Ca(OH)2 ·MgO, 92% of
which passed through a 45-␮m screen, National Lime and Stone,
Findlay, Ohio, reported acid neutralizing value of 161% CCE) at a rate
of 2.01 kg m−3 to raise substrate-pH to approximately 6.0. The peat
source used in the research substrates was Canadian Sphagnum
peat moss (Sun Gro Horticulture, Vancouver, Canada) with long
fibers and little dust (von Post scale 1–2; Puustjarvi and Robertson,
1975). The substrate was placed in 900 mL, 6-celled (TJ606, 150 mL
per cell) containers. The substrate was moistened using 300 mL
of a 100 mg L−1 N 17.0N-2.2P-14.2K low potential basicity fertil-
izer solution (7.5 kg/metric ton CCE basicity estimated using PM)
per 6-cell container. Seedling plugs of ‘Ringo Deep Red’ Pelargo-
nium × hortorum (Bailey. L.H.), ‘Super Elfin Bright Orange’ Impatiens
wallerana (Hook. F.), and ‘Ultra Red’ Petunia × hybrida seedling plugs
were transplanted into the 6-celled containers. The Pelargonium
had been seed-propagated in 288-celled plug trays and the Impa-
tiens and Petunia in 512-celled trays.
A total of 18 fertilizers were evaluated that ranged from
205 kg/metric ton CCE basicity to 780 kg/metric ton CCE acidity
estimated using PM (Table 1). After transplanting, the plugs were
allowed to grow for 2 weeks before treatments started. During this
time, plants were top irrigated with 200 mg L−1 N from a 17.0N-
2.2P-14.2K fertilizer solution (Table 1) as needed. After the 2-week
pre-treatment period, at which time the substrate-pH averaged 6.2,
the 18 fertilizer treatments were applied for the following 4 weeks.
Cell packs were irrigated overhead by hand with fertilizer solu-
tions mixed with deionized water, with nutrients applied at each
irrigation. A total volume of 3.07 L (0.81 gal) of fertilizer solution
was applied to each cell-pack over 4 weeks. Saucers were placed
 C.N. Johnson et al. / Scientia Horticulturae 162 (2013) 135–143 137

Table 1
Calcium carbonate equivalency estimated using PM [CCE (kg per metric ton), (+ve) basic, (−ve) acidic] and concentration of elements applied per 100 mg L−1 N in 18 water
soluble fertilizers evaluated in the “Multiple Species” experiment conducted in spring 2010.

mg L−1 of Elements per 100 mg L−1 Nb

Fertilizer kg/metric ton CCEa NH4 + NO3 − Urea P K Ca Mg S B Cl Cu Fe Mn Mo Zn Na

14.8N-1.9P-12.3K −780 100.0 0.0 0.0 12.8 83.0 0.0 0.0 108.5 0.1 80.0 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.3 3.3
21.0N-3.1P-5.8K −759 49.5 0.0 50.5 14.7 27.7 0.0 2.9 61.8 0.1 3.6 0.1 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 2.9
25.1N-4.4P-8.3K −520 7.2 10.8 82.1 17.5 33.1 0.0 0.0 35.0 0.1 2.8 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 2.9
19.4N-2.4P-16.2K −340 50.0 50.0 0.0 12.7 83.0 0.0 0.0 30.0 0.1 3.8 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 3.2
10.0N-13.1P-16.7K −182.5 50.0 50.0 0.0 132.0 166.0 0.0 13.0 23.1 0.1 4.8 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.3 2.5
20.0N-0.9P-16.7K −145 36.0 64.0 0.0 4.4 83.0 0.0 5.5 9.1 0.1 2.2 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.3 2.5
15.0N-2.2P-20.8K −24 28.7 71.3 0.0 14.7 138.3 0.0 16.7 26.4 0.0 2.0 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.3 2.9
16.5N-2.1P-13.8K 0 24.8 75.2 0.0 12.8 83.0 20.0 9.7 1.3 0.1 3.4 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 3.1
17.0N-2.2P-14.2K 7.5 24.7 75.3 0.0 12.9 83.0 17.6 5.9 1.6 0.1 4.2 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 3.6
17.0N-1.7P-14.2K 14.5 23.5 76.5 0.0 10.4 83.0 23.5 5.9 1.7 0.1 1.7 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 2.6
15.0N-2.2P-12.5K 65.5 7.3 78.7 14.0 14.7 83.0 33.3 13.3 1.2 0.1 1.7 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.3 1.8
14.0N-1.7P-11.7K 100 14.3 85.7 0.0 12.6 83.0 35.7 14.3 1.8 0.1 3.4 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.3 2.8
15.0N-6.6P-4.2K 110.5 13.3 86.7 0.0 0.0 83.0 33.3 13.3 0.7 0.1 2.6 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.3 2.8
15.0N-0.9P-16.7K 117 9.3 85.3 5.3 5.9 110.7 25.0 13.3 1.9 0.2 2.2 0.1 0.7 0.3 0.1 0.3 2.1
13.6N-1.7P-16.7K 145 11.8 88.2 0.0 12.9 122.1 29.4 14.7 1.7 0.2 3.0 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.3 3.0
13.0N-0.9P-10.8K-(G) 165 4.6 95.4 0.0 6.8 83.0 46.2 23.1 1.3 0.1 4.8 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 2.3
13.0N-0.9P-10.8K-(S) 167.5 0.0 93.1 6.9 6.8 83.0 46.2 23.1 1.1 0.1 1.9 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.3 1.7
12.4N-1.6P-10.3K 205 3.2 96.8 0.0 12.8 83.0 61.3 21.8 1.7 0.1 4.0 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 2.6
a
Units of calcium carbonate equivalency (CCE) reported as kg CCE basicity or acidity per metric ton of fertilizer using PM.
b
mg L−1 converted to mmol L−1 by dividing mg L−1 by atomic weight of the element = mmol L−1 .

under each 6-celled container to allow reabsorption of any leachate.
The fertilizer solutions were applied at 100 mg L−1 N with an addi-
tional 0.5 mg L−1 Fe from a 6.48% Fe-EDDHA chelate (Greencare
Fertilizers, Inc., Kankakee, IL) in deionized water. The plants were
grown in a polycarbonate-covered greenhouse with average tem-
peratures of 24.2 ◦ C, and daily average PAR light accumulation of
9.3 mol m−2 d.
The greenhouse experiment was a randomized complete block
design with a factorial of 18 water soluble fertilizers × three plant
species × three blocks. Each block consisted of two greenhouse
benches, and included two replicates (or cell packs) of all species
and fertilizers for a total of 6 replicates (cell packs) per variable
measured. Substrate solution extracts were collected by adding
320 mL of deionized water, and squeezing out approximately 50 mL
of solution, per cell pack based on the plug press method (Scoggins
et al., 2002). Substrate-pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were
measured two weeks after planting (start of fertilizer treatments),
and at the end of experiment four weeks later. Substrate-EC aver-
aged 0.85 mS/cm at the end of the experiment, compared with
1.09 mS/cm at the start of fertilizer treatments, indicating there was
minimal change in total salt concentration in the substrate.
To relate change in substrate-pH (pH) to milliequivalents
(mequiv.) of acid or base applied per liter of substrate, substrate-
pH was related to the applied mequiv. of a strong mineral acid or
base using an “acid–base titration” method (Johnson et al., 2010).
Hydrochloric acid or dolomitic lime base was applied to the peat-
perlite substrate in a laboratory procedure. Samples of 450 mL of
the same substrate from the greenhouse trial, but not used for
growing plants, were placed in plastic bags and moistened using
150 mL of a 100 mg L−1 N 17.0N-2.2P-14.2K slightly basic fertilizer
solution prepared using deionized water. After 7 days, hydrochloric
acid (0.528 N) was added at volumes of 0, 8.5, 17.0, 25.6, 34.1, and
42.6 mL resulting in 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 mequiv. of acid per L of
substrate. Other substrate samples were amended with dolomitic
hydrated lime (97% Ca(OH)2 ·MgO, 92% of which passed through a
45-␮m screen, National Lime and Stone, Findlay, Ohio, with a mea-
sured acid neutralizing value of 148% CCE) at 0, 0.31, 0.62, 0.96, 1.27,
or 1.58 g per L of substrate. Substrate-pH of four replicates was mea-
sured 7 days after acid or base application. The polynomial curve
relating pH to mequiv. of acid or base added per liter of substrate
was used to estimate the equivalent acidity or basicity (referred
to as the “Substrate-meq”) applied by the fertilizer (Table 1)
based on the measured change in substrate-pH in the greenhouse
trial.
The main and interaction effects of fertilizer CCE of the 18 fer-
tilizers (analyzed as a quantitative variable) and 3 plant species
(as a class variable) on substrate-pH were analyzed with anal-
ysis of covariance (ANCOVA) using PROC GLM (SAS Institute,
2001).
The effects of different nitrogen forms (NH4 + , NO3 − , and urea)
on substrate-pH were then analyzed with ANCOVA in PROC MIXED.
The dependent variable was the mequiv. of acidity or basicity per
L of substrate quantified by converting change in substrate-pH
from beginning of treatment through the end of experiment to the
Substrate-meq (the mequiv. of acid or base using the acid–base
titration method). The independent variables were the mequiv. N
applied per L of substrate of each fertilizer N form (ammonium,
nitrate, or urea, as a quantitative variable), with the block as a ran-
dom variable, and no intercept specified in the model. The analysis
was by species, because the previous ANCOVA with fertilizer CCE
resulted in significant main and interaction effects for plant species.
The species-specific parameters (in units of mequiv. of acidity or
basicity per mequiv. N applied) for each N form were used to quan-
tify the acidity or basicity from N-containing fertilizers, termed the
Nitrogen CCE method. Linear regression was used to correlate PM
CCE and Nitrogen CCE.
2.2. Impatiens only experiments
Data collected at University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
(Latitude: 43◦ 09 N) in 1998 provided an independent data set
for comparison of substrate-pH response to WSF with Impatiens.
Two experiments included one growing substrate and 17 WSF in
a completely randomized block design. Initial substrate-pH ranged
from 5.7 (Experiment 1) to 6.0 (Experiment 2). The root substrate
used was (by volume) 70% Canadian sphagnum peat moss (Sun
Gro Horticulture, Bellevue, Wash.) with long fibers and little dust
(Von Post scale 1–2; Puustjarvi and Robertson, 1975), and 30%
coarse perlite. Before planting, amendments were applied (per
m3 of substrate) including 1.2 kg of a nutrient charge consisting
of 6N-9P-9K-1Mg-10Ca-0.3Fe-0.04Mn-0.02Zn-0.036Cu-0.049Bo-
0.0097Mo from potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, triple super
138 C.N. Johnson et al. / Scientia Horticulturae 162 (2013) 135–143

phosphate, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, iron oxide, man-

ganese oxide, zinc oxide, copper oxide, boric acid, and ammonium
heptamolybdate, respectively, 0.2 L of a wetting agent (Aquagro
2000 L, Aquatrols, Pennsaulken, N.J.), and 1.2 kg microfine dolomitic
hydrated lime [97% Ca(OH)2 ·MgO, 92% of which passed through a
45-␮m screen, National Lime and Stone, Findlay, Ohio]. Container
capacity was determined on unplanted 1302 mL, 6-celled contain-
ers by subirrigating for 30 min, leaving to drain for 30 min, and
subtracting the drained mass from the oven-dried mass (70 ◦ C for
48 h). Sufficient distilled water was added to bring substrate to 50%
container capacity, determined by mass, after which the substrate
was allowed to equilibrate for seven days.
The trial was conducted in two well-ventilated glass green-
house sections at University of New Hampshire. Seedling plugs of
Impatiens wallerana ‘Super Elfin Violet’ (Hook. F.) grown in 512-
celled (Experiment 1) or 128-celled (Experiment 2) plug trays were
planted into 1302 mL, 6-celled containers and were allowed to
develop roots for 2 weeks (Experiment 1) or 1 week (Experiment 2).
During the establishment phase, plants were sub-irrigated with tap
water (54 mg L−1 CaCO3 alkalinity, pH 8.4, electrical conductivity
0.3 mS/cm) acidified with H2 SO4 to a pH of 4.5 to neutralize alkalin-
ity, when the average weight of 6-cell packs reached 50% container
capacity. After initial rooting, water soluble fertilizers with calcium
carbonate equivalency values ranging from −440 kg/metric ton CCE
acidity to 105 kg/metric ton CCE basicity (estimated using PM) were
mixed at 100 mg L−1 N with water acidified to pH 4.5 (Table 2).
The 6-celled containers were randomized over four sub-
irrigation benches, with each treatment comprised of six 6-celled
container replicates placed in plastic saucers. Plants were
overhead-irrigated with their respective WSF with zero leaching
when cell-packs dried to approximately 50% container capacity
Fig. 1. The reported CCE (kg/metric ton) of fertilizer acidity or basicity calcu-
as determined gravimetrically based on weighing 6 random trays. lated using Pierre’s Method versus change in substrate-pH (a) after 28 days
Six cells (from separate cell-containers) from each treatment were of treatment in the “Multiple Species” experiments and (b) in the two “Impa-
tested at 1 and 4 weeks, with testing blocked over three days tiens Only” experiments. Plant species and fertilizer (or CCE) significantly affected
(two replicates per measurement day). Substrate-pH samples were substrate-pH at week 6 on ANCOVA analysis in the “Multiple Species” experiments,
with respect to both main effects (plant species, P < 0.0001; fertilizer, P < 0.0001)
collected based upon the saturated-root medium extract (SME)
and their interaction (P = 0.0031). Change in substrate-pH = day 28 pH–day 0 pH,
method using distilled water as the extractant (Warncke, 1986) where initial substrate-pH for each plant species was 6.2. (a) Petunia: Change
and pH was measured directly in the saturated substrate. in pH = 0.00147 × (CCE) + 0.276; Impatiens: Change in pH = 0.00110 × (CCE) − 0.141;
Pelargonium: Change in pH = 0.000936 × (CCE) − 0.510. (b) Reported CCE acidity
or basicity in kg per metric ton [Experiment 1: Change in pH = 0.0015 × (mequiv.
CCE acidity or basicity per L of solution) − 0.2846; Experiment 2: Change in
3. Results and discussion
pH = 0.0018 × (mequiv. CCE acidity or basicity per L of solution) + 0.0279] with
P < 0.0001.
Whether a given fertilizer had a neutral (zero pH change over
time), basic (increase in pH), or acidic (decrease in pH) effect
depended upon the plant species grown (Fig. 1a). neutral reaction for Pelargonium (Fig. 1a). However, there appeared
Using ANCOVA for the “Multiple Species” experiment, there to be non-linearity for high nitrate-N (>88% of total N) fertilizers
were significant effects of fertilizer CCE (P < 0.0001), plant species with Pelargonium. Three of the four most basic fertilizers (13.6N-
(P < 0.0001), and the interaction (P = 0.0031) on substrate-pH. 1.7P-16.7K, 13.0N-0.9P-10.8K-(G), and 12.4N-1.6P-10.3K), which
Substrate-pH in Pelargonium, Impatiens, and Petunia decreased from ranged from 145 to 205 kg/metric ton CCE basicity and 88.2–96.8%
an initial pH of 6.2 to either 4.6, 4.7, or 4.9, respectively, with of N as NO3 -N, resulted in no pH change. The 13.0N-0.9P-10.8K-(S)
the most “acidic” fertilizer (14.8N-1.9P-12.3K, 780 kg/metric ton fertilizer, with 93.1% NO3 -N and 6.9% urea-N, resulted in a drop of
CCE acidity) or pH 6.2, 6.3, or 6.8, respectively, with the most 0.3 pH units.
“basic” fertilizer (12.4N-1.6P-10.3K, 205 kg/metric CCE basicity). There was a consistent trend across “Multiple Species” exper-
Substrate-pH was 5.5, 6.2, or 6.5 with the “neutral” fertilizer (17.0N- iment and “Impatiens Only” experiments 1 and 2, whereby
2.2P-14.2K, 0 kg/metric CCE acidity) for Pelargonium, Impatiens, and increasing fertilizer acidity predicted by PM resulted in a lower
Petunia, respectively. The average substrate-pH across all fertilizers substrate-pH with Impatiens (Fig. 1a and b). After 28 days,
was 5.6 in Pelargonium, 6.0 in Impatiens, and 6.3 in Petunia. This substrate-pH decreased by as much as 1.58 units with the most
pattern in pH reduction or increase by species is consistent with “acidic” fertilizer (14.8N-1.9P-12.3K, 780 kg/metric ton CCE acid-
classification by Argo and Fisher (2002) for Pelargonium, Impatiens, ity) in the “Multiple Species” experiment and as much as 1.85 units
and Petunia as iron-efficient, intermediate, and iron-inefficient, in the “Impatiens Only” experiments with the 9.0N-19.8P-12.5K,
respectively. Using linear regression formulae from the ANCOVA, 470 kg/metric ton CCE acidity fertilizer. In all experiments, the fer-
a fertilizer with approximately −187 kg/metric ton CCE acidity was tilizers that resulted in the lowest substrate-pH therefore had 100%
estimated to result in a neutral reaction (zero pH change) for Petunia of the nitrogen content in the ammoniacal form.
and 129 kg/metric ton CCE basicity for Impatiens. Correlation with substrate-pH was consistently higher when
Linear regression indicated that 552 kg/metric ton CCE basic- CCE was expressed on a concentration (mequiv. of acidity or basic-
ity (more basic than any fertilizer tested) would be required for a ity per L) basis than on a mass (kg per metric ton) basis, as apparent
 C.N. Johnson et al. / Scientia Horticulturae 162 (2013) 135–143 139

Table 2
Calcium carbonate equivalency estimated using PM [CCE (kg per metric ton), (+ve) basic, (−ve) acidic] and concentration of elements applied per 100 mg L−1 N in 17 water
soluble fertilizers evaluated in the “Impatiens Only” experiments conducted in 1998.

mg L−1 of Elements per 100 mg L−1 Nb

Fertilizer kg/metric ton CCEa NH4 + NO3 − Urea P K Ca Mg S B Cl Cu Fe Mn Mo Zn Na

21.1N-3.1P-5.8K −780 43.1 0.0 56.9 14.6 27.5 0.0 3.3 47.4 0.1 25.0 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0
25.1N-4.4P-8.3K −520 7.2 10.8 82.1 17.5 33.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0
9.0N-19.8P-12.5K −470 100.0 0.0 0.0 220.0 138.3 0.0 0.6 0.0 0.1 125.7 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0
15.1N-13.2P-12.5K −335 38.4 29.8 31.8 87.4 82.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0
20.0N-4.4P-16.6K −212.5 40.0 60.0 0.0 22.0 83.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.0
21.0N-2.2P-16.6K −194.5 31.0 60.0 9.0 10.5 79.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.3 0.0
20.0N-2.2P-15.8K −175 30.0 60.6 9.5 11.0 78.9 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.1
15.0N-8.8P-20.8K −149 26.7 46.7 26.7 58.7 138.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0
17.0N-2.2P-14.1K 0 24.7 75.3 0.0 12.9 83.0 17.6 5.9 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0
15.0N-2.2P-12.5K 70.5 8.0 78.3 13.7 14.7 83.0 33.3 13.3 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.3 0.0
14.0N-1.8P-11.6K 100 14.3 85.7 0.0 12.6 83.0 35.7 14.3 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.0
15.0N-0.9P-16.6K 120.5 10.0 84.7 5.3 5.9 110.7 25.0 13.3 0.9 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.7 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.0
14.0N-2.2P-31.5K 150 0.0 85.7 14.3 15.7 225.3 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.0
12.9N-0.9P-10.8K 165 0.8 99.2 0.0 6.8 83.6 46.5 23.3 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0
12.6N-1.8P-16.6K 165 0.3 99.7 0.0 13.9 131.3 31.6 23.7 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.0
13.0-0.9P-10.8K 171 2.3 91.5 6.2 6.8 83.0 46.2 23.1 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.0
15.0N-0.0P-12.5K 175 10.0 90.0 0.0 0.0 83.0 75.3 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0
a
Units of calcium carbonate equivalency (CCE) reported as kg CCE basicity or acidity per metric ton of fertilizer using PM.
b
mg L−1 converted to mmol L−1 by dividing mg L−1 by atomic weight of the element = mmol L−1 .

when comparing R2 values in Figs. 1 and 2. The % N on a mass basis of

fertilizers ranged from 12.4% to 25.1% N, and 9.0% to 25.1% N, in the
“Multiple Species” experiment and “Impatiens Only” experiments,
respectively (Tables 1 and 2). However, because the fertilizers were
standardized to 100 mg L−1 N, in some cases more than twice the
mass of a low %N fertilizer was applied compared with a high %N
fertilizer. In the “Impatiens Only” experiments, for example, the
100% ammonium fertilizer (9.0N-19.8P-12.5K, 470 CCE acidity) did
not have the most acidic CCE value per metric ton, because it had
a lower %N on a per mass basis. Results emphasize that units of
mequiv. per L are more appropriate for predicting fertilizer effect
on substrate-pH in soilless culture than units of kg per metric
ton.
In order to relate change in substrate-pH to mequiv. of applied
acid or base, an acid–base pH response curve was generated.
The approach of Johnson et al. (2010) correlated substrate-pH
increase with applied mequiv. of base from dolomitic limestone, or
substrate-pH decrease with mequiv. of acid from HCl in a labora-
tory acid–base titration. Substrate-pH increased by as much as 2.52
units in substrate titrated with base and decreased as much as 2.75
units in substrate titrated with acid (Fig. 3). This method therefore
generates a pH response curve from a mineral acid or base applica-
tion to estimate the mequiv. of acid or base per L of substrate that
corresponded with a given change in substrate-pH. For example,
a substrate-pH change of −1 would equal an applied “Substrate-
meq” of −11.67 mequiv./L of substrate using the equation in Fig. 3.
Using that approach, all substrate-pH data from the “Multiple
Species” experiment could be converted to Substrate-meq using the
polynomial response curve in Fig. 3, with the resulting relationship
with PM CCE shown in Fig. 4.
The mequiv. predicted from PM CCE was positively correlated
with the Substrate-meq (P < 0.0001, Fig. 4). However, PM’s esti-
mates of applied meq for the highly acidic (high NH4 -N) fertilizers
were more acidic than Substrate-meq for all species. PM CCE also
Fig. 2. The calculated milliequivalents (mequiv.) of acidity or basicity per L of
overestimated fertilizer acidity from a highly acidic 100% NH4 - solution at 100 mg L−1 N in (a) the “Multiple Species” experiment and (b) the “Impa-
N fertilizer when compared with experimental measurements tiens Only” experiments were compared against substrate-pH change. (a) Petunia:
of change in substrate-pH and alkalinity (Johnson et al., 2010). Change in pH = 0.1320 × (mequiv. acidity or basicity per L solution) + 0.2532; Impa-
PM’s estimates of potential basicity in the most basic (high NO3 - tiens: Change in pH = 0.0978 × (mequiv. acidity or basicity per L solution) − 0.1724;
Pelargonium: Change in pH = 0.0858 × (mequiv. acidity or basicity per L solu-
N) fertilizers were also more basic than Substrate-meq for all
tion) − 0.5112. (b) Calculated mequiv. acidity or basicity per L solution at 100 mg. L−1
species. N [Experiment 1: change in pH = 0.1272 × (mequiv. CCE acidity or basicity per L of
The ratio of N forms in fertilizer treatments was closely cor- solution) − 0.2984; Experiment 2: change in pH = 0.1561 × (mequiv. CCE acidity or
related with the Substrate-meq. Data were analyzed using PROC basicity per L of solution) + 0.0108] with P < 0.0001.
140 C.N. Johnson et al. / Scientia Horticulturae 162 (2013) 135–143

Table 3
The statistical effects of three N forms on change in substrate-pH for Petunia (most basic species), Impatiens (intermediate) and Pelargonium (most acidic). A concentration
of 100 mg. L−1 N from ammonium is given a value of 100 standardized acid units. Standardized nitrogen coefficient = Parameter estimate of Nitrogen form [or mequiv. acid
(−ve) or base (+ve) per mequiv. of fertilizer nitrogen] divided by Parameter estimate of Ammonium nitrogen, multiplied by 100.

Species Nitrogen form Parameter Estimate (mequiv. Standardized nitrogen coefficient Neutral NH4 :NO3
acid or base per mequiv. of N)

Petunia Ammonium-N −0.6143 −100.0% 31%

Nitrate-N 0.2746 44.7% 69%
Urea-N −0.1445 −23.5%

Impatiens Ammonium-N −0.6678 −100.0% 10%

Nitrate-N 0.0713 10.7% 90%
Urea-N −0.2038 −30.5%

Pelargonium Ammonium-N −0.8123 −100.0%

Nitrate-N −0.1296 −15.9%
Urea-N −0.2711 −33.4%

MIXED separately by species with the Substrate-meq as the
dependent variable, with mmol of each of the three N forms as
independent variables. Nitrogen form NH4 -N (P < 0.0001), NO3 -N
(P < 0.01) and urea-N (P < 0.05) applied were significantly correlated
Fig. 3. Relationship between mequiv. of mineral acid (0.5279 N hydrochloric
acid) or base (dolomitic hydrated lime with 148% neutralizing value) and change
in substrate-pH (pH), quantified using the acid–base titration method. The
polynomial equation was mequiv. of acid (−ve) or base (+ve) per L of sub-
strate = 1.2262 × pH3 + 0.6534 × pH2 + 10.564 × pH–0.5332, with P < 0.0001.
Fig. 4. Milliequivalents (mequiv.) of acid or base per liter of substrate
calculated from the measured substrate-pH with the acid/base response
curve from Fig. 3, compared with the applied mequiv. of acid or base
from fertilizer calculated using Pierre’s CCE Method. Equations for linear
regression (P < 0.0001), Petunia: mequiv. = 0.438 × (fertilizer mequiv.) + 2.318;
Impatiens: mequiv. = 0.343 × (fertilizer mequiv.) − 2.419; Pelargonium:
mequiv. = 0.310 × (fertilizer mequiv.) − 6.075.
with Substrate-meq in all species in the “Multiple Species” exper-
iment. Estimated parameters for each nitrogen form were NH4 -N
−0.6678, −0.6143, −0.8123; NO3 -N 0.0713, 0.2746, −0.1296; and
urea-N −0.2038, −0.1445, −0.2711 for Impatiens, Petunia, and
Pelargonium, respectively. Negative coefficients for NH4 -N and
urea-N indicated a tendency for that N form to reduce pH over
time (i.e., potentially acidic) and the positive value of NO3 -N for
Impatiens and Petunia corresponded to its tendency to increase
pH (i.e., potentially basic). Pelargonium had a negative parameter
estimate for NO3 -N (−0.1296). Of the three nitrogen forms, the
statistical analysis therefore indicated that substrate-pH would be
most influenced by NH4 -N. This assumption is supported by Argo
and Biernbaum (1996) who concluded that NH4 -N uptake was the
primary factor causing substrate acidification in Impatiens treated
with 50%, 25%, and 3% NH4 -N fertilizers.
Because of correlations in fertilizer formulation between the
concentration of N versus the concentration of other nutrients in
this experimental design, it was not possible to independently
quantify effects of P, K, S, Ca, Mg, or micronutrients on change
in substrate-pH. It is likely that estimation of fertilizer pH effect
could be improved by including additional parameters for other
nutrients. However, the high R2 of the model with nitrogen alone
suggests that N was the primary ion influencing substrate-pH.
The PM CCE predicts CCE for fertilizers that do not contain N,
however we are not aware of research validating those effects
for container-grown crops. For example, PM CCE predicts that a
salt such as sulfate would have a more acidic effect than nitro-
gen or chloride. However, sulfate and chloride are anions, and
anion uptake by plants is a basic reaction. PM CCE further pre-
dicts that uptake of calcium and potassium would be basic, even
though cation uptake by plants, or displacement of protons from
cation exchange sites in the substrate, is an acid reaction. Uptake
of anions such as sulfate and chloride, and cations such as calcium
and potassium, is likely to occur in parallel, resulting in pH neu-
trality (Ståhlberg, 1981). An imbalance of cation/anion uptake is
most likely to result from nitrogen form (NH4 -N versus NO3 -N)
(Marschner, 1995).
To assist in interpreting these parameter values, Tables 3 and 4
shows how parameter estimates for each species and nitrogen con-
centration of a blended fertilizer could be used as a method to
estimate fertilizer CCE (the “Nitrogen CCE”). If NH4 -N was arbi-
trarily assigned a value of −100 acid for comparison, NO3 -N with
Impatiens would have a value of 10.7 base, and urea-N a value of
−30.5 acid, indicating that NH4 -N was a stronger acid than urea-N,
and NO3 -N was a weak base. Given the experimental conditions
(a peat/perlite substrate with no residual lime (as discussed by
Huang et al., 2010), zero alkalinity water, and Impatiens), a neutral
pH reaction could be achieved with 10% NH4 -N and 90% NO3 -N.
Other neutral-reaction ratios could be similarly calculated for fer-
tilizers that include urea, and with other species. This neutral ratio
Table 4
Calculated fertilizer acidity (−ve) and basicity (+ve) in CCE (kg acidity or basicity per metric ton of fertilizer) using Nitrogen CCE method (CCE) with parameters for Impatiens compared with the CCE values calculated using Pierre’s
Method. Columns showing the conversion of % of each nitrogen form to mmol of N when 1 L of the fertilizer is applied at 100 mg. L−1 N. The mmol of each N form is multiplied by the parameters in Table 3 (−0.6678, 0.0713, and
−0.2038 for NH4 -N, NO3 -N, and urea-N, respectively), and added to calculate meq of acidity or basicity per L of applied solution.

Fertilizer (N-P-K) CCE from Pierre’s Percent NH4 -N Percent NO3 -N Percent Urea-N Mequiv. N in Mequiv. N in Mequiv. N in CCE from Mequiv. acid or base per L

C.N. Johnson et al. / Scientia Horticulturae 162 (2013) 135–143

Method (%) of Total N (%) of Total N (%) of Total N solution at solution at solution at Nitrogen CCE solution at 100 mg L−1 N
(kg/metric ton)a 100 mg L−1 N 100 mg L−1 N 100 mg L−1 N method
from NH4 -N from NO3 -N from Urea (kg/metric ton)

Pierre CCE Nitrogen CCE

14.8N-1.9P-12.3K −780 100.0 0.0 0.0 7.14 0.00 0.00 −353 −10.54 −4.77
21.0N-3.1P-5.8K −759 49.5 0.0 50.5 3.53 0.00 3.60 −324 −7.23 −3.09
25.1N-4.4P-8.3K −520 7.2 10.8 82.1 0.51 0.77 5.86 −186 −4.13 −1.48
19.4N-2.4P-16.2K −340 50.0 50.0 0.0 3.57 3.57 0.00 −207 −3.51 −2.13
10.0N-13.1P-16.7K −182.5 50.0 50.0 0.0 3.57 3.57 0.00 −107 −3.65 −2.13
20.0N-0.9P-16.7K −145 36.0 64.0 0.0 2.57 4.57 0.00 −139 −1.45 −1.39
15.0N-2.2P-20.8K −24 28.7 71.3 0.0 2.05 5.09 0.00 −75 −0.32 −1.00
16.5N-2.1P-13.8K 0 24.8 75.2 0.0 1.77 5.36 0.00 −68 0.00 −0.80
17.0N-2.2P-14.2K 7.5 24.7 75.3 0.0 1.76 5.37 0.00 −65 0.09 −0.79
17.0N-1.7P-14.2K 14.5 23.5 76.5 0.0 1.68 5.46 0.00 −62 0.17 −0.73
15.0N-2.2P-12.5K 65.5 7.3 78.7 14.0 0.52 5.62 1.00 −11 0.87 −0.15
14.0N-1.7P-11.7K 100 14.3 85.7 0.0 1.02 6.12 0.00 −17 1.43 −0.24
15.0N-6.6P-4.2K 110.5 13.3 86.7 0.0 0.95 6.19 0.00 −14 1.47 −0.19
15.0N-0.9P-16.7K 117 9.3 85.3 5.3 0.67 6.09 0.38 −7 1.56 −0.09
13.6N-1.7P-16.7K 145 11.8 88.2 0.0 0.84 6.30 0.00 −7 2.13 −0.11
13.0N-0.9P-10.8K-(G) 165 4.6 95.4 0.0 0.33 6.81 0.00 18 2.54 0.27
13.0N-0.9P-10.8K-(S) 167.5 0.0 93.1 6.9 0.00 6.64 0.49 24 2.58 0.37
12.4N-1.6P-10.3 K 205 3.2 96.8 0.0 0.23 6.91 0.00 21 3.31 0.34

Nitrogen coefficients: −100 10.7 −30.5

a
Units of calcium carbonate equivalency (CCE) reported as kg CCE basicity or acidity per metric ton of fertilizer. Negative numbers indicate acidic and positive numbers indicate basic.

141
142 C.N. Johnson et al. / Scientia Horticulturae 162 (2013) 135–143

Fig. 5. (a) Milliequivalents (mequiv.) of acid or base per liter of substrate calculated
from the measured substrate-pH with the acid/base response curve from Fig. 3,
compared with the applied mequiv. of acid or base from fertilizer calculated using
the Nitrogen CCE Method with species-specific parameters (R2 = 0.868, 0.780, and
0.723 for Petunia, Impatiens, and Pelargonium, respectively). (b) Change in substrate-
pH after 28 days of treatment versus the calculated milliequivalents (mequiv.) of
acidity or basicity per L of solution at 100 mg L−1 N using the Nitrogen CCE Method
with species-specific parameters (R2 = 0.830, 0.795, and 0.678 for Petunia, Impatiens,
and Pelargonium, respectively).

Fig. 6. Comparison between Pierre’s Method CCE (PMCCE) and the Nitrogen
Method CCE (NCCE) with species-specific parameters to estimate (a) kg CCE of
for Impatiens had a lower percent ammonium than the 25% NH4 - acidity (−ve) or basicity (+ve) per metric ton of fertilizer and (b) milliequivalents
N:75% NO3 -N ratio of 16.5N-2.1P-13.8K fertilizer with zero PM CCE (mequiv.) acidity or basicity per L of solution at 100 mg L−1 N for 18 water
soluble fertilizers. (a) Per metric ton, Petunia: NCCE = 0.419 × PMCCE − 34.046,
(Table 1). Parameters in Table 3 for Petunia indicated neutrality with
R2 = 0.978; Impatiens: NCCE = 0.361 × PMCCE − 54.759, R2 = 0.968; Pelargo-
a 31% NH4 -N:61% NO3 -N. For Pelargonium, 100% NO3 -N plus poten- nium: NCCE = 0.343 × PMCCE − 153.14, R2 = 0.910; and (b) mequiv.
tially additional base would be required for a neutral reaction, with per L solution: Petunia: NCCE = 0.444 × PMCCE − 0.444, R2 = 0.990;
the caution noted above that the linear regression may underesti- Impatiens: NCCE = 0.357 × PMCCE − 0.717, R2 = 0.971; Pelargonium:
NCCE = 0.312 × PMCCE − 2.002, R2 = 0.908.
mate the basicity of fertilizers with near 100% NO3 -N fertilizers for
Pelargonium.
Both the Nitrogen CCE and PM CCE had similar correlations (as 4. Conclusions
indicated by R2 ) with Substrate-meq or substrate-pH (comparing
Figs. 4 and 5a, or Fig. 1a and 5b). Nitrogen CCE and PM CCE were Whether the fertilizer had an acidic, basic, or neutral effect
also closely correlated (R2 > = 0.9, Fig. 6). However, Nitrogen CCE in this experiment depended upon the species grown. The most
estimates were less negative for acid fertilizers, and less positive basic substrate-pH levels were observed in Petunia, the most acidic
for basic fertilizers than PM CCE estimates (Fig. 6). In the most in Pelargonium, and Impatiens was intermediate. For horticulture
acidic fertilizer (14.8N-1.9P-12.3K, 780 CCE acidity), for example, fertilizer management, it is impractical to have specific fertilizer
the PM CCE estimated 10.5 mequiv. acidity per L of solution at parameters for each species or cultivar. Further research is there-
100 mg. L−1 N, compared with 4.4, 4.8, and 5.8 mequiv. acidity for fore required on the extent and mechanisms of plant effects on
Petunia, Impatiens, and Pelargonium, respectively. The Nitrogen CCE substrate-pH, in order to group crops by pH effect, or develop a
parameters were calibrated based on the experimentally measured rapid calibration method.
substrate-pH and estimated Substrate-meq. In contrast, the PM CCE In this study, the use of deionized water and a substrate that
overestimated the acidity of high ammonium fertilizers and the lacked residual lime would have affected the observed change in
basicity of high nitrate fertilizers. substrate-pH. Further studies are needed to validate whether the
 C.N. Johnson et al. / Scientia Horticulturae 162 (2013) 135–143
predicted mequiv. of acidity or basicity from fertilizers with a given
N form and concentration will neutralize different levels of alka-
linity from irrigation water sources. This would allow growers to
match the WSF to their water alkalinity and substrate liming in
order to achieve a stable substrate-pH and thereby avoid nutrient
imbalances associated with pH drift.
Because of the strong correlation between PM CCE and Nitrogen
CCE method estimates, either method could be used to quantify
the potential pH response for a blended WSF. However, PM CCE
was biased compared with experimental results, with a tendency to
overestimate potential acidity or basicity in highly acidic or highly
basic fertilizers. The assumptions of the Nitrogen CCE model are
explicitly stated, and are calibrated to container floriculture pro-
duction, in contrast with the field crop basis of PM CCE. A practical
advantage of the Nitrogen CCE method over PM CCE is its simplicity
when calculating the potential CCE for a particular fertilizer. Table 4
shows the calculation of mequiv. of acidity or basicity for a nutri-
ent solution, requiring only information about the mmol applied of
each N form. The accuracy of fertilizer CCE calculation is important
to help growers avoid pH-related problems and match the fertilizer
with water alkalinity, crop species, and residual lime.
Acknowledgements
We thank AMA Plastics, Blackmore Co., Fafard et Frères, Green-
care Fertilizers, Pindstrup, Premier Tech Horticulture, Quality
Analytical Laboratories, Sun Gro Horticulture, and other partners in
the Floriculture Research Alliance (floriculturealliance.org), Scotts
Co., and the USDA-ARS Floriculture and Nursery Research Initia-
tive for supporting this research. The use of trade names in this
publication does not imply endorsement of the products named or
criticism of similar ones not mentioned.
References
Argo, W.R., Biernbaum, J.A., 1996. The effect of lime, irrigation-water source, and
water-soluble fertilizers on root-zone pH, electrical conductivity, and macronu-
trient management of container root media with impatiens. J. Amer. Soc. Hort.
Sci. 121, 442–452.
143
Argo, W.R., Biernbaum, J.A., 1997. Lime, water source, and fertilizer nitrogen form
affect substrate-pH and nitrogen accumulation and uptake. HortScience 32,
71–74.
Argo, W.R., Fisher, P.R., 2002. Understanding pH Management for Container-Grown
Crops. Meister Publishing, Willoughby, OH.
Engels, C., Marschner, H., 1995. Plant uptake and utilization of nitrogen. In:
Bacon, P.E. (Ed.), Nitrogen Fertilization in the Environment. Marcel Dekker Inc.,
NewYork, pp. 41–82.
Epstein, E., Bloom, A.J. (Eds.), 2005. Inorganic components of plants, in: Mineral
Nutrition of Plants: Principles and Perspectives, 2nd ed. Sinauer Associates Inc.,
Sunderland, MA, pp. 41–66.
Huang, J.S., Fisher, P.R., Horner, W.E., Argo, W.R., 2010. Limestone particle size and
residual lime concentration affect pH buffering in container substrates. J. Plant
Nutr. 33, 846–858.
Johnson, C.N., Fisher, P.R., Huang, J., Vetanovetz, R.P., Argo, W.R., 2010. Quantifying
the acidity of an ammonium-based fertilizer in containerized plant production.
HortScience 45, 1099–1105.
Lang, H.J., Elliott, G.C., 1991. Influence of ammonium: nitrate ratio and nitrogen
concentration on nitrification activity in soilless potting media. J. Amer. Soc.
Hort. Sci. 116, 642–645.
Marschner, H., 1995. Mineral nutrition of higher plants, 2nd ed. Academic Press, San
Diego, CA.
Nelson, P.V., 2003. Greenhouse Operation and Management, 6th ed. Prentice Hall,
Upper Saddle River, NJ.
Pierre, W.H., 1933. Determination of equivalent acidity and basicity of fertilizers.
Ind. Eng. Chem. 5, 229–234.
Puustjarvi, V., Robertson, R.A., 1975. Physical and chemical properties. In: Robin-
son, D.W., Lamb, J.G.D. (Eds.), Peat in Horticulture. Academic Press, London, pp.
23–38.
SAS Institute, 2001. SAS/STAT User’s Guide Version 8. 2. SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC.
Scoggins, H.L., Bailey, D.A., Nelson, P.V., 2002. Efficacy of the press extrac-
tion method for bedding plant plug nutrient monitoring. HortScience 37,
108–112.
Ståhlberg, S., 1981. Metodik för uppskattning av handelsgödselmedlens syra-bas-
verkan Meddelande – Statens lantbrukskemiska laboratorium, Bulletin 51., pp.
8.
Styer, R.C., Koranski, D.S., 1997. Plug & Transplant Production: A Grower’s Guide.
Ball Publishing, Batavia, IL.
Tisdale, S.L., Nelson, W.L., 1966. Soil Fertility and Fertilizers, 6th ed. Macmillan Com-
pany, New York.
von Wiren, N., Gojon, A., Chaillou, S., Raper, D., 2001. Mechanisms and regulation of
ammonium uptake in higher plants. In: Lea, P.J., Morot-Gaudry, J.-F. (Eds.), Plant
Nitrogen. Springer, New York, pp. 61–77.
Verburg, K., Braschkat, J., Hockman, Z., Moore, A.D., Helyar, K.R., Probert, M.E.,
Hargreaves, J.N.G., Simpson, R.J., 2003. Modeling acidification processes in agri-
cultural systems. In: Rengel, Z. (Ed.), Handbook of Soil Acidity. Marcel Dekker
Inc., New York, pp. 135–187.
Warncke, D.D., 1986. Analyzing greenhouse growth media by the saturation extrac-
tion method. Hortscience 21, 223–225.