Scientists determined the effect of a controlled-release fertilizer placement method on changes in leachate nutrient concentration throughout an irrigation event, and evaluated the changes throughout a production season. Experiments involved topdressed, incorporated, and dibbled controlled-release fertilizer placement methods. Analyses suggested that the dibble method may be an advantageous CRF placement method that conserves fertilizer resources and mitigates non-point source nutrient contributions by reducing undesired nutrient leaching during irrigation.
