Do plants receive nutrients immediately after application?
Nutrients are released shortly after the granule is inflated with moisture. Of course, this depends upon the amount of moisture in the soil. Because of the special properties of the Osmocote coating, granules hold a fixed amount of moisture and no more, even if submerged in standing water. The temperature of the soil controls the rate at which nutrients are released. The warmer the soil, the faster nutrients are released. Conversely, when soil temperatures drop, so does the release of nutrients. Most North American plants cease to feed when soil temperatures drop below 45◦F. The osmosis process that releases nutrients into the soil stops working at approximately the same temperature.
