Cooperative Extension Service
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
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Conversion Tables, Formulas and Suggested Guidelines for Horticultural Use

Bodie V. Pennisi, Gary L. Wade, Melvin P. Garber,
Paul A. Thomas and James T. Midcap
Horticulture Department

Table 1. Equivalents for liquid measure (volume)
Table 2. Equivalents for dry measure and weight
Table 3. Metric system conversion table
Table 4. Dilution of liquid pesticides at various concentrations
Table 5. Equivalent quantities of dry materials (wettable powders) for various volumes of water bawed on recommended pounds per 100 gallons
Table 6. Equivalent quantities of liquid materials (emulsion concentrates, etc.) for various volumes of water based on pints per 100 gallons
Table 7. Rate of application equivalent table
Table 8. Fertilizer conversions for specified square feet and row area
Table 9. Fertilizer weight as measured by standard pot size
Table 10. Element concentrations for pounds soluble fertilizer in 1000 gal (U.S.) water
Table 11. Injection ratios and nitrogen concentrations for constant fertilization
Table 12. Injector calibration with a conductivity meter
Table 13. Parts per million of desired nutrient to ounces of fertilizer carrier in 100 gallons of water (or grams in 1 liter) and vice versa
Table 14. Conversion factors among electrical conductivity (EC) units
Table 15. Various acids to add to irrigation water for acidification
Table 16. Amounts of nutrient sources to combine in making various fertilizer formulas
Table 17. Formulas for additional fertilizer calculations
Using Chemicals
Using Premixed Fertilizers
Table 18. Miscellaneous conversions used in fertilizer calculations
Table 19. Osmocote controlled-release fertilizers and their release periods
Table 20. Rates in lb/yd³ (km/m³) for incorporation of three of the most popular formulations of Nutricote into greenhouse root substrates
Table 21. Materials and rates necessary to lower the pH level of greenhouse potting substrate 0.5 to 1.0 units
Table 22. Approximate amount of materials required to change pH of peat-based potting mixes
Table 23. Dilution/conversion chart for various plant growth regulators
Table 24. Pre-plant fertilizer sources and rates of application
Table 25. Cornell Peat-Lite Mix A for seedlings, bedding plants and potted plants
Table 26. Number of pots and flats that can be filled from 1 ft³ of soil mix
Table 27. Number of nursery containers that can be filled from 1 yd³ of soil mix
Table 28. Coverage estimates for perlite, peat, topsoil and straw
Table 29. Plant spacing guide (greenhouse)
Table 30. Plant spacing guide (field/orchard)
Table 31. Estimated number of plants to fill 100 ft² of bed area for square (row) and triangular (equilateral) planting patterns using 4- to 14-inch spacing distances
Table 32. Volume of water delivered - by size of hose
Table 33. Number of plants per acre at various spacing
Table 34. Times required to mow or trim lawn areas
Table 35. Cubic yards of soil needed at various depths and areas
Table 36. Areas covered in square feet at various depths
Table 37. Temperature conversion
Formulas for calculating greenhouse volumes
Acknowledgements

Pesticide and fertilizer recommendations often are made on a pounds-per-acre or tons-per-acre basis for field production. However, greenhouse and nursery operators, landscape professionals and orchardists often must convert these recommendations to smaller areas, such as row feet or square feet per tree or per pot. Pints, cups, ounces, tablespoons and teaspoons often are the common units of measure. Metric units of measure can further complicate conversion.

This publication is designed to help growers make these calculations and conversions and to provide other data useful in the management, planning and operation of horticultural enterprises. A number of formulas for calculating fertilizer application rates on a parts-per-million basis are given. Tables for fertilizer injector calibration using a conductivity meter, as well as pre-plant application rates for various soil mix components and amendments, also are provided. A brief explanation of how each table is used is provided.

Tables 1 through 3 help determine equivalent measures for liquid (volume) or dry (weight) chemical substances and also converting metric to English units.

Tables 4 through 7 help determine correct application rates for various pesticides.

Tables 8 through 9 help determine the correct application rates for fertilizers when nutrition recommendations are based on fertilizer weight.

Tables 10 through 14 help determine the correct application rates for fertilizers with various analysis when nutrition recommendations are based on parts per million and fertilizer injectors are used to deliver liquid plant fertilizer. Table 12 is designed to help growers calibrate their injectors.