Low Substrate Nitrogen Corrective Procedures
Brian E. Whipker, James L. Gibson, Paul V. Nelson, Todd J. Cavins, and John M. Dole
Disclainer: Growers should read and follow all label directions. Test the corrective procedure on a small number of plants prior to applying it to the entire crop.
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| The amount of fertilizer supplied is lower than the crop's nutrient demand (crops are categorized as light, medium or heavy feeders), or at a particular stage of development (high N demanding crops can deplete substrate N levels, especially near bloom). | 1. Increase fertilization frequency (use more frequent
fertilization irrigations instead of clear water irrigations). 2. Increase fertilizer rate. 3. Avoid leaching the substrate with clear water irrigations. 4. Recheck the EC values to make sure they are within the acceptable range. |
| Leaching too great. | 1. Avoid leaching the substrate with clear water irrigations. 2. Recheck the EC values to make sure they are within the acceptable range. |
| Injector malfunction. | 1. Check the EC of the clear water and the fertilizer solution. Fertilizer solution EC minus clear water EC = EC contribution of the fertilizer. Compare this value with the tables on the fertilizer bag to determine the fertilization rate being applied. |
| Fertilizer mixing rate error and too little fertilizer used. | 1. Check if the amount of fertilizer used, the size of the concentrate bucket, and the proportioner setting are correct. |
| Slow release of N from slow release fertilizer is due to low temperatures or use of wrong product (eg. 90 day release instead of 30 day release). | 1. Avoid clear water irrigations to avoid leaching the
fertilizer. 2. Provide supplemental fertilizer with a water soluble fertilizer. |
| Don't forget to check out the Plant Root Zone Management (PRZM) Manual for more information! Want to know more? Click here! | |
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