Suggested Fertilization for the Spring Tomato C:
Marion Sumter County Area

Prepared by:
James Montelaro
Associate Vegetable Crops Specialist
Agricultural Extension Service
University of Florida
Gainesville


HUME LIBRARY


JUL 11 1972


1.F.AS. Univ. of Florida


I Basic Application

A. Amount 1800 lbs. to 2200 lbs. of a 4-8-8, 6-8-8 or similar material.

B. Timing

1. One-half at planting, the other half about 3 weeks later.

2. One-third at planting, one-third 2 to 3 weeks after planting,
one-third 4 to 6 weeks after planting.

C. Secondary and minor elements

1. Zinc, manganese, copper and iron, if needed, may be supplied to
plants in the fungicides used for disease control.

2. Boron, if needed, can be applied in the basic fertilizer, in the
liming program or by spraying the plants.

3. Calcium should be kept high by proper liming, using superphosphate,
gypsum and possibly spraying with calcium chloride.

D. Variations in this program

1. When adequate soil testing shows high levels of an element, reduce
amount of that element accordingly.

E. Chemicals or organic?

1. Organic nitrogen will prove superior to chemical nitrogen during
certain seasons of adverse weather conditions. Organic nitrogen, in
many seasons, shows no added benefits over chemical nitrogen. Organic
nitrogen may be considered as partial insurance against temporary
nitrogen deficiency during periods of heavy rains.

II Sidedressings


A. One to two applications of 150 to 200 lbs.
with 50 to 100 lbs. of sulfate of potash.
greater during seasons of heavy rainfall.


of 10-0-10 or 15-0-14 alternated
Need for sidedressings will be


III Leaf feeding with major elements

A. No specific advantages have been found from leaf feeding over a good
fertilization program as outlined above.


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