DEVELOPMENT OF STARTER SOLUTION TECHNOLOGY AS A BALANCED FERTILIZATION PRACTICE IN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION

Supplying essential nutrients to plants during active growing periods is crucial for increasing crop productivity.
Studies were conducted at AVRDC to evaluate the effects of starter solutions in combination with inorganic and organic fertilizers on the initial growth and overall yield of cabbage, cherry tomato, sweet pepper and chili pepper.
Small amounts of inorganic fertilizer were prepared as a liquid fertilizer and applied immediately after transplanting and/or at critical periods during crop growth.
These applications significantly boosted early growth and overall yields of all vegetables tested.
It also enhanced the release of nutrients from organic composts.
An application of 7.2N–6.2P–6K kg ha^{-1</sup starter solution could substitute for 30-50% of inorganic fertilizer and 50% of organic fertilizer used during the cropping season.
It also reduced residual mineral N in soil, which might easily cause environmental pollution after cultivation.
Maximum yields of cabbage, cherry tomato and chili pepper were obtained using a basal application of chicken manure compost, an application of a starter solution at transplanting, and then followed by various sidedressings of supplemental fertilizers, depending on crop and season.
Maximum yield of sweet pepper was obtained using a basal application of standard inorganic fertilizer and a starter solution at transplanting.
Balanced fertilization practices based on starter solution technology in combination with organic and inorganic nutrient sources were found to increase fertilizer efficiency, increase farmer profits, and reduce risks of environmental pollution.
This technology was very easy to apply and modify for different vegetables.}

International Symposium Towards Ecologically Sound Fertilisation Strategies for Field Vegetable Production

C.H. Ma, T. Kalb

starter solution, balanced fertilization, chicken manure composts, cabbage, cherry tomato, sweet pepper, chili pepper

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2006.700.27