MODIFIED STRAW BALE TECHNIQUE FOR CUCUMBERS

Investigations have shown that in the existing straw bale technique high salt concentrations caused by applying solid fertilisers to bales before planting persist for long periods after planting, restrict rooting and can cause die-back of young fruit and give reduced yields.
This modified technique eliminates the application of solid fertiliser.
After thoroughly wetting the bales with a high nitrogen liquid feed and capping them with 150 mm of peat compost the cucumbers are planted and thereafter fed continuously with liquid feeds.
This method avoids high salt concentrations, gives a better rooting system and better yields.

Symposium on Production of Protected Crops in Peat and other Media

G. C.S. Wilson

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1978.82.9