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Chapter 18

Plant Nutrition of Greenhouse Crops

Greenhouse Fertilization Programs

Maintaining adequate nutrition is among the most critical aspects of producing

greenhouse crops. With so many factors affecting plant nutrition and an ever-
increasing number of fertilizers and fertilizer systems to choose from, growers
have adopted the following pre- and post-plant fertilization programs.

Pre-Plant Fertilization
As the name implies, pre-plant fertilization programs are initiated prior to
planting crops. The biggest benefit of utilizing a pre-plant approach to
fertilization is the potential to simplify managing mineral nutrition for your crops.
Buy/Information
Since most greenhouse media components are acidic (mainly peat moss and
pine bark), agricultural limestone is added to raise the pH suitable for plant
Table of Contents
growth. Dolomitic limestone is usually used, since it supplies both calcium and
magnesium. Dolomitic limestone comes in different particle size distributions Introduction

and grades that can have a big impact on how quickly the media pH rises and Greenhouse Structures and Design
how long the pH stays at a desired level. It is rare that a downward adjustment Greenhouse Glazing
in growing media pH is required. Media most likely to require such correction Greenhouse Mechanization and Material
are those that are alkaline­media based (e.g., hardwood bark). Handling

Greenhouse Heating

Post-Plant Fertilization Greenhouse Ventilation and Cooling

Greenhouse Environmental Monitoring and
Post-plant fertilization programs are initiated after plants are transplanted. The Control Systems
most common type of post-plant fertility for greenhouse crops is liquid
Light and Lighting Control in Greenhouses
fertilization using a water-soluble fertilizer (WSF). It is important to provide a
Carbon Dioxide in Greenhouses
continuous supply of nitrogen and potassium because these nutrients leach
Managing Temperature in Greenhouse
from the media quickly. Small amounts of phosphorus and sulfur are also often Crops
included despite being mixed in the media. These nutrients may leach from Managing Vapor Pressure Deficit in
media quickly, and it is difficult to predict when their levels will fall short of crop Greenhouse Crops

needs. Growing Media for Greenhouse Crops

Soil Pasteurization, Fumigtion, and
Solarization
Fertilization Frequency
Greenhouse Plant Containers
The frequency of fertilizer applications also influences plant growth. Two Greenhouse Production Systems
methods are commonly used by growers today: (1) constant liquid fertilization, Irrigating Greenhouse Crops
which involves applying a dilute solution of fertilizer at each irrigation known as
Irrigation Water for Greenhouses
fertigation; and (2) scheduled fertilization, which calls for a more concentrated
Micro-Irrigation for Greenhouse Crops
solution of fertilizer that is applied at periodic intervals, usually once per week,
Plant Nutrition of Greenhouse Crops
and irrigate with clear water between feedings. In some cases it is important to
Fertilizers for Greenhouse Crops
supply nutrients at peak periods of vegetative or reproductive growth.
Fertigation in Greenhouse Production

Plant Growth Regulators for Greenhouse

Fertilization Rates Crops

Plant Propagation from Seed

Once the frequency of fertilization has been decided the next decision is the
Vegatative Plant Propagation
fertilization rates. Rates of fertilization are often given in parts per million (ppm)
Integrated Pest Management in
of nitrogen (N), which is a way of expressing fertilizer concentration. One ppm Greenhouses
is equivalent to one milligram/liter (mg/L). Fertilization rates for water-soluble Greenhouse Insect and Mite Pest
fertilizers in the greenhouses vary based on the types of crops grown, pre-plant Management

fertilization rates, the weather, and stage of growth, the desired rate of growth, Greenhouse Disease Management

and the leaching percentage. The decision whether to use pre-plant nutrients Greenhouse Pesticides
will impact the post-plant fertilization rates. When pre-plant nutrients are not Pesticide Application and Equipment in
Greenhouses
applied the concentration of post-plant liquid fertilizer is typically at a higher rate
Appendixes
and sometimes begins earlier.
Glossary
Click on the following topics for more information on plant nutrition of Bibliography
greenhouse crops. Index

Topics Within This Chapter:

Introduction to Plant Nutrition of Greenhouse Crops
Essential Plant Nutrients
Electrical Conductivity and pH
Diagnosing Plant Nutrient Deficiencies
Greenhouse Fertilization Programs

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