Control of Magnesium Deficiency in Utah 10B Celery Grown on Organic Soil

Abstract

AbstractThis paper reports the results of a 2‐year study of the effects of several compounds of magnesium, potassium, and sodium on magnesium deficiency in Utah 10B celery grown on organic soil. Data obtained show the effects of the treatments on the yields, incidence of magnesium deficiency symptoms in the crops, and composition of the soils on which they were grown. Two to four tons of hydrated magnesium sulphate broadeast and worked into the soil were required to control symptoms of magnesium deficiency in this celery variety. Equally effective control could be obtained by applying 10 pounds of magnesium sulphate per acre in 100 to 150 gallons of water was a foliar spray at 10‐day intervals, beginning 4 weeks after transplanting and continuing throughout the remainder of the growing season. No magnesium carriers used produced any increase in yields of celery, but use of them generally improved quality and increased the value of the crops. Potassium fertilizers individually and jointly with sodium fertilizers tended to increase the incidence of magnesium deficiency symptoms. These symptoms were reduced to a minimum when the exchangeable calcium to magnesium ratio in the soil was less than 3:1 and when the magnesium saturation of the exchange complex was greater than 22%.