Fertilizer Placement in Planting Beds for Vegetable Production

Abstract

Field experiments were used to evaluate the effects of three fertilizer knife configurations and two fertilizer rates on fertilizer distribution in the shaped and planted beds of a precision cultural system. The fertilizer was knifed into rough beds prior to final bed shaping and planting. Effects of fertilizer placement and rate on yield of several vegetable crops were also evaluated. Laboratory analysis of soil samples across the shaped bed profile indicated that careful placement of the preplant fertilizer bands did not result in precise band location on the shaped beds. No differences in yield of cabbage or mustard due to fertilizer placement or rate were noted.