Proceedings 2007 |
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CD-AY-330 |
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Nutrient Management for Selected Cucurbits To properly manage nutrient inputs for cucurbits one must first know their nutrient requirements. This presentation will focus on melons and pumpkin, with some additional information about cucumbers and hard squash. With the exception of cucumber the other four crops will accumulate in the vegetation and fruit 145 to 160 lbs N (nitrogen), 30 to 45 lbs P2O5 (phosphate) and 160 to 180 lbs K2O (potassium) per acre. Cucumber tends to accumulate about half those amounts. Cucurbits, as a group, can develop good root systems that go down to three feet or more and that are able to effectively utilize nutrients and water available in the soil. The soil environment must be favorable for the roots to develop to their full potential. Proper management of the physical properties of the soil is very important for good root growth and nutrient uptake. Soils that have been well conditioned through good crop rotation and incorporation of organic matter in the form of cover crops, compost or manure provide this favorable environment. Darryl D. WarnckeProfessor and Extension Specialist of Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Dr. Warncke was instrumental in the development of the Saturated Media Extract method used by most commercial labs for analysis of artificial greenhouse growth media. This method has also found utility in assessing the quality of other materials, especially composts. He is an active participant of the North Central Soil and Plant Analysis Committee and has served on the Oversight Committee for the North American Proficiency Testing Program. He has been recognized by his Extension peers and colleagues by receiving the Outstanding Extension Specialist Award from both the MSU Extension Specialist Association and from the Michigan Association of Extension Agents (MAEA). He has also received the Master Farmer Associate Award from the Michigan Vegetable Council in recognition of outstanding service to the Michigan vegetable industry. |