Organic amendments

Manure applications improve quality and yields of vine crops. Composted manures help to improve soil texture and drainage, and act as slow-release fertilizers. Apply up to 20,000 lbs/Acre (10 MT/Acre) as a complement to calibrated chemical fertilizer applications. Often, chicken manure is added at amounts of up to 1 lb/hill and it is worked into the soil.

Fertigation     

Available soluble fertilizers may be injected through the irrigation system in place of sulfate of ammonia and muriate of potash. N levels of 200 ppm and K levels at 250 ppm in fertigation solution are recommended for maximum cucumber yields. A schedule for fertilizer rate applications in cucumber is listed in Table 3. Before using chemicals through irrigation systems, be aware of any regulations which may apply.

Table 3. Timing and Fertilizer Injection Rates Recommended for Cucumbers, beginning at Transplanting.

       Timing Fertilizer Rates

       (Weeks after transplanting) (lbs/Acre/week)

       1st to 3rd week 2.5 lbs of 20-10-20

       4th to 8th week 5 lbs of 20-20-20

       9th to 16th week 6.25 lbs of 20-20-20

       Epson salt 5 lbs at 4th, 8th, 12th week