Vegetables - BMP in Florida
Season 2004-2005

Research Home - Objectives - Field Trial - Results - Economic Analysis - Conclusions

Research Conclusion:

In conclusion results from these first-year trials are encouraging and indicate that this project is on track to achieve its objectives:

1. On farm trials along with extensive one-on-one grower contact was an effective means to engage growers in the implementation and outcome of this research and demonstration project
2. Optimal N rate for tomato is not a simple “one size fits all”. Recommendations should consider irrigation method (seepage or drip irrigation) and growing season (early, mid or late plantings requiring from 15 to 20 weeks from plating to harvest), and position of the bed relative to irrigation (adjacent v-ditches or increasingly further away)
3. In-season tomato nutritional status monitoring provides a real-time tool for assessing plant fertilizer needs
4. For a relatively dry year like the 2004-2005 season, grower’s rate resulted in significantly greater early 5x6 yields in two out of seven trials (29% of the cases)
5. Increasing fertilizer rates increases the theoretical risk of environmental impact. This risk needs to be truly assessed, compared to the economical risk of profit, and possibly reduced through the use of targeted cost-share programs.
6. Increasing N rates may increase yield and decrease the incidence of diseases, but it may also increase the risk of whitefly infestation.

For comments and suggestions contact Dr. Monica Ozores-Hampton