Soil Test Information Sheet No. V-450-A

Prepared by Extension Horticulturist Thomas J. Koske                 

Greenhouse Tomatoes

1.	If soil test values read very low or low, you may wish to split the fertilizer application.  Apply half the recommended P and  K at planting and topdress the other half one month later to avoid fertilizer burn.

2.	If lime is required and magnesium rates are low, choose dolomitic lime.

3.	If soil test shows low calcium and pH is medium or high add 50 pounds gypsum per 1000 square feet while tilling the soil before planting.

4.	If a soil test shows low magnesium and is medium or high in pH and calcium, add 15 pounds Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) per 1000 square feet preplant.  Or rather you may use potassium-magnesium-sulfate (K Mag or Sul-Po-Mag) as your source of potassium this season.

5.	Apply 2 pounds  calcium nitrate or 1 pound ammonium nitrate (1/3 pound N) preplant per 100 feet of row with the required P and K as beds are prepared.  Sidedress at first fruit set and about every 2 weeks thereafter, as needed, with 1\2 pound ammonium nitrate or one-pound CaNO3 per 100 feet of row (see also no.6).

6.	For long-term crops, begin using a complete fertilizer for sidedressing after the second N sidedressing.  Apply 2 pounds 8-24-24 or 1 ½ pounds 13-13-13 per 100 feet of row; then rotate back to ammonium nitrate or calcium nitrate as in no. 5.

7.	Avoid salt buildup by using the proper rate of fertilizer and watering adequately to promote leaching of salts.  Try to leach soils well after crop is pulled.

8.	Contact your county agent for additional information and help in your fertilization program.  The agent also receives a copy of this report for the parish office files.