Vol. 114 (2001): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Vegetable

Sulfur fertilization for polyethylene-mulched cabbage

Anas D. Susila
University of Florida
front cover of vol 114, 2001

Published 2001-12-01

Abstract

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Capitata) was grown with polyethylene mulch and drip irrigation on an Arredondo fine sandy soil testing very high in P and low in organic matter (0.9% to 1.6%) in four seasons to evaluate the effect of S rate and methods of application on yield and nutrient concentrations. Experiments were conducted with S rates of 0, 34, 68, and 102 kg ha1 from ammonium sulfate with two methods of application: preplant (100% broadcast in the bed) and drip (40% preplant and 60% injected). In each of four field studies, cabbage total yields were influenced by S application. Maximum cabbage yields were obtained with application of S at 34kg-ha-1. An interaction between method of application and S rate was significant for total yield. With 40% S applied preplant and 60% drip applied, cabbage yield was higher than with 100% S applied preplant. Leaf S concentrations were higher with S application than with no S application and were similar with S applications from 34 to 102 kgha1. Soil-extractable SO4 increased linearly, and soil pH decreased « 0.2 units at 6 and 9 weeks after transplanting with an increase in S rate.