[CH] Feeding Chiles
Byron (byronbromley@tellink.net)
Sat, 18 May 2002 19:57:58 -0400
Paul,
FWIW,
Soil Agronomist refered by Dr Paul Bosland.
LB
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I have Guide H-120 that describes in Table 1 the nutrient requirement for
some common garden vegetables.
1.8 lb of N and 1.0 lb P2O5 is suggested for chile per 1,000
square feet.
(? by me)
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The only caveat I have with regards to this suggestions is that soil test
levels should test low to moderate in N and P (NMSU Guide A-122).
Low levels of nitrogen is nitrate-N below 10 ppm
Moderate levels of nitrogen is nitrate-N below 20 ppm
Low levels of phosphorus is sodium bicarbonate extractable P less
than 15 ppm P
Moderate levels of phosphorus is less than 23 ppm P
And all this is contingent on the soil having less than 2 mmhos/cm
salinity.
Please refer to Guide A-122. Soil potassium levels are very variable and
levels are dependent on what method is used to extract the K.
Water extract K is done at NMSU. I believe it gives a better picture of
readily available K for crops in NM. Fertilizer K is recommended when K <
60 ppm.
I like to push P at the beginning of the season. Soil test levels after
fertilization should be in the 80 ppm range for sodium bicarbonate
extractable P.
Too much nitrogen does not help yield or quality. Depending on where
you are Calcium may be more of an issue than K. Early season
nitrogen should be spoon fed at small quantities for the first six weeks
depending on irrigation type and initial soil test N. Soil organic matter
also impacts the amount of N required.
I don't know if this helps with your questions but it is my approach based
on field observation and research with fresh green and dry red chile.
-RPF
Robert P. Flynn, Associate Professor
Extension Agronomy and Soils
NMSU Agricultural Science Center
67 E. Four Dinkus Rd.
Artesia, NM 88210