Hancock, B. G.

Paterson, D. R.

Singletary, Clyde

Texas A&M University


Goldrush sweet potatoes one month after planting.
Left, plants that received starter solution at transplanting;
right, plants that received water alone.
STARTER. SOLUTIONS
for Vegetable Transplants
D. R. PATERSON, CLYDE SINGLETARY AND B. G. HANCOCK*
'Y1 UTRIENTS BECOME AVAILABLE to plants slowly in soils dur-
ing the early spring and late fall when soils range in tempera-
tures below 55 to 60 degrees F. Freshly transplanted vege-
tables in cold soil can be stimulated both in leaf and root
growth by starter solutions. These starter solutions provide
readily available nutrients to the transplants in the root zone.
Benefits from using a starter solution may be expected from
field-transplanting crops such as sweet potatoes, peppers,
eggplant, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, water-
melons and cantaloupes. Some of these benefits are earlier
maturity, higher quality and greater yields.
Table l. The Effect of a Starter Solution on the Total Yield of Sweet
Potatoes (50 lb. Crates per Acre)
Water
with Increase
Water starter crate Percent
Location Year Variety alone fertilizer per acre increase
Hearne 1953 Porto Rico 386 421 35 9
Milano 1953 Porto Rico 114 198 84 73
Prairie View 1955 Goldrush 423 629 206 48
Average 308 416 108 35
Use of starter solutions is perhaps one of the cheapest
and easiest methods of obtaining an extra 20 to 30 percent
increase in yields of vegetables.
Completely water soluble, high-analysis fertilizers con-
taining nitrogen (N), phosphate (P205) and potash (K20)
are preferred to low-analysis mixtures. Low-analysis ma-
terials such as 6-12-6 or 8-8-8 contain insoluble filler which
frequently clogs mechanical plant setters.
MhUuj
The exact amount of concentrated fertilizer to add to 50
gallons of water usually appears on the container label. These
directions should be followed. Approximately lh pint of solu-
tion should be applied around the roots of each transplant.
*Respectively, Associate Profef;sor of Horticulture; Extension Horticul-
turist, Vegetables and Extension Horticulturist.
Effect of starter solution on early yield of bell peppers. The row
on the right received 112 pint of solution (3 pounds in 50 gallons of
water) per plant at transplanting. Row on left received 1;2 pint of
water only per plant.
Concentrated fertilizers may be purchased to give sev-
eral ratios of low, medium or high rates of N, P 20s and K20.
Your county agricultural agent can advise you in selecting
the proper ratio.
Several sources of supply for concentrated fertilizers
appear below. Other sources may be available. The list does
not imply endorsement by The Texas A. & M. College System.
TRADE NAME ANALYSIS COMPANY
Take Hold 10-52-17 Victor Chemical Works
Chicago 4, Illinois
Bonro 10-50-10 Swift and Company
Hammond, Indiana
Instant Vigoro 19-28-14 Swift and Company
Hammond, Indiana
Kap Co No.1 15-30-15 Kelley Agricultural Products
McKeesport, Pennsylvania
Kap Co No.3 20-20-20 Kelley Agricultural Products
McKeesport, Pennsylvania
Hy-Gro 13-26-13 McCormick and Company
Baltimore, Maryland
VHPF 6-25-15 Miller Chemical Corporation
Baltimore, Maryland
Ra-Pid-Gro 23-21-17 Ra-Pid-Gro Corporation
Dansville, New York
Dupont S. P. F. 19-22-16 Dupont Chemical Company
Wilmington, Delaware
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, The
Texas A. & M. College System and United States Department of Agri-
culture cooperating. Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress
of May 8, 1914, as amended, and June 30, 1914.
10M-li-58


English

Starter Solutions for Vegetable Transplants.

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Starter Solutions for Vegetable Transplants.

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