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Nutrient Management Strategies for Vegetable Production in Desert Soils. Charles A. Sanchez Professor and Director Yuma Agricultural Center. Efficient N Management for Desert Vegetables. Timed N Availability. Sidedress Application Controlled Release Fertilizers Fertigation.
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Nutrient Management Strategies for Vegetable Production in Desert Soils Charles A. Sanchez Professor and Director Yuma Agricultural Center
Timed N Availability • Sidedress Application • Controlled Release Fertilizers • Fertigation
Summary • When conditions for N losses were high SD and CRN management strategies were superior. • Under extremely warm conditions some CRN technologies have the potential to cause stand reduction. • Under some production scenarios, the use of CRN strategies were economically favorable.
Desirable Levels of Midrib Nitrate-N for Lettuce • Dry Midrib Test 8,000 to 10,000 mg/kg • Sap Test 480 to 542 mg/L
Design and management • Design and management • physical dimensions [design] • Bed slope [design] • inlet flow rate [design + management] • cutoff time (distance) [design + management]
Performance indices as a function of bed slope, Qo = 0.08 cfs/ft
Current Research • Fertigation • Salinity Assessment for Irrigation Management • Remote Sensing for Irrigation Management
SALT MAPPER gps antenna EM 38-DD gps control box Computer platform Retractable Tube
Soil Texture Variation in Lettuce Field HighlyOrganic Clay ClayLoam SiltLoam Loam SandyLoam LoamySand Sand