Recommended Lettuce Applications (Central Valley, CA)
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Conventional production of lettuce in the central valley requires approximately 150 – 180 lbs. of nitrogen/crop. In many locations two crops/year are possible with the second crop needing only 100 – 125 lbs. N. These numbers are based upon the use of synthetic fertilizer sources applied as a solid granular application (broadcast and sideband).
The use of drip irrigation techniques to supply fertilizer nitrogen is 20-30% more efficient than granular applications due to a number of different reasons. Add to the fact that organic sources of fertilizer are more efficient than synthetic and you are left with about a 50% reduction of fertilizer N needs using liquid organic fertilizer with tape irrigation.
As such, the following application rates are based upon a 50% reduction of total nitrogen needs from the completely synthetic model noted above.
Liquid Organic Nitrogen Program Recommendations:
- 10 lbs. N/acre pre-plant or at planting.
- 25-35 lbs. N/acre at thinning.
- 10-15 lbs. N/acre pre-harvest.
- Total Nitrogen: 45 – 60 lbs. N/acre of Super Six 6-0-5
Super Six has 0.57 lbs. N/gallon = 75 – 100 gallons/acre
Add a second crop/season with 50-60 gallons/acre that totals 125 – 160 gallons/acre/year