Summary
This on-site survey monitored production areas of nine major greenhouse vegetables under fertigation to establish standardised, crop-customised fertiliser recommendations. The authors collected soil and plant samples at two cultivation sites during early harvest and maximum harvest stages, finding that top-dressing ratios typically ranged from 60–80% of total application, with higher application rates in sequential-harvest crops (e.g. cucumber) than once-harvest types (e.g. watermelon), and greater nutrient concentration in Solanaceae family crops.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in South Korea's greenhouse sector. Whilst the principles of crop-specific fertigation optimisation are transferable to United Kingdom horticulture, the specific rates and recommendations would need adaptation for UK climate, soil types, and cultivar choices. The finding that standardised fertigation manuals are lacking aligns with challenges in UK protected horticulture.
Key measures
Soil and plant nutrient concentrations (N, P, K); plant density; fertilizer application rates; top-dressing ratios; timing and quantity of fertigation application
Outcomes reported
The study identified optimal fertilizer application rates and top-dressing (fertigation) ratios for nine major greenhouse vegetable crops across different cultivation types and harvest stages. Nutrient content variation between crop families and cultivation practices was quantified to inform crop-specific fertigation recommendations.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Ask about this record, its theme or its relevance to UK farming and policy. Pulse AI uses selected catalogue evidence and cites the sources it draws on.