either by tubes or drip tape which is placed approximately four to five inches below the soil

surface prior to the application of plastic. Placement below the soil surface protects the tape

against mice and cricket damage. Drip irrigation enables the grower to apply fertilizer via

irrigation. Total phosphorus (P) and micronutrients, and 20-40% of total nitrogen (N) and

potassium (K) are applied prior to mulch application and planting. The remaining N, K, and

other nutrients required during the life cycle of the plant can be injected using the irrigation

system (Hochmuth, 1988a).


 Planting Techniques. There are three techniques that are normally used in planting

tomatoes: direct planting of the seed, bare root transplants or containerized transplants. The

primary method practiced on rockdale soils in Dade County is direct planting of the seed through

the plastic mulch using a plug mix method. This method requires tomato seed, fertilizer, and

water to be mixed with vermiculite and peat. This mixture is allowed to sit for 12 to 48 hours

and enables the seed to imbibe (absorb or to take up) water, thus beginning the germination

process. This mixture is then placed in the field by a plug mix planter machine. When placed

in the field, a machine either burs or cuts a hole in the plastic, then inserts the plug mixture

in the soil. There are usually several seeds per plug, requiring labor to weed out the undesirable

plants after they have grown a few inches. In a bare root transplant method, plants are grown

in fumigated soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. Once the seedlings have reached a height of

five inches, they are ready to transplant. The transplant soil must be moist when transplanting

for ease of removal, however the soil must not be soaked due to enhanced environment for

detrimental organisms to enter the transplants. Containerized transplants are grown in a multi-

cell or tray pack system. Trays can be styrofoam or plastic, and they must be sterilized prior