potassium (K) at the time of planting with the remaining amount applied in a split application

during the early part of the growing season. Any additional requirements can be added as

necessary (Hochmuth, 1988d). Plastic and methyl bromide are not used in this situation.

 Mulched production with overhead irrigation is similar except that it requires that total

fertilizer requirements be applied prior to the application of plastic. Mulched production using

seepage irrigation requires that total micronutrients and phosphorous (P) be incorporated into the

bed. From 10 to 15 percent of the nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) are applied prior to the

application of the mulch with the remaining amount banded in a narrow strip or groove along

the surface of the bed preceding the application of the mulch (Hochmuth, 1988d).

 It is important to maintain water approximately 15 to 18 inches below, soil surface to

ensure seepage into the root zone and sustain moisture. By maintaining a moist environment,

a nutritional concentration gradient exists. This allows the banded nitrogen (N) and potassium

(K) to diffuse into the soil and replace those nutrients already incorporated into the soil. Plastic

is extremely important in sustaining the moisture, otherwise the nutrients can be lost to leaching

by natural rain, or the soil may dry out and result in evaporative loss of soil moisture

(Geraldson, et al., 1965).

 Seepage irrigation can be an effective tool to limit root growth to the treated soil in the

bed area. By raising the water table, the growth of the root is restricted to the bed region.

 A mulched system using drip irrigation incorporates 20 to 40 percent of the required

nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), all phosphorus (P), and micronutrients prior to planting. Any

additional requirements can be applied via the drip irrigation as needed.