A Fertility Program for Celery Production


a slightly higher analysis fertilizer, applied at a lower rate per
acre, may be used. It should be remembered that with more
concentrated fertilizers it is most important that the mixing
be very thoroughly done. Since the ratio of N:P205:K20 sug-
gested for use has been 1:2:4, it is possible to have mixed a
4-8-16 fertilizer for application at the rate of 1,500 pounds per
acre, in place of the 3-6-12 application at 2,000 pounds. On
new lands being set to celery for the first time, this would
mean an application of 3,000 pounds of 4-8-16 instead of 4,000
pounds of 3-6-12. This 4-8-16 mixture would be composed of
251 pounds of nitrate of soda (16% N), 197 pounds of sulfate
of ammonia (20.5% N), 365 pounds of triple superphosphate
(44% P205), and 533 pounds of muriate of potash (60% KO),
plus the necessary filler to make the ton of fertilizer. The
essential trace elements, in recommended amounts, can be used
to replace part of this filler.
 If it is desired to withhold the nitrogen application and apply
it as a side-dressing, an 0-12-24 mixture can be used at the
rate of 1,000 pounds per acre before the plants are set, and the
nitrogenous materials distributed later as a side-dressing.

 SUMMARY AND ABSTRACT
 The experimental data which have been discussed in the body
of this bulletin permit the presentation of the following com-
bination of suggested fertility programs for the commercial
growing of celery on the sawgrass peat lands of the Florida
Everglades:
1. For virgin sawgrass peat soils.
 Do not plant virgin soils to celery the first year the land
 is broken. Work the land into some semblance of shape,
 planting a crop of low fertilizer requirement the first year.
 This will give the turned under sawgrass a chance to decom-
 pose thoroughly.
 The second year apply broadcast 4,000 pounds to the acre
 of a 3-6-6 or a 3-6-12 fertilizer (or its equivalent in a higher
 analysis fertilizer of the same relative composition), to which
 has been added 100 pounds of manganese sulfate, 100 pounds
 of copper sulfate, and 25 pounds of zinc sulfate. The nitro-
 gen should be applied as one half sodium nitrate and one half
 ammonium sulfate if the soil is normal and unburned, or
 entirely as ammonium sulfate if the soil is neutral or slightly
 burned. The phosphate should be applied as the triple super-
 phosphate or as basic slag. The use of the latter material
 will result in a lower analysis fertilizer which will conse-