Potassium fertilization of broccoli transplants

Increased potassium fertilization may be important in broccoli transplant growth. Recommended amounts of water soluble 20N-8.7P-16.6K were supplemented with varying concentrations of K as KCl applied at intervals during broccoli transplant development. Transplant growth and subsequent broccoli yields were studied in greenhouse and field tests.Fertilization with supplemental K significantly increased broccoli transplant fresh and dry weight, leaf area, stem diameter and plant height over the control. Effect of number of applications was generally dependent on K concentration and age of the broccoli seedling at the first fertilization. High K concentrations (> 2098 ppm) applied two weeks after planting were detrimental to broccoli transplant growth.In two field tests, supplemental K applied to transplants had no effect on broccoli yield. No significant differences were found between supplementing fertilizer with K and hardening transplants in a cold frame for two weeks. Incidence of hollow stem was increased in one test by application of 1000ppm K. Two applications per week caused significant increases in yield, head diameter and hollow stem when compared with one application per week.