Optimizing Nitrogen Management for Sustainable Tomato Production in North Florida

By Laura Jalpa, Rao S. Mylavarapu; George Hochmuth, Yuncong Li, Bala Rathinasabapathi (Revision Author)

Tomato is a vital commercial crop in north Florida, where the unique sandy soils present specific challenges for nitrogen (N) management. This publication evaluates the benefits of using polymer-coated controlled-release urea, which demonstrates a capacity to maintain crop yields comparable to those achieved using conventional fertigation methods and N sources. Our research findings emphasize the importance of adjusting N application rates to align with the crop nitrogen requirement and account for seasonal variability in natural soil mineralization rates. These adjustments are crucial for optimizing nitrogen use efficiency and sustainability in tomato cultivation. The publication offers practical recommendations for local growers on selecting optimal N rates and sources. Additionally, these guidelines aim to enhance the sustainability of commercial tomato production by incorporating advanced fertilizer technologies and precise N management practices tailored to local conditions.

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