REFERENCE SUFFICIENCY RANGES
VEGETABLE CROPS

Cauliflower

E. A. Hanlon and G. J. Hochmuth

• Critical Values

  None established.

• Sampling Procedures

  The most recently matured leaf should be sampled at buttoning to determine if nutrition is adequate for the growing season. For next season planning of fertilization needs, an additional sample from most recently matured leaves at heading may be useful. Concentrations above the sufficiency range for nutrients that are immobile in the soil are indicative of high soil fertility. Fertilization with these nutrients in the subsequent season should be reduced or eliminated.

• Sufficiency Ranges
  
  
  • Buttoning
    
    

    Macronutrients
    N	P	K	Ca	Mg	S
    3.0–5.0%	0.4–0.7%	2.0–4.0%	0.8–2.0%	0.25–0.60%	0.6–1.0%

    
    

    Micronutrients
    Fe	Mn	Zn	Cu	B
    30–60 ppm	30–80 ppm	30–50 ppm	5–10 ppm	30–50 ppm

  • Heading
    
    

    Macronutrients
    N	P	K	Ca	Mg	S
    2.2–4.0%	0.3–0.7%	1.5–3.0%	1.0–2.0%	0.25–0.60%

    
    

    Micronutrients
    Fe	Mn	Zn	Cu	B
    30–60 ppm	50–80 ppm	30–50 ppm	3–5 ppm	30–50 ppm

• DRIS Norms

  DRIS norms have not been established for cauliflower.

• Remarks

  The literature contains few references, but tabular data agree with the experimental evidence reported in articles listed in the References section.

• References

  Hochmuth GJ, Hanlon EA. 1995. Commercial vegetable crop nutrient requirements in Florida. Gainesville (FL): University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Publication SP 177.

  Hochmuth GJ, Maynard D, Vavrina C, Hanlon EA. 1991. Plant tissue analysis and interpretations for vegetable crops in Florida. Gainesville (FL): University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Publication SS-VEC-42.

  Jones JB Jr, Wolf B, Mills HA. 1991. Plant analysis handbook: a practical sampling, preparation, analysis, and interpretation guide. Athens (GA): Micro-Macro Publishing. 213 p.

  Peck NH, MacDonald GE. 1986. Cauliflower, broccoli, and brussels sprouts responses to concentrated superphosphate and potassium chloride fertilization. J Am Soc Hort Sci 111(2):195–201.

  Wall TE, Hochmuth GJ, Hanlon EA. 1988. Calibration of Mehlich-I and -III extractable potassium for polyethylene-mulched, drip-irrigated cauliflower. Soil Crop Sci Soc Fla Proc 48:46–9.

  Welch NC, Tyler KB, Ririe D. 1985. Nitrogen rates and nitrapyrin influence on yields of brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and celery. HortScience 20(6):1110–2.

Electronic Document Prepared by:
Catherine Stokes, Communication Specialist
Agronomic Division of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. July 2000.