REFERENCE SUFFICIENCY RANGES
VEGETABLE CROPS

Cucumber, Greenhouse

C. R. Campbell

• Critical Values

  None established.

• Sampling Procedures

  The most recent mature or fully expanded leaf is the best indicator sample for all growth stages. This is generally the 3rd or 4th leaf from the growing point.

  Eight to ten leaves are required for a good sample.

  Sampling should commence at the first sign of a problem, but no less than two weeks before first flowering for monitoring. Samples should be taken at weekly intervals.

  Samples are shipped to the laboratory in paper containers.

• Sufficiency Ranges
  
  
  • Most Recent Mature, or Fully Expanded, Leaf
    All growth stages
    
    

    Macronutrients
    N	P	K	Ca	Mg	S
    4.5–6.0%	0.3–0.7%	3.5–4.5%	1.2–1.5%	0.45–0.75%	0.2–0.7%

    
    

    Micronutrients
    Fe	Mn	Zn	Cu	B	Mo
    50–300 ppm	20–300 ppm	20–70 ppm	5–35 ppm	25–85 ppm	0.1–1.0 ppm

    
    

    Important Ratios

    The N:K ratio should be 1.2 to 1.8.

• DRIS Norms

  DRIS norms have not been reported for greenhouse cucumber.

• Remarks

  Sufficiency ranges were developed from available references and experience reviewing analytical results.

• References

  Mills HA, Jones JB Jr. 1996. Plant analysis handbook II: a practical sampling, preparation, analysis, and interpretation guide. Athens (GA): Micro-Macro Publishing.

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