To grow good-quality lettuce and obtain healthy, crunchy heads, nutritional strategy must be carefully considered from the early stages of growth. Proper fertilization management is essential to ensure the seedlings are ready to take root after transplanting and prevent common problems.
The Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) balance
For balanced lettuce growth, it is essential to maintain a correct ratio between Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K). Nitrogen is vital for vegetative growth, but its excess over potassium can lead to:
- Vegetative excesses: Risk of leaves that are too tender and less resistant.
- Structural problems: The plant may "turn" or have a weak structure.
Potassium (K) is crucial for final quality and stress resistance.
Preventing Hemming: the importance of calcium
A crucial nutritional aspect is Calcium (Ca) fertilization. The deficiency of this element, especially in phases of rapid growth, is the main cause of tip-burn (or hemming), that is, browning and necrosis of the leaf margins. Treating the availability of Calcium prevents this and other related issues by ensuring intact, commercially palatable leaves.
Our nutritional advices
At sowing/transplant, we recommend using SuperPower Humic with a dosage of 25-30 Kg/ha (localized).
Once the plant has overcome transplant stress, to further promote rooting and optimal initial vegetative development, we recommend:
- Supremo: 20-25 l/ha in fertigation
- Leaf P-Ca: 10-15 l/ha in fertigation
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