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This guide provides North Carolina bell pepper growers with a comprehensive approach to nutrient management through foliar analysis. Foliar analysis offers a precise method for assessing nutrient levels within plants, enabling targeted nutrient adjustments at key growth stages—vegetative, flowering, and early fruit set. This document covers essential sampling techniques, including optimal leaf selection, handling, and transportation, to ensure accurate results. It also provides recommended nutrient sufficiency ranges, allowing farmers to interpret foliar analysis data effectively and adjust fertilization practices to enhance crop health and yield. Additionally, guidelines for foliar fertilization are provided, emphasizing timing, solution preparation, and application methods to prevent plant damage and ensure nutrient uptake. By integrating foliar analysis into regular crop management, bell pepper growers can optimize nutrient application, improve fruit quality, and support sustainable production.
Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth, playing a critical role in numerous physiological processes, including enzyme activation, protein synthesis, and hormonal regulation. While required in small amounts, zinc is indispensable for high-quality vegetable production. Deficiencies can severely affect crop performance, leading to reduced yields and quality. This publication focuses on zinc management for tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, broccoli, and cabbage, addressing its importance, adequate soil and foliage levels, fertilizer sources, and strategies for identifying and correcting deficiencies.
