Broadcast vs. Band Fertilizer Applications on Summer Squash

ABSTRACT

Three methods of preplant fertilizer application (broad-cast-and-bed, bed-and-broadcast, and bed-and-band) and two methods of sidedress fertilizer application (broadcast and band) on zucchini and yellow straightneck summer squash (Cucurbita pepo var. melopepo [L.] Alef.) were compared. With crops planted in late spring and early summer, no differences in yield due to sidedress method and few differences due to preplant application method were found. A trend toward lower yields with the bed-and-broadcast method was noted. No yield loss resulted when the more cost-effective broadcast method was used for preplant or sidedress fertilizer application to summer squash if the preplant broadcast application was made prior to the bedding operation.

KEYWORDS:

• Fertilizer
• fertilizer application
• band application
• broadcast application
• cultural practices
• squash
• Cucurbita pepo var. melopepo [L.] Alef