Cabbages farming has attracted a lot of farmers due to its high returns in a very short time of just three months. However, this is constrained by poor management, market volatility, low-quality seeds and nutrient deficiency in most soils.
Phosphorus P, nitrogen N, and potassium K are the key nutrients for successful cabbage growth. A deficiency in one of the components definitely inhibits the uptake of the other.
Signs of phosphorus deficiency
Phosphorus P is solely responsible for early growth and especially root development. However, it’s highly depleted mainly through crop harvests and erosion leading to over 60% loss in yields.
Cabbages which are over irrigated especially furrow irrigation exhibit signs of phosphorus deficiency due to the high leaching levels of phosphorus regardless of soil type and quantity of farm yard manure and phosphorus fertilizers applied.
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The deficiency causes leaves to develop a purple/ reddish hue resulting in severe growth reduction. The effects of phosphorus deficiency are worse in acidic soils (clay/black cotton soils) or in very alkaline (sandy) soils.
Cabbages planted on Soil with low organic matter may tend to exhibit signs of phosphorus deficiency. The damage may be more severer in areas with cold and wet conditions which explains the reason for stunted growth and poor yield of cabbages in parts of Kenya that often experience cold and wet weather.
How to alleviate or prevent phosphorus P deficiency
Carry out a soil test analysis prior to planting to show the extent of phosphorus distribution on the farm and quantity requirements.
Apply well-decomposed farm yard manure during planting as recommended by soil test results, especially in soils with high acidity and alkalinity.
Top dress with Di-ammonium phosphate DAP with 18% Nitrogen and 46% phosphorus at a rate of at least 150kg per acre. Subsequent topdressing with NPK 23.23.0 at a similar rate of at least 150kgs per acre after every three weeks will help in boosting growth.
Though there are phosphorus-based foliar-based fertilizers they are not effective as such. Avoid planting cabbages on farms that experience flooding.
Furrow irrigation should be controlled all the time to minimize leaching.
Avoid excess irrigation especially in furrow irrigation systems to avoid the leaching of phosphorus from the soil.
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