Mid-Season Management: Maximizing Crop Health and Yield
Assess and Adjust Soil Fertility
Mid-season is a critical time to evaluate soil health and make targeted adjustments. Conduct a quick tissue test to check nutrient levels, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. For certified organic growers, to apply micronutrients, a soil test must show deficiencies for application. If deficiencies are detected, consider side-dressing with Fertrell’s organic fertilizers, such as Green Potash 0-0-15 or Fertrell Liquid #3 2-3-1, to provide stress resistance without disrupting soil biology. Know your crops needs and consider applying Fertrell’s Aragonite to raise pH or Elemental Sulfur to lower pH, but use Sulfur sparingly to avoid shocking the soil. Regular monitoring ensures your crops have the nutrients they need for robust growth during this peak period.
Weed and Pest Control Strategies
Weeds and pests can derail midseason progress. Inspect your fields regularly to spot issues early. For weeds, mechanical cultivation or mulching with organic materials like straw or cover crop residue can suppress growth while adding organic matter. For pests, encourage beneficial insects by maintaining diverse field edges or planting trap crops. If intervention is needed, PyGanic or Venerate offer organic solutions. Diatomaceous Earth is also helpful to disrupt pests coming from the soil by drying them out. Finally, rotate crops annually to disrupt pest cycles, and use row covers for vulnerable plants. Staying proactive keeps your fields clean and crops thriving.
Water and Crop Monitoring
Consistent moisture is key during mid-season, especially for fruiting and flowering crops. Check irrigation systems for efficiency and adjust schedules based on weather patterns. Overwatering can leach nutrients and suffocate the roots, so monitor closely to guide decisions. Understanding the soil Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) can indicate if the soil is more clay (higher CEC) or sand (lower CEC). This impacts how soil drains and how much water is needed. Inspect plants for signs of stress—yellowing leaves or stunted growth may indicate nutrient deficiencies or disease. Foliar sprays, like Liquid Kelp, can provide iodine and improve plant resilience. Keep records of crop performance to fine-tune management practices for the rest of the season and beyond.
