Tomato Plant Nutrient Uptake? - Page 3

AKmark · December 21, 2015

Since you insist on the hard way Mitch, you have one choice, and it will take a year to log the info.

Send a monthly leaf sample into Hydrgardens, they will tell you exactly what you need to add or not.

Do the math based against your mix, log the results each time.

Other than that you face to many variables like Cole mentioned, and are beating your head against a thorn.

Worth1 · December 21, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKmark

Other than that you face to many variables like Cole mentioned, and are beating your head against a thorn.

Ouch that would hurt.

Worth

BajaMitch · December 21, 2015

I agree, Cole, there are many, many variables that affect nutrient uptake for a given tomato plant. No doubt there.

I look at the question of tomato plant nutrient uptake as a similar proposition as determining the gas mileage of a given vehicle for a given distance. But, even for new vehicles, the gas mileage range is disclosed for each new vehicle on the invoice sticker. They post a range to account for most reasonable variables influencing the vehicle's mileage and a single average number for MPG. But we know that a Hummer's gas mileage will be different than that of a Toyota Yaris and we also know that each vehicle has its own different limits for optimal gas mileage. Concerning limits, we also know that a Yaris will not have a gas mileage lower than 25 MPG under a very generous range of variable conditions and a 6.2 L V8 Hummer will not have a higher MPG of 25 MPG.

IOW, things like gas mileage and nutrient uptake have specific ranges and limits, all things being normal. Airline pilots calculate fuel requirements because capacity ranges are known and fuel consumption is calculable. Because the character and performance of the jet engines and plane design are known, pilots/navigators can calculate fuel consumption safely based on a wide variety of known/assumed variables.

While there can be a numerous universe of variables, but each experienced grower will have a good general knowledge of the pertinent variables that his plants will have, especially for container tomatoes. We also know what the 16 specific chemical nutrients that a tomato plant needs. We have sufficient information to know exactly how much macronutrient (to the gram) that we add to the SWC. We know and can determine (measure) with substantial accuracy the physical and chemical characteristics of SWC grow media ingredients and what the optimal characteristics should be. And, for any given location, we have a history of data concerning temperatures, hours of sunlight, expected rainfall, wind speeds and humidity. Most of us can also obtain the chemical analysis of the water plumbed to our residences.

With this knowledge of all these characteristics and circumstances, the 'variables' become less variable and more controllable to a material extent.

Just a comment on fertilization. Nutrient uptake/utilization limits of a given plant are determined by its inherent capacity as predesigned by its DNA. Great grow media and great nutrients including optimal supplied or present microorganisms and fungi, and great optimum ambient environment don't influence the above-mentioned limits imposed by DNA. Those optimal items simply facilitate uptake that the plant is already programmed to receive/use. They don't increase or change the already existing DNA limits/capacities of the plant's nutrient uptake.

My goal is to derive a solid notion of a tomato plants nutrient uptake, fertilize it accordingly and use good, yet inexpensive, grow media, in a SWC that is perforated on the sides for aeration, and plant it at an optimal time of year.

I theorize that I should be able to hit the mark fairly closely after two more seasons of experimentation. If I can achieve a consistent and repeatable yield with a 5 gallon SWC that is at least 75% of what is considered an optimal yield, I will be as happy as a clam. For example, if the optimal yield for a given cultivar is considered to be 18 Lbs of fruit, and if I were to consistently get at least 12 Lbs, well, I will consider that a success.

BajaMitch · December 21, 2015

AK, not necessary to send out for analysis. What one needs to do is keep rigorous track of what is provided and by deductive reasoning and a little basic math, the truth shall be known. I have been keeping track of exactly how much of each macronutrient I have added to each of 4 SWCs that I started on July 1st, 2015 to the gram. Not difficult, not rocket science. It's actually quite a bit easier than many other things that I have done professionally; more like child's play by comparison, actually. Come on, many of the people on this forum have been raising tomatoes for decades and many, many more plants than I will be doing with much more intricate arrangements. I don't see it as "the hard way"; every second that I have invested has been a pleasure, not drudgery.

Keeping detailed records is not that hard, AK. Programmers, accountants, all scientists, physicians, pharmacists, tax guys, most all successful businesses and organizations (small and large) that we all rely on, and many others do it all the time, every day.

AKmark · December 21, 2015

Mitch, everyone keeps some sort of records I am sure. For myself, I gathered what I need to grow tomatoes very well, I am not one that has to be perfect, but good at what I do. My approach is using methods provided by the experts that they claim will help us succeed, and by my observation, I will stay the course.
We are looking forward to hear the results of your grow, yields, quality of fruit, etc. sounds like you have a plan, Good luck

Greatgardens · December 25, 2015

Late to the game, but I just read the PDF from that link. Really excellent -- thanks!
-GG

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKmark

I am not sure if you are asking, or explaining, but at any rate this is a pretty good link I have posted before, I hope it helps with the coined " real question." I have a bunch of these links if this does not suffice.

http://www.haifa-group.com/files/Gui...ato/Tomato.pdf

December 21, 2015	#31
AKmark Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Wasilla Alaska Posts: 2,010	Since you insist on the hard way Mitch, you have one choice, and it will take a year to log the info. Send a monthly leaf sample into Hydrgardens, they will tell you exactly what you need to add or not. Do the math based against your mix, log the results each time. Other than that you face to many variables like Cole mentioned, and are beating your head against a thorn.

December 21, 2015	#33
BajaMitch Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: California Posts: 84	I agree, Cole, there are many, many variables that affect nutrient uptake for a given tomato plant. No doubt there. I look at the question of tomato plant nutrient uptake as a similar proposition as determining the gas mileage of a given vehicle for a given distance. But, even for new vehicles, the gas mileage range is disclosed for each new vehicle on the invoice sticker. They post a range to account for most reasonable variables influencing the vehicle's mileage and a single average number for MPG. But we know that a Hummer's gas mileage will be different than that of a Toyota Yaris and we also know that each vehicle has its own different limits for optimal gas mileage. Concerning limits, we also know that a Yaris will not have a gas mileage lower than 25 MPG under a very generous range of variable conditions and a 6.2 L V8 Hummer will not have a higher MPG of 25 MPG. IOW, things like gas mileage and nutrient uptake have specific ranges and limits, all things being normal. Airline pilots calculate fuel requirements because capacity ranges are known and fuel consumption is calculable. Because the character and performance of the jet engines and plane design are known, pilots/navigators can calculate fuel consumption safely based on a wide variety of known/assumed variables. While there can be a numerous universe of variables, but each experienced grower will have a good general knowledge of the pertinent variables that his plants will have, especially for container tomatoes. We also know what the 16 specific chemical nutrients that a tomato plant needs. We have sufficient information to know exactly how much macronutrient (to the gram) that we add to the SWC. We know and can determine (measure) with substantial accuracy the physical and chemical characteristics of SWC grow media ingredients and what the optimal characteristics should be. And, for any given location, we have a history of data concerning temperatures, hours of sunlight, expected rainfall, wind speeds and humidity. Most of us can also obtain the chemical analysis of the water plumbed to our residences. With this knowledge of all these characteristics and circumstances, the 'variables' become less variable and more controllable to a material extent. Just a comment on fertilization. Nutrient uptake/utilization limits of a given plant are determined by its inherent capacity as predesigned by its DNA. Great grow media and great nutrients including optimal supplied or present microorganisms and fungi, and great optimum ambient environment don't influence the above-mentioned limits imposed by DNA. Those optimal items simply facilitate uptake that the plant is already programmed to receive/use. They don't increase or change the already existing DNA limits/capacities of the plant's nutrient uptake. My goal is to derive a solid notion of a tomato plants nutrient uptake, fertilize it accordingly and use good, yet inexpensive, grow media, in a SWC that is perforated on the sides for aeration, and plant it at an optimal time of year. I theorize that I should be able to hit the mark fairly closely after two more seasons of experimentation. If I can achieve a consistent and repeatable yield with a 5 gallon SWC that is at least 75% of what is considered an optimal yield, I will be as happy as a clam. For example, if the optimal yield for a given cultivar is considered to be 18 Lbs of fruit, and if I were to consistently get at least 12 Lbs, well, I will consider that a success.