Effecte of NPK Fertigation Rate and Starter Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Cucumber Grown in Greenhouse

Two greenhouse experiments were conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Hada-Alsham, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. To study the effects of the four NPK fertigation rates (50%, 75%, 100% and 125% of recommended; 220, 150, 150kg N, P2O5, K2O /ha, respectively) and three starter fertilizers (SF); SF0 (control), SF2: 7-14-7 and SF3: 7-28-7 kg N- P2O5, K2O /ha, on the growth, yield, and minerals contents of cucumber plants, cv. Alrased 92 F1. The interaction effect between NPK fertigation rate and starter fertilizer showed that NPK fertigation rate of 125% + SF had the highest mean values of plant height at all growth stages and number of leaf and branches at 30 DAS. Application of SF1 or SF2 combined with 125% of recommended NPK resulted in the highest significant mean values for the fruit setting % and number fruits per plant, fruit yield and leaf's P and K contents.