Determination of the nutrient status of greenhouse-grown cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) in the East Marmara Region

A study was undertaken for assessing the nutritional problems of greenhouse-grown cucumbers which are steadily replacing cut-flowers in the East Marmara Region in recent years. In 1994-95 soil, leaf, fruit and irrigation water samples were collected from 26 greenhouses and necessary information was obtained on the yield, fertilization and greenhouse conditions. According to results of soil analysis, there seemed to be problems of salinity in approximately 25% of the units, high soil pH in 60% and low organic matter content in 75% of the units studied. Nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and cupper contents of the leaves were found to be at sufficient levels, but boron content was deficient in nearly all the units. The percentage of surveyed greenhouses found deficient in iron was 40, in manganese was 60, in zinc was 30 and in magnesium was 45 (only in the second year). Because of the complications on the optimum values, estimation for calcium was not clarified at this time.