Brassica Rapa Growth with Fertilizers

Brassica Rapa History

• The turnip (Brassica rapa) is a root food source that has grown in Europe and been consumed by man since pre-historic times. As it has migrated across the world, the turnip has also become an important food supply for livestock, especially upon the development of cultivars with exposed roots that allow for easier grazing by livestock and reduced the need for man to harvest the crop for them. Proper fertilization allows for more significant yields of this crop for both commercial and home growers.

Initial Fertilization

• Brassica rapa growth demands that fertilizer be applied immediately upon seeding or within three days of seeding to allow the fledgling turnips to enjoy a competitive edge against the growth of nearby weeds. Advanced gardeners should test the soil to determine the specific type of fertilizer to use. Turnips prefer acidic, lime soils with a pH level of up 6.0. Soil with a high amount of organic material will demand less nitrogen-based fertilizer.

Mid-Season Fertilization

• The growth of Brassica rapa is likely to be stunted -- a condition known as buttoning -- if fertilizers are not present during the early stages of the plant's growth. This is because the turnip grows quickly and demands a substantial amount of nutrients in a short period of time. Early applications of fertilizer are likely to move away from the grasp of turnip roots before it matures, so additional fertilizer should be supplied later during the growing season.

Fertilizer Combinations

• The vitality of Brassica rapa will be enhanced if gardeners utilize a combination of chemical and organic fertilizers along with mulch. The chemical fertilizer supplies the initial energy a young turnip plant needs, while organic fertilizer offers nutrition in a more balanced manner throughout the growing season. A layer of mulch atop the fertilizer encourages the retention of moisture in the soil and a uniform distribution of nutrition while also discouraging the growth of weeds.