Crop Guide: Tomato Cultivation

Index: 
  1. Appendix III: Haifa Specialty Fertilizers
  2. Appendix IV: Conversion tables

 

1. Appendix III: Haifa Specialty Fertilizers

Nutrigation™ (Fertigation)

Application of top-quality water-soluble fertilizers through the irrigation system is the optimal method for providing balanced plant nutrition throughout the growth season.  A balanced Nutrigation™ regime ensures that essential nutrients are placed precisely at the site of intensive root activity and are available in exactly the right quantity - when plants need them.
HAIFA offers a wide range of water-soluble fertilizers for Nutrigation™. All products contain only pure plant nutrients and are free of sodium and chloride.
 Multi-K®  Comprehensive range of plain and enriched potassium nitrate products
 Poly-Feed®   Soluble NPK fertilizers enriched with secondary and micro-nutrients
 Multi-MAP™  Mono-ammonium phosphate
 Multi-MKP™  Mono-potassium phosphate
 Multi-Cal®  Calcium nitrate
 Magnisal®  Our original magnesium nitrate fertilizer
 Multi-Micro®  Chelated micronutrients
 VitaPhos-K™  Precipitation-proof poly-phosphate for soilless Nutrigation™
 Multi-ProteK™  Systemic PK fertilizer
 Multi-Pepton™  Amino-acid nutritional supplement 

Use Haifa NutriNet™ and Haifast™ software to create your optimal Nutrigation™ regime. See details on HAIFA website.

 

Foliar Feeding

Foliar Teaspoon-Feeding™ is a fast, highly effective method of providing nutrients when used as a supplement to administering fertilizers through the soil.   It is an ideal feeding method under certain growth conditions in which absorption of nutrients from the soil is inefficient, or for use on short–term crops.  Precision-timed foliar sprays are also a fast-acting and effective method for treating nutrient deficiencies.
Foliar application of the correct nutrients in relatively low concentrations at critical stages in crop development contributes significantly to higher yields and improved quality.

 

HAIFA offers a selection of fertilizers for foliar application: 
Haifa-Bonus™ High-K foliar formulas enriched with special adjuvants for better absorption and prolonged action
Poly-Feed® Foliar NPK formulas enriched with micronutrients specially designed to enhance the crop performance during specific growth stages 
Poly-Amin™ Growth promoting foliar amino-acid preparation
Magnisal®, Multi-MAP™, Multi-MKP™, Multi-Cal® and Multi-Micro® are also suitable for foliar application.

HAIFA’s innovative Teaspoon-Feeding™ fertilizer products and modern application methods provide the ideal solution for the nutritional needs of any crop under all growth conditions. 

 

Controlled Release Nutrition

Multicote® innovative fertilizers for Teaspoon-Feeding™ release plant nutrients gradually and steadily according to plants’ needs throughout the growing season.  
HAIFA’s Multicote polymer-coated fertilizers slowly release plant nutrients into the soil solution at a pre-determined rate. Moisture in the soil is absorbed by the fertilizer granules - dissolving the nutrients inside and releasing them into the root zone. 
The release rate is determined by the soil temperature, which is also a major factor affecting plant growth rate.  Soil type, humidity, PH, and microbial activity do not affect the release rate.
A single application of Multicote fertilizers is sufficient to provide balanced nutrition for the duration of the growing season – significantly saving labor and costs.  
Multicote fertilizers ensure maximal uptake by the root system - leaving no excess fertilizer to contaminate the soil or groundwater.
 
HAIFA offers a selection of smart controlled-release fertilizers to suit all crops and growing conditions:
Multicote® for nurseries and ornamentals; NPK formulae with release longevities of 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 months 
Multicote® Agri / Multigro® for agriculture and horticulture
CoteN™ controlled-release urea for arable crops
Multicote® Turf / Multigreen® for turf

 

Multi-K®

Potassium nitrate products
Multi-K®, Haifa's potassium nitrate, is a unique source of potassium in by its nutritional value, fertilization efficiency and application considerations, and environmental impact. 
Multi-K® contains 100% plant macronutrients – potassium (K) and nitrate-nitrogen (N-NO3).  It is free of chloride, sodium and any other plant-detrimental elements. 
Plants absorb the potassium and the nitrate from Multi-K® rapidly, in a balanced manner. This improves the movement of both ions in the plant, enhancing its performance.

 

Crystalline Multi-K® products

Crystalline Multi-K® products are fast dissolving and easily integrated in the soil solution. The crystalline form is ideally suited for Nutrigation™ (fertigation) and foliar application.

 
Nutrigation™ with Multi-K® improves the uptake of potassium and nitrate by the plant roots, and minimizes leaching of nutrients below the root zone. Millions of cultivated acres worldwide have shown the superiority of Multi-K® for Nutrigation™ of high added-value protected crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell-pepper, roses, chrysanthemum, etc. Multi-K®products can be mixed with phosphate, magnesium and calcium fertilizers to prepare nutrient solutions with no risk of clogging of the irrigation system.
 
Foliar feeding of fruit crops with Multi-K® products results in higher yields and better yield quality. Multi-K® retains atmospheric water when sprayed on leaves, thereby extending the absorption period by the leaves. It is free of harmful elements and highly compatible with other plant nutrients and agrochemicals. Combining Multi-K with other agents results in remarkable savings in labor, time and machinery. 
 
*for high-K foliar nutrition, Bonus-npK® is recommended

Multi-K® Classic

13-0-46 Pure potassium nitrate

Special grades

Multi-K® GG

13.5-0-46.2 Greenhouse-grade potassium nitrate

Multi-K® pHast

13.5-0-46.2 Low-pH potassium nitrate

Multi-K® Top

13.8-0-46.5 Hydroponics-grade potassium nitrate

 

Enriched products

Multi-npK® 13-5-42 Potassium nitrate enriched with phosphorus
13-3-43
13-2-44
Multi-K® Mg 12-0-43+2MgO Potassium nitrate enriched with Magnesium
11-0-40+4MgO
12-2-43+1MgO
12-2-42+2MgO+0.5Mn
12-0-42+2MgO+0.2B
Multi-K® Zn 11-0-40+4Zn Potassium nitrate enriched with Zinc
12-0-43+2Zn
Multi-K® S 12-0-46+4.5 SO3 Potassium nitrate enriched with Sulfate
Multi-K® B 12-0-44+0.5 B Potassium Nitrate enriched with Boron
Multi-K® ME 12-0-43+Mg+ME Potassium nitrate enriched with magnesium and micronutrients

 

Multi-K® prills

For direct soil application (side-dressing)

Multi-K® Prills 13-0-46 Potassium nitrate prills
Multi-npK® Prills 13-3-43 Potassium nitrate enriched with Phosphorus
13-2-44
Multi-K® Mg Prills 12-0-42+2MgO Potassium nitrate enriched Magnesium
11-0-39+4MgO

 

Poly-Feed®

Water-soluble NPK fertilizers

Poly-Feed is a range of fully water-soluble NPK fertilizers, designed to provide complete plant nutrition throughout the growth season. The wide choice of formulae and compositions meets the needs of vegetable crops, fruits and flowers at all types of cropping systems. 

 

The benefits of Poly-Feed® products:

  • Fully water soluble, safe for use with all irrigation and spraying systems
  • Consists of pure plant nutrients exclusively
  • Free of chloride, sodium, and other detrimental elements
  • Made of high quality ingredients
  • Enriched with high levels of micronutrients
  • Good handling and storage properties, due to the Granular Matrix Technology

 

 

Poly-Feed® GG (Greenhouse Grade)

Soluble NPK fertilizers for Nutrigation™ and foliar feeding of greenhouse-grown crops 
Poly-Feed® GG products are suitable for use with water of varied quality. All the formulae are enriched with high concentrations of micronutrients. Special formulae for soilless culture are based on ammonium nitrate and have K2O/N ratio and nitrate/ammonium ratio adapted to the conditions prevailing in soilless media.

Poly-Feed® GG products are easily identified by the red color of both the bag and the crystals.

 

Poly-Feed® Drip

Soluble NPK fertilizers for in Nutrigation™ (fertigation) of fruit-trees vegetables, and all types of crops grown in open field 

Poly-Feed® Drip formulae are enriched with magnesium and micronutrients. The Granular Matrix Technology (GMT) grants Poly-Feed® Drip products with improved handling and storage properties.  
Poly-Feed® Drip products are easily identified by the light-blue color of both the bag and the crystals.

 

Poly-Feed® Foliar

NPK fertilizers for foliar feeding of open-field crops, protected crops and fruit-trees

Poly-Feed® Foliar nourishes crops with their exact needs during critical growth phases, for maximal yields and top quality.  
Poly-Feed® Foliar formulae are based on low-biuret urea and contain remarkably high concentrations of micronutrients in the form of EDTA chelates. The Granular Matrix Technology (GMT) grants Poly-Feed® Foliar products with improved handling and storage properties.  Poly-Feed® Foliar products are easily identified by the green color of both the bag and the crystals.

 

Poly-Feed® MAR

NPK fertilizers enhanced with seaweed extracts

Poly-Feed® NPK fertilizers provide crops with all the nutritional elements needed for healthy development. Enrichment with seaweed extracts stimulates plant growth and improves plant nutrition, resulting in better performance of the fertilizer – and the plant.
The seaweed extracts contain a wide range of nutrients, growth bio-stimulants and conditioners that act together to improve both plant development and soil properties.
A variety of Poly-Feed® formulae are now available, enriched with 0.5% seaweed extracts.

 

 

 

Haifa-Bonus™

High K formula for foliar feeding of fruit-trees and field-crops

 Haifa-Bonus™ is an innovate foliar preparation, designed to allow for concentrated spray applications. Haifa-Bonus™ is based on Multi-K® potassium nitrate. Phosphorus (P) enrichment enhances the nutritional value of the product, and reduces its pH for optimal absorption.
Haifa-Bonus™ contains special adjuvants for better adhesion to the leaf surface, improved absorption and prolonged action. 

 

The benefits of Haifa-Bonus™

  • Enables highly concentrated sprays, thus less applications are required
  • Compatible with a large variety of pesticides, enabling tank mixing them with Haifa-Bonus™, thus saving on spray operations
  • Consists of pure, fully soluble nutrients only
  • Free of sodium and chloride

 

Multi-MAP™

Mono-ammonium phosphate (12-61-0)
Multi-MAP™ is a fully water-soluble mono-ammonium phosphate (12-61-0) fertilizer, a highly efficient source of phosphorus and nitrogen for plants.  Multi-MAP™ is recommended for use at the beginning of the growth season, when phosphorus availability is crucial for the establishment of root system. Multi-MAP™ can be tank-mixed with other fertilizers* to meet crop nutritional needs throughout the growth cycle.

 

Multi-MKP™

Mono-ammonium phosphate (12-61-0)
Mono-potassium phosphate (0-52-34)
Multi-MKP™ is a fully water-soluble mono-potassium phosphate (0-52-34) fertilizer a highly efficient source of phosphorus and potassium for plants. Due to its high concentration of plant available phosphorous and potassium, it is a widely used fertilizer, consisting of 100% plant nutrients. 
Multi-MKP™ is recommended for use at the beginning of the growth season, when phosphorus availability is crucial for the establishment of root system. Multi-MKP™ can be tank-mixed with other fertilizers* to meet crop nutritional needs throughout the growth cycle. 

 

Multi-Cal®

Mono-ammonium phosphate (12-61-0)

Calcium Nitrate  
Multi-Cal® is a highly efficient source of available calcium and nitrogen for plants. Calcium is a “quality nutrient” that enhances yield quality and prolongs shelf life of the yields. As calcium is not mobile in the plant, it has to be supplied throughout the growth season to keep adequate levels in the plant tissues and to ensure proper development. The nitrate-nitrogen in Multi-Cal® is readily consumed by the plant and improves the efficiency of calcium uptake.

Three grades of Multi-Cal® are available

  • Greenhouse Grade (15.5-0-0+26.5 CaO) – For Nutrigation™ of greenhouse crops. Suitable for preparation of fertilizer blends and liquid fertilizers.
  • Nutrigation Grade (15.5-0-0+26.5 CaO) For Nutrigation™ of field-crops and fruit-trees. Suitable for preparation of fertilizer blends and liquid fertilizers.
  • Agri Grade (15.5-0-0+27CaO) - Granular fertilizer for base- and side-dressing of field crops

 

Magnisal®

Magnesium nitrate  (11-0-0+16 MgO)

Magnisal® is a fully water-soluble magnesium nitrate (11-0-0+16 MgO) fertilizer. Magnesium deficiency retards the development of plants, resulting in decrease of yields.
Magnisal provides plants with the magnesium together with nitrate-nitrogen, which is readily absorbed by the plant. The nitrate in Magnisal® facilitates and accelerates magnesium uptake by the plant. Magnisal® is the most recommended fertilizer to cure and prevent magnesium deficiencies. Magnisal® is supplied in the form of flakes for convenient handling and dissolution.

 

Multi-Micro®

Chelated micronutrients
Multi-Micro® is a line of water-soluble chelated micronutrients for Nutrigation™ and foliar application of all crops. The chelated form ensures stability and plant-availability of the micronutrients, even in alkaline soils. Multi-Micro products dissolve rapidly and completely in water, with no risk of clogging of spray nozzles or narrow water passages.   
Available products:
 Multi-Micro® Fe  Iron-EDTA 13%
 Iron-EDDHA 6%
 Multi-Micro® Mn  Manganese-EDTA 13%
 Multi-Micro® Zn  Zinc-EDTA 14%
 Multi-Micro® Cu  Copper-EDTA 14%
 Multi-Micro® Comb  7.1% Fe, 3.48% Mn, 1.02% Zn, 0.76% Cu, All as EDTA chelates
0.485% Mo as ammonium molybdate
 Multi-Micro® 
Soilless combination
 6.5% F3-DTPA, 3.48 Mn-EDTA, 1.02% Zn-EDTA, 0.76% Cu-EDTA
0.485% Mo as ammonium molybdate

 

VitaPhos-K®

Precipitation-proof phosphate for soilless Nutrigation™
VitaPhos-K® provides plant-available phosphate in the form of soluble polyphosphate, which prevents formation of insoluble precipitates.
In the root zone, the polyphosphate undergoes slow hydrolysis, providing plant-available phosphate over time. The composition of VitaPhos-K® ensures that the hydrolysis occurs at the right time and the right location – by the surface of the root. 
VitaPhos-K® helps keeping water passages clean of precipitates and free for water flow, as it dismantles precipitates by bonding cations, which are then released again for plant uptake.   

 

Multi-ProteK™

Systemic PK fertilizer

Multi-ProteK™ is an innovative systemic fertilizer, suitable for Nutrigation™ and for foliar application. Multi-ProteK™ combines phosphate and phosphite to improve phosphorus uptake by the plant, thus eliminating the occurrence of P deficiencies. It enhances vegetative growth and root development, and increases fruit size and total yields. It also improves the resistance of the plant towards various diseases.
Multi-ProteK™ is environmentally safe and practically non-toxic.  
When applied by foliar spray, Muli-ProteK™ leaves neither spots nor toxic residues.

Two analyses are available

  • Standard  0-26-37+30% HPO32-
  • Total  0-0-39+60% HPO32-

 

 

Multi-Pepton™

Amino-acid nutritional supplement for Nutrigation™
Multi-Pepton™ is a natural bio-stimulant. It contains Amino acids, low molecular weight peptides and humic acids that act together to support the metabolism of the plant and catalyze growth processes, even under adverse environmental conditions. 
All the components of Multi-Pepton™ are 100% natural, so they easily integrate with the plant’s metabolism. 

 

Poly-Amin™

Growth promoting foliar amino-acid preparation 
Poly-Amin™ is a natural bio-stimulant, specially designed for foliar application. It contains amino acids and low molecular weight peptides that act synergistically to catalyze growth processes and to support the metabolism of the plant. Poly-Amin™ helps the plant to overcome adverse environmental conditions. 
Poly-Amin™ is absorbed by the leaves quickly and efficiently without scorching. All the components of Poly-Amin™ are 100% natural, so they easily integrate with the plant’s metabolism.   

 

Multicote®

Controlled Release Fertilizers 
Multicote polymer-coated controlled release fertilizers release plant nutrients slowly and continuously throughout the growth cycle. A single application of Multicote® will take care of optimal plant nutrition over months. Multicote® is available at a wide range of formulae, and with release longevities of 4 to 16 months (at soil temperature of 21oC).  Most formulae are enriched with micronutrients.

The advantages of Multicote

  • Plant nutritional needs are met by single application per season
  • Reliable release profile, which is unaffected by soil type, soil pH, moisture or microbial activity.
  • Broad selection of products for an extensive variety of applications
  • High concentration of nutrients
  • Homogenously distributed in the soil or potting mix

 

Multicote release longevity
Multicote release rate increases with temperature, and the longevity is decreased accordingly. 
 
 

15oC (60oF)

21oC (70oF)

30oC (86oF)

Multicote 4

6 months

4 months

2 months

Multicote 6

7-8 months

6 months

3-4 months

Multicote 8

9-10 months

8 months

5-6 months

Multicote 12

15-16 months

12 months

7-8 months

Multicote 16

20-22 months

16-18 months

9-10 months

 

 

Longevity

Recommended for

4 months

Bedding plants, pot plants and hanging baskets

6 months

Bedding plants, pot plants, garden trees and shrubs

8 months

Container-grown nursery stock, garden trees and shrubs

12 months

Container-grown nursery stock

16 months

Container-grown nursery stock, specially recommended for use in tropical and sub-tropical regions

 

 

 

Multicote® Agri

Controlled Release Fertilizers for Agriculture & Horticulture

Taking advantage of MulticoTech™ polymer coating technology, HAIFA has developed 
Multicote® AGRI - a family of controlled-release fertilizer products for agriculture and horticulture.  
Multicote® AGRI products contain polymer-coated sources of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, with release longevity of 2-8 months.
 
Multicote® AGRI products are recommended for cash crops in open field, protected crops and fruit-trees. For arable crops, CoteN™ polymer-coated urea, and CoteN™ Mix polymer-coated urea with readily available nutrient, products are recommended.

Recommended applications

Multicote® AGRI products are highly recommended in the following cases:

  • On light soils, where conventional fertilizers are easily leached
  • In rainy areas, when rainfall accelerates nutrient leaching
  • Wherever nitrogen application is limited e.g., by environmental regulations
  • For crops with a shallow root system
  • For crops with high nutritional requirements
  • In cases where mid-season application is not feasible (e.g. when the crop covers the soil surface, in mulched crops and in muddy fields)

 

Multicote® Turf

Controlled Release Fertilizers for Turf
Proper nutrition is an essential condition for healthy, vigorous, good-looking turf. 
Multicote® TURF product line fully addresses all growth factors. It offers optimized fertilization programs for every combination of turf species, climate conditions and maintenance level. 
Multicote® TURF year-round nutritional programs are composed of formulae with different N:K ratios, addressing the changing nutritional needs of the turf plant and supporting seasonal growth processes.
 

Product

N:K* ratio

Action

Booster

2:1 Dormancy breaker; Initiates intensive leaf growth

Feeder

1:1 Balanced fertilizer, regulates root and shoot growth. Helps maintaining turf quality and strength during seasons of intensive use. 

Keeper

1:2 or 1:3 High-potassium fertilizer supports last leaf growth and builds carbohydrate storage.

Multi-K®Turf

1:3 Quickly available potassium fertilizer; “Quick action for tough periods”.

For close-cut turf, the Multicote® TURF MINI range of fine prilled products is recommended.

 

2. Appendix IV: Conversion tables

From

To

Multiply by

From

To

Multiply by

P

P2O5

2.29

P2O5

P

0.44

P

PO4

3.06

PO4

P

0.32

H3PO4

H2PO4

0.98

H2PO4

H3PO4

1.38

K

K2O

1.20

K2O

K

0.83

Ca

CaO

1.40

CaO

Ca

0.71

Mg

MgO

1.66

MgO

Mg

0.60

S

SO3

2.50

SO3

S

0.40

S

SO4

3.00

SO4

S

0.33

N

NH4

1.28

NH4

N

0.82

N

NO3

4.43

NO3

N

0.22

 

1 meq

Correspondent element (mg)

1 mmol

Correspondent element (mg)

Weight of ion

NH+

14 mg N

NH4+

14 mg N

18 mg NH4+

NO3-

14 mg N

NO3-

14 mg N

62 mg NO3-

H2PO4-

31 mg P

H2PO4-

31 mg P

71 mg P2O5

HPO2-

31 mg P

HPO2-

31 mg P

35,5 mg P2O5

HPO4 2-

15.5 mg P

K+

39 mg K

47 mg K2O

K+

39 mg K

Ca2+

40 mg Ca

28 mg CaO

Ca2+

20 mg Ca

Mg2+

24 mg Mg

20 mg MgO

Mg2+

12 mg Mg

SO42-

32 mg S

48 mg SO4

SO4 2-

16 mg S

Na+

23 mg Na

-

Na+

23 mg Na

Cl-

35.5 mg Cl

-

 

From

To

Multiply by

From

To

Multiply by

Acre

Hectare

0.405

Hectare

Acre

2.471

Kilogram

Lbs

2.205

Lbs

Kilogram

0.453

Gram

Ounces

0.035

Ounces

Gram

28.35

Short Ton

MT

0.907

MT

Short Ton

1.1

Gallon (US)

Liters

3.785

Liters

Gallon (US)

0.26

Kg/Ha

Lbs/acre

0.892

Lbs/acre

Kg/Ha

1.12

MT/Ha

Lbs/acre

892

Lbs/acre

MT/Ha

0.001

 

 

 

Need more information about growing tomato? You can always return to the tomato fertilizer & tomato crop guide table of contents or the tomato plant stages

Read more about fertigation - application of nutrients through irrigation systems