Before transplanting capsicum seedlings, ensure that the soil is sufficiently moist by irrigating it a day or two earlier.
The fine root hairs that take up moisture and nutrients can easily be damaged when planting seedlings into dry soil, especially if it’s hot.
Some farmers claim that it doesn’t matter if the soil is dry when planting, as irrigation will follow soon afterwards. However, exposing the root hairs to the environment can quickly damage them. Damaged roots also make it easier for diseases such as bacterial wilt or Phytophthora to take hold.
Irrespective of which fertiliser you added before planting, it’s a good idea to apply nitrogen, in the form of LAN, to the seedlings at transplanting or even a day or two before.
Dissolve a handful of LAN in at least 8l of water in a watering can. Apply this to 10 to 12 seedling trays (2 000 to 2 500 plants).
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