Starter transplant solutions do not improve cabbage yield in high-fertility soil

Starter fertilizers, generally high in phosphorus, are often used when transplanting vegetable crops. However, many small-scale vegetable growers have very high soil phosphorus levels, and phosphorus may be unnecessary in such conditions. Alternatively, enhanced soil microbial activity at transplant may help to make the soil phosphorus more available to the transplants. We tested this by using molasses or high-P fertilizer in the transplant solution when planting cabbage into high-fertility soil. Results indicate no benefit to cabbage from any transplant solution in high-fertility conditions, and detrimental effects from the large amount of molasses used.