In the hot summer, watermelon is loved by people as a good product to cool down the summer. As a plant expert, I know that the growth of watermelon plants is closely related to fertilizer management. This article will discuss in detail how to fertilize watermelon plants, including fertilization time, type, method, and precautions, aiming to provide a comprehensive and practical fertilizer guide for growers.
The Principle Of Fertilization Of Watermelon Plants
The fertilization of watermelon plants should follow the principle of “base fertilizer as the main, topdressing as the auxiliary; Organic fertilizer is the main, chemical fertilizer is the auxiliary; Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium coordination, trace element supplement “principle. In the process of fertilization, it is necessary to arrange the fertilizer amount and fertilization time scientifically and reasonably according to the growth stage and soil conditions of watermelon plants.
The Application Of Base Fertilizer
Base fertilizer is the basis of watermelon plant growth, which is of great significance to improve soil fertility, promote root development and plant healthy growth.
1. Fertilizer type
Base fertilizer should be based on organic fertilizer, such as decomposed farm fertilizer, compost, cake fertilizer, etc. These organic fertilizers are rich in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements, which can improve soil structure and soil fertility. At the same time, fertilizer such as compound fertilizer or diammonium phosphate can also be added to supplement the inorganic nutrients in the soil.
2. Fertilization method
The application method of base fertilizer is usually ditch or hole application. In the preparation of the land, you can dig a fertilizer trench about 30 cm deep along the planting line of watermelon, mix organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer into the trench, and then cover the soil to smooth. Alternatively, dig a small hole in the planting hole and apply fertilizer to cover the soil. When fertilizing, pay attention to fully mix the fertilizer with the soil to avoid excessive concentration of fertilizer leading to root burning.
3. Rate of fertilizer application
The amount of base fertilizer applied should be determined according to factors such as soil fertility, watermelon variety and planting density. In general, 3,000 to 5,000 kilograms of decomposed farm fertilizer can be applied per mu of land, and 50 to 100 kilograms of compound fertilizer. For plots with low soil fertility, the amount of fertilizer applied can be appropriately increased.
The Application Of Topdressing
Topdressing is a kind of fertilization method to supplement nutrients in time according to the growth of plants and soil nutrient status during the growth of watermelon plants.
1. Extender fertilizer
When watermelon plants enter the elongation stage, the plants grow rapidly and need sufficient nutrients to support vine growth and leaf development. At this time, 15 to 20 kg of urea can be applied per mu, or 20 to 30 kg of compound fertilizer. When topdressing, pay attention to spreading fertilizer near the root of the plant, and timely watering to promote the dissolution and absorption of fertilizer.
2. Turgid fertilizer
Turgor fertilizer is one of the most important topdressing fertilizers during the growth of watermelon. When watermelon sets fruit, the fruit begins to expand rapidly, requiring a large amount of nutrients to support the development of the fruit. At this time, 30 to 50 kilograms of compound fertilizer can be applied per mu, or 20 to 30 kilograms of diammonium phosphate. When topdressing, pay attention to applying fertilizer near the roots of the plant, but avoid direct contact with the roots, so as not to burn the roots. At the same time, water should be timely to promote the dissolution and absorption of fertilizer.
3. Foliage fertilizer
Foliar fertilizer is a type of fertilizer that absorbs nutrients through leaves. In the process of watermelon growth, you can spray foliar fertilizer in time to supplement the nutrients needed by the plant. Commonly used foliar fertilizer are potassium dihydrogen phosphate, urea, amino acid foliar fertilizer and so on. When spraying foliar fertilizer, pay attention to choose clear and windless weather, avoid spraying in rainy days or high temperatures. At the same time, pay attention to the concentration and frequency of spraying to avoid excessive spraying resulting in leaf injury.
The Supplement Of Trace Elements
Watermelon plants in the growth process, in addition to a large number of elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but also need calcium, magnesium, zinc, boron and other trace elements. These trace elements play an important role in improving the quality and yield of watermelon.
1. calcium
Calcium is an essential element in the growth of watermelon plants. It can enhance the stress resistance of the plant and improve the firmness and storability of the fruit. In calcium-deficient soil, calcium fertilizers such as lime or gypsum can be applied appropriately to supplement calcium. At the same time, leaf fertilizer containing calcium can also be sprayed to meet the calcium needs of plants.
2. magnesium
Magnesium is an important component of chlorophyll, which plays an important role in promoting photosynthesis of leaves and improving fruit quality. In magnesium deficient soil, magnesium fertilizer such as magnesium sulfate can be applied appropriately to supplement magnesium. At the same time, leaf fertilizer containing magnesium can also be sprayed to meet the needs of plants for magnesium.
3. zinc
Zinc plays an important role in promoting the growth and development of watermelon plants. It can improve the stress resistance of the plant and enhance the color and flavor of the fruit. In zinc-deficient soil, zinc fertilizer such as zinc sulfate can be applied to supplement zinc element. At the same time, leaf fertilizer containing zinc can also be sprayed to meet the needs of plants for zinc.
4. boron
Boron plays an important role in promoting the flowering and fruit quality of watermelon plants. In boron-deficient soil, borax and other borax fertilizers can be applied appropriately to supplement boron. At the same time, leaf fertilizer containing boron can also be sprayed to meet the needs of plants for boron.
Fertilizer Precautions
1. Avoid overfertilization
Excessive fertilization will lead to excess soil nutrients, resulting in plant growth, fruit quality decline and other problems. Therefore, when applying fertilizer, the amount of fertilizer should be determined according to the soil nutrient status and plant growth, and excessive fertilization should be avoided.
2. Pay attention to fertilization time
Fertilization time should be determined according to the growth stage of watermelon plants and weather conditions. Avoid fertilizing during rainy days or high temperatures to avoid fertilizer loss or burn the plant. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to timely fertilization in the flourishing period of plant growth and fruit expansion period to meet the needs of plants for nutrients.
3. Reasonable mix of fertilizer
When applying fertilizer, we should pay attention to the reasonable collocation of different types of fertilizers such as organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer, large amount of element fertilizer and trace element fertilizer. Through reasonable collocation of fertilizers, the advantages of various fertilizers can be fully utilized, and the utilization rate and fertilization effect of fertilizers can be improved.
4. Keep the soil moist
After fertilization, water should be timely to promote the dissolution and absorption of fertilizer. At the same time, keep the soil moist but not wet to avoid soil compaction and root damage. In dry weather, water the plants in time to meet the water needs of the plants.
Conclusion
Fertilizing watermelon plants is a complex and meticulous job. Scientific and reasonable arrangement of fertilization time, types, methods and precautions can provide sufficient nutrient support for watermelon plants, promote their healthy growth and high yield and quality. It is hoped that this paper can provide a practical fertilization guide for the majority of growers and help the sustainable development of watermelon industry.
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