Vegetables vary significantly in their biological characteristics and nutritional needs, which means that different fertilization strategies should be applied depending on the type of vegetable. To enhance vegetable productivity, it's essential to understand each plant’s specific fertilizer requirements. This includes using organic fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, while also providing necessary trace elements. Fertilization must be timely and tailored to the growth stages and specific needs of each vegetable variety.
First, understanding the growth characteristics of vegetables is crucial for effective fertilization.
1. Most vegetables are short-cycle crops that can be planted multiple times a year. For example, Chinese cabbage, radishes, and cucumbers often yield over 5,000 kg per hectare, requiring large amounts of nutrients. Fast-growing vegetables like cabbage and parsley have high nutrient absorption rates per unit time, so they need more frequent and adequate fertilization during their short growth periods.
2. The ability of vegetables to absorb soil nutrients largely depends on the development of their root systems. Vegetables with deep, extensive roots—such as pumpkins, carrots, and eggplants—are better at absorbing nutrients from thin soils and can benefit from more widespread fertilizer application. On the other hand, vegetables with weak or shallow root systems, such as cucumbers and lettuce, require well-fertilized, loose soils and careful nutrient management.
3. Different growth stages of vegetables have varying soil nutrient demands. During the seedling stage, although nutrient uptake is not very high, the quality of nutrients is critical. Light and fast-acting fertilizers should be used appropriately. During the vegetative and fruiting stages, a large amount of nutrients is required, and fertilizers should be applied in stages. A combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers, including NPK and micronutrients, ensures balanced nutrition. Integrating fertilization with irrigation helps maximize efficiency.
4. For fast-growing vegetables with weak root systems and high yields, a combination of organic and chemical fertilizers is recommended. Organic fertilizers provide a wide range of nutrients and improve soil structure as they decompose, ultimately enhancing vegetable quality.
Second, the type of fertilizer applied varies based on the vegetable category.
1. Leafy vegetables, such as cabbage and spinach, primarily require nitrogen-rich fertilizers. However, phosphorus and potassium should also be included during the growing season. For instance, Chinese cabbage requires two key fertilizer applications: one when it enters the rosette stage and another before harvest. Insufficient nitrogen can lead to stunted growth, while a lack of phosphorus and potassium in the late season may prevent proper head formation.
2. Fruit-bearing vegetables, like melons, tomatoes, and legumes, rely on reproductive organs for yield. Seedlings need more nitrogen, but excessive amounts can cause leggy growth and reduce fruit set. During the flowering and fruiting stages, phosphorus demand increases, and nitrogen levels should be reduced accordingly. After fruit setting, regular fertilization with water is essential to support continued growth.
3. Root vegetables, such as carrots and radishes, have edible parts that develop underground. In the early growth phase, nitrogen promotes leaf development. However, during the later stages, when fleshy roots grow, more potassium is needed, and nitrogen should be controlled to redirect energy to the roots. Too much nitrogen and not enough potassium can result in poor root development and lower yields.
Third, when cultivating vegetables in protected environments like greenhouses, the amount of fertilizer used per unit area is typically higher than in open fields. Without rainfall, excess fertilizers remain in the soil, leading to high salt concentrations that can harm root function. Therefore, it's important to consider residual effects from previous crops, apply organic fertilizers more frequently, and avoid over-application to prevent salt buildup. This helps maintain soil health and ensures the full potential of greenhouse-grown vegetables is realized.
This information is adapted from "Agricultural Science and Technology and Information" by Xia Shurong, Kang Ziwen, and Wang Chengshi from the Dalian City Agricultural Technology Extension Center.
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