A Detailed Guide to Fertilizing Eggplant: Timing and Correct Methods

SummaryAt sowing: apply an appropriate amount of fully decomposed farmyard manure in holes. Seedling stage: apply an appropriate amount of phosphate fertilizer and farmyard manure in holes, and spray an appropriate amount of foliar fertilizer. Fruit growth period: apply an appropriate amount of ammonium sulfate fertilizer in holes. Full fruit period: apply an appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer and phosphorus-potassium fertilizer in holes, and spray an appropriate amount of foliar fertilizer and trace elements.

I. Apply sufficient base fertilizer

1. The growth cycle of eggplant is very long, and its roots extend relatively deep, while its branches and leaves are fairly lush. It is a vegetable that likes fertilizer and needs fertilizer, so applying sufficient base fertilizer is the key to ensuring healthy growth of eggplant. If planting is done in a greenhouse with plastic mulch, topdressing in the middle and later stages is generally not so convenient, so sufficient base fertilizer needs to be applied.

2. Generally, farmyard manure is applied as the main fertilizer. The farmyard manure must be fully decomposed and fermented to prevent nutrient loss, and it can also eliminate harmful substances in the fertilizer, effectively improve the utilization rate of the fertilizer, and help promote the absorption of nutrients by eggplant.

II. Cultivate seedlings

1. The growth of eggplant seedlings is closely related to the growth of eggplant throughout the entire growth period, and it is especially important for flower bud differentiation. Therefore, topdressing should be done in time during the seedling stage. Eggplant has a relatively high demand for phosphorus during the seedling stage, and phosphorus can promote early flowering and fruiting of eggplant.

2. Therefore, during the seedling stage, an appropriate amount of phosphate fertilizer can be applied, but farmyard manure is still the main fertilizer. When the seedlings grow to about 5 true leaves, if the color of the plants gradually becomes lighter, an appropriate amount of foliar fertilizer should be sprayed, which is beneficial to the healthy growth of the seedlings.

III. Fruit-promoting fertilizer

1. When eggplant enters the growth period, the growth rate of the fruit will also accelerate, and the entire plant will enter the fruit growth period. The stems and leaves will also show enhanced growth, and the nutritional demand at this stage will also increase, so the application of fertilizer must also be increased.

2. This period is also the first topdressing for eggplant. Fertilization is mainly to promote fruit growth and increase nutrient accumulation. When fertilizing, pay attention to the amount. It is mainly based on applying ammonium sulfate, and the hole application method can be used. After fertilizing, cover with a small amount of fine soil and water the soil thoroughly, which can improve the utilization rate of the fertilizer.

IV. Full-fruit fertilizer

1. When eggplant enters the fruit enlargement stage, it is also a period of high nutritional demand for eggplant, so the second topdressing should be carried out, also known as full-fruit fertilizer. It is mainly based on applying nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented by phosphorus-potassium fertilizer.

2. Foliar fertilizer and a small amount of trace elements can also be applied. Generally, fertilization can be carried out at the same time as watering, which is beneficial to promoting the plant's absorption of fertilizer, improving the plant's immunity, and promoting fruit enlargement. However, pay attention to the amount. If the amount is too much, it will easily cause fertilizer damage to eggplant.