A detailed explanation of watermelon's fertilizer requirements: master the scientific method of fertilization
Watermelon needs little fertilizer at the seedling stage, and its requirement gradually increases once it enters the vine-running stage. Fertilization is mainly based on nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. By the flowering stage, watermelon has a relatively large demand for phosphorus fertilizer; applying phosphorus fertilizer at this time helps growth and increases the fruit-setting rate. The fruiting stage of watermelon is when fertilizer demand is greatest in the entire growth process, and at this time sufficient nutrients must be provided.
Watermelon fertilization principles:
1. Organic fertilizer as the main component, chemical fertilizer as a supplement. Increasing the application of organic fertilizer not only improves soil structure and supplies comprehensive nutrition, but also increases the sweetness of watermelon and improves its quality.
2. Apply nitrogen fertilizer appropriately, apply potassium fertilizer heavily, and supplement with trace-element fertilizer. Nitrogen is an essential element for watermelon growth, but if the amount of nitrogen applied is too much, the stems and leaves grow vigorously, the stems are thick, the leaves are large, and the stems and leaves overlap, weakening photosynthesis and disrupting the balance between vegetative growth and reproductive growth, resulting in poor fruit setting and affecting watermelon yield. Therefore, nitrogen fertilizer should be used in an appropriate amount. Potassium is the element watermelon needs the most throughout its life, and potassium can promote the transport of photosynthetic products and improve watermelon yield and quality. Therefore, increasing potassium fertilizer application for watermelon is even more important.
3. Apply fertilizer at the right time and in the right amount according to the different growth stages and growth vigor of watermelon and the soil and climate conditions.
In the process of watermelon cultivation, base fertilizer generally accounts for 70% of the total fertilization amount, so sufficient base fertilizer must be applied before planting, especially in plots where soil fertility is insufficient.