How to fertilize chayote shoots? A full analysis of the latest methods
The chayote shoots discussed here refer to the young shoots of chayote (Sechium edule) as commonly recognized, and I hope this does not cause any misunderstanding. Generally, the cultivation and fertilization of chayote shoots has its own characteristics, and it also differs from the cultivation of other vegetables or from chayote cultivation itself; during cultivation there will be different fertilizer requirements. So, I want to introduce to everyone the physiological characteristics of chayote shoots, along with methods for fertilization and high yield.
I. Growth characteristics
Chayote shoots are mainly grown from seed, primarily in barren hills and in open fields. They are generally planted in the open ground, and can also be cultivated under protected facilities. The main variety is the young shoots of chayote; the root system is not deep, mostly distributed around the roots, and what is mainly harvested is the plant's young stems, which can be harvested continuously throughout the growing period.
II. Fertilizer requirements
The growth of young stems requires a compound fertilizer with more nitrogen; nitrogen fertilizer can make the plant's leaves and young stems become dark green and tender, and it must also ensure the necessary photosynthesis to produce nutrients. Potassium fertilizer can be applied sparingly; potassium fertilizer mainly strengthens roots and stems, and applying too much potassium fertilizer will cause stem hardening, so it can be applied more in the early stage of planting and less in the later stage. Farmyard manure is the best nutrient component for leafy vegetables, containing diverse nutrients.
III. Fertilization methods
For raising seedlings, the base fertilizer is farmyard manure used throughout, while for open-field base fertilizer it can be applied only on the ridge surface. Topdressing is mainly used from after emergence through the entire growing period. Topdressing mainly uses furrow application, opening furrows around the ridge surface and then applying evenly in the furrows. Or fertilizer can be directly applied diluted with water and poured on, but this may affect the root system and the taste of the young stems. It is still best to use furrow application.
IV. Fertilization periods
Base fertilizer is applied before sowing or before open-field planting; it can be used in somewhat larger amounts, but after mixing the fertilizer with soil, 2 cm of soil should still be covered on top before sowing to avoid damage. For base fertilizer, generally 1000 jin of farmyard livestock manure per mu is applied, or cattle manure plus soil composted fertilizer. Then there is topdressing; topdressing can be used continuously in the seedbed, about once a week, to promote growth. For one topdressing, farmyard manure is applied diluted with water; urea should be applied in furrows to avoid burning, and one topdressing is about 100 jin per mu. Whether it is trellis cultivation with continuous harvesting or seedbed cultivation harvesting young seedlings, topdressing is applied multiple times in the same way.
Fertilization should be based on growth characteristics and on the main fertilization needs of the harvested part; by fertilizing with this focus, you can achieve twice the result with half the effort. This is most beneficial to the growth of chayote shoots, and the fertilizer can fully play its role. This is the high-yield fertilization method for chayote shoots.