How to Fertilize Loofah? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Fertilization Methods
Loofah is one of our common vegetables. Loofah is a vine plant, and vine vegetables generally have a high fertilizer demand and a long growing period, so if you want to obtain a high yield, fertilization is extremely critical. So how should loofah be fertilized? Let's take a look at loofah fertilization techniques with the editor.
1. Fertilizer Requirements
Loofah has the characteristics of fast growth, many fruits, and a preference for fertilizer, but its root system is relatively shallow, so its ability to absorb fertilizer and tolerate fertilizer is relatively weak, so it requires planting in loose, fertile soil rich in organic matter. In addition, according to testing, for every 1000 kg of loofah produced, it needs to absorb 1.9-2.7 kg of nitrogen, 0.8-0.9 kg of phosphorus, and 3.5-4.0 kg of potassium from the soil. After loofah is planted, its absorption of nitrogen begins to rise sharply, and after entering the reproductive growth period, the demand for nitrogen weakens, while the demand for phosphorus increases sharply.
2. Apply Sufficient Base Fertilizer
Before or during planting, base fertilizer can be applied in combination with soil plowing, which can ensure that the soil continuously provides nutrients for loofah growth. The base fertilizer is mainly organic fertilizer or farmyard manure, with an appropriate amount of chemical fertilizer or inorganic fertilizer added. Generally, 3000-5000 kg of decomposed high-quality organic fertilizer and 30-50 kg of compound fertilizer are applied per mu, spread on the soil, and buried into the soil in combination with plowing.
3. Fertilization at the Seedling Stage
In order to ensure flower bud differentiation and the number of flower buds, more nitrogen fertilizer should be applied at the seedling stage, with an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. When nitrogen fertilizer is sufficient, it can promote loofah flowering and fruiting. Fertilization at the seedling stage should be combined with the local soil fertilizer conditions, with an appropriate amount of organic fertilizer applied together, to ensure robust growth of loofah seedlings. Generally, fertilization should be carried out 2-3 times at the seedling stage, and each time 100-150 kg of high-quality decomposed manure and urine fertilizer can be applied as a top dressing mixed with water.
4. Fertilization During Field Growth
This stage is when loofah vegetative growth and reproductive growth advance together, and it is also the key to ensuring a high yield of loofah. During this period, loofah needs a large amount of nitrogen and potassium, but the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied should be controlled to avoid excessive vegetative growth of the plant, which would delay flowering and fruiting. During this period, top dressing should be applied 3-4 times, each time 200-300 kg of decomposed human manure and urine per mu, or 20-30 kg of compound fertilizer mainly based on phosphorus and potassium fertilizer.
The above is an introduction to how to fertilize loofah. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.