The Latest Fertilization Methods and Key Technical Points for Okra

Throughout the entire growth process of okra, the fertilization method is particularly important. Generally speaking, if you want a high yield of okra, then the fertilizer must be applied well. So during the growth period of okra, exactly when should fertilizer be applied, how should it be applied, and what kind of fertilizer should be applied? Let us tell you below.

1. Base fertilizer

Base fertilizer, also called bottom fertilizer, is generally applied well when preparing the land. Base fertilizer plays a most basic role in the growth process of okra, that is, it makes the soil contain the most basic nutrients suitable for okra growth, so that okra can take root and sprout. Generally, to plant one mu of okra, we need 100 kg of farmyard manure plus 100 kg of plant ash and 50 kg of compound fertilizer as well as 50 kg of nitrogen fertilizer, evenly scattered across the field.

2. Full-stand seedling fertilizer

Full-stand seedling fertilizer is generally applied when seedlings have grown after sowing. Because seeds sprout at different speeds, the field looks very uneven, with a bumpy appearance, giving people a feeling of somewhat poor development. Therefore, the first topdressing is generally carried out three days after seedling emergence. This fertilization is mainly to make the seedlings look uniformly neat. We usually use urea to promote the growth of okra seedlings. On average, one mu needs about 100 kg of urea, applied by spraying.

3. Seedling-promoting fertilizer

Seedling-promoting fertilizer can only be applied about ten days after planting. Since some okra is transplanted when planted, it still needs to adapt to the new plot and grow new roots so that it can survive. Therefore, we fertilize for two purposes: one is to increase the survival rate of okra, and the other is to shorten the growth time of okra, promote the growth speed of okra, make okra seedlings grow faster, and enable them to flower and bear fruit earlier. For seedling-promoting fertilizer, we generally use compound fertilizer. On average, one mu needs about 250 kg, mainly scattered near a distance of 5 cm from the okra roots. At the same time, it needs to be covered with soil to avoid loss of fertilizer efficiency.

4. Flower and fruit fertilizer

Flower and fruit fertilizer, as the name implies, is a fertilization carried out during the period when okra is flowering and fruiting. The purpose of fertilization is to provide sufficient nutrients for okra, and at the same time it can play a role in promoting flowers and protecting fruits. The amount required for this topdressing is somewhat large, more than ten times the usual topdressing amount. Flower and fruit fertilizer is mainly applied by irrigating with human manure and urine water, supplemented by nitrogen fertilizer, phosphate fertilizer, potassium fertilizer and compound fertilizer. Human manure and urine water requires 4,000 kg, and nitrogen fertilizer, phosphate fertilizer, potassium fertilizer and compound fertilizer total 400 kg, mixed and scattered in the field.

5. Maintenance fertilizer

Maintenance fertilizer is generally the fertilizer applied after okra harvest. Generally, after each harvest, an appropriate amount of fertilization is needed to prevent the plants from aging. If the plants age, it means that although they could originally be harvested five or six times, after two or three harvests there will be nothing left, and the yield will be seriously reduced. Maintenance fertilizer generally only needs an appropriate amount of potassium fertilizer or phosphate fertilizer.