Water and fertilizer management is key to growing overwintering cucumbers

Fertilizer and water management for greenhouse cucumbers in winter is very important. If fertilizer and water are managed improperly, it can cause root rot, waterlogged roots, leaf yellowing and other adverse conditions. For this reason, water and fertilizer management should be handled well in production to promote higher yields.

I. Fertilization.

1. After soil testing, apply fertilizer according to a formula based on soil nutrient status and the fertilizer requirements of cucumber growth, so as to meet the needs of cucumber growth. Judging from the current soil conditions in greenhouses, the fertilization pattern suitable for cucumber growth is organic fertilizer plus compound fertilizer plus micronutrient fertilizer plus active beneficial bacterial fertilizer, and organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer should be combined.

2. For topdressing, mainly use multi-element compound fertilizer and organic fertilizer, together with biological bacterial fertilizer, adopting a combination of base fertilizer and water-soluble topdressing. This can activate the soil layer, thereby increasing the area for root extension and replenishing the large amount of nutrient elements the plants need. Never increase the amount blindly; for example, too much base fertilizer can burn the seedlings, and too much water-soluble topdressing can easily cause root rot, waterlogged roots and so on. As greenhouses age, applying an appropriate amount of biological bacterial fertilizer is one feasible measure for improving the soil. Biological fertilizer contains a variety of beneficial bacteria and has the effect of activating soil, raising low temperatures and regulating soil nutrients, so applying biological fertilizer appropriately can promote root development and improve cucumber disease resistance.

II. Watering.

1. Watering time: Greenhouse cucumbers in winter should be watered on sunny mornings, because at this time the water temperature and soil temperature are relatively close, the soil temperature is easy to raise, and there is still plenty of time in the afternoon for dehumidification. Try to avoid watering in the evening and on consecutive cloudy days, so as not to increase air humidity and cause the occurrence and spread of vegetable diseases.

2. Watering amount: When greenhouse cucumbers in winter are severely short of water, do not water too much at one time, as this can easily cause root oxygen deficiency, suffocation and rot. Water with small amounts as much as possible, and at the same time pay attention to dehumidifying as much as possible; if humidity is too high, it can easily trigger downy mildew, bacterial spot disease and many other diseases.

3. Watering temperature: In winter, it is best to choose groundwater for watering, and the water temperature must not be lower than 8°C. On the day of watering, restore the soil temperature as soon as possible. For overwintering cucumbers, doing a good job of fertilizer and water management is very important for promoting higher yields.