How to fertilize taro? Read this article to understand the key points of fertilization techniques

Taro is a perennial plant. It has few root hairs and a weak ability to absorb nutrients, but it needs sufficient fertilizer during growth. Therefore, when planting, in addition to choosing fertile, loose soil with strong water and fertilizer retention, mastering fertilization techniques is also extremely critical. So how should taro be fertilized? Let's take a look.

1. Fertilization periods

The periods when taro has a relatively high nutrient demand during growth are mainly the seedling stage, the tuber expansion stage, and the maturity stage. The seedling stage includes the process from seed corm germination to the early stage of tuber growth. At this time, the fertilization plan is to spray foliar fertilizer to break seed dormancy, promote germination and growth, and then carry out planting. The tuber growth period is the expansion stage, which generally lasts 45 days, and 80% of the yield is formed during this period, so the fertilizer demand at this time is extremely high. One topdressing application is needed, combined with foliar fertilization. The maturity stage requires less fertilizer, and foliar fertilizer application should be stopped. The dormant period can last as long as 4 months.

2. Base fertilizer

Taro's root system consists of fleshy fibrous roots with weak spreading ability, so it prefers deep, loose, fertile soil. Before planting, the soil should be turned and sun-dried to make it loose and well aerated. During land preparation, sufficient base fertilizer should be applied together to maintain a continuous supply of soil fertility. Generally, 1000-1500 kg of organic fertilizer or compost per mu is applied, combined with 100-200 kg of compound fertilizer, applied in trenches with a required depth of 10-15 cm.

3. Topdressing

Taro has a long growth cycle and a high fertilizer demand, so after applying sufficient base fertilizer, multiple topdressings are needed to meet its needs. Topdressing is generally mainly quick-acting fertilizer, and 4-5 topdressings are required each year. The main fertilization applications include seedling-promoting fertilizer, tillering fertilizer, daughter taro fertilizer, granddaughter taro fertilizer, and taro-strengthening fertilizer.

Seedling-promoting fertilizer: When the seedlings grow 3-4 true leaves, apply fertilizer once in combination with intertillage and weeding. At this time, the ability to absorb nutrients is weak, so it is recommended to use diluted manure and urine fertilizer. Generally, 500 kg of 40% manure and urine fertilizer per mu is applied, combined with 4 kg of compound fertilizer and 10 kg of urea. After fertilization, water to moisten the soil and reduce the fertilizer concentration.

Tillering fertilizer: Apply tillering fertilizer in mid-to-late April, with 50 kg of peanut bran and 500 kg of pig and cattle manure per mu, applied in shallow trenches. After fertilization, cover with soil in time. After the plants finish tillering, level the shallow trenches.

Daughter taro fertilizer: Apply daughter taro fertilizer in late May when the tubers begin to expand, with 50 kg of peanut bran and 500 kg of human and livestock manure per mu. When applying, place it somewhat away from the planting holes.

Granddaughter taro fertilizer: Apply granddaughter taro fertilizer in late June. Because the small taros that develop at this time are called granddaughter taros, this fertilization is granddaughter taro fertilizer. Generally, 500 kg of manure and urine fertilizer per mu is applied.

Taro-strengthening fertilizer: Apply it in late July when some taro leaves begin to turn yellow. At this time, fertilizer and water should be controlled to prevent new leaves from growing continuously and affecting corm maturity and nutrient accumulation. Generally, 50 kg of peanut bran and 10 kg of compound fertilizer per mu are applied.

The above are taro fertilization techniques. We hope they can help you. To learn more about taro cultivation, please stay tuned to us.