How to Fertilize Luffa? A Detailed Guide to the Correct Fertilization Method
Luffa is one of our common vegetables. Luffa is a vine-type plant, and vine-type vegetables generally have a high fertilizer demand and a long growth period, so if you want to achieve high yields, fertilization is extremely critical. So how should luffa be fertilized? Come with the editor to take a look at luffa fertilization techniques.
1. Fertilizer Requirements and Characteristics
Luffa 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 and tolerate fertilizer is relatively weak, which is why it needs to be planted in loose, fertile soil rich in organic matter. In addition, according to tests, for every 1000 kg of luffa 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 luffa is planted, its absorption of nitrogen begins to rise sharply, and after entering the reproductive growth stage, 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 luffa growth. The base fertilizer is mainly organic fertilizer or farmyard manure, with an appropriate amount of chemical fertilizer or inorganic fertilizer mixed in. Generally, 3000-5000 kg of fully 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 luffa 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 luffa seedlings. Generally, fertilization should be done 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 luffa's vegetative growth and reproductive growth advance together, and it is also the key to ensuring a high luffa yield. During this period, luffa 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, with 200-300 kg of decomposed human manure and urine per mu each time, or 20-30 kg of compound fertilizer mainly composed of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer.
The above is an introduction to how to fertilize luffa. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.