What are the key points of water chestnut fertilization techniques?

Water chestnut, also known as horseshoe, water nut, black taro, etc., is a perennial herbaceous plant with persistent roots. It can be eaten raw or used as a vegetable. It originated in China and is now widely cultivated around the world. However, to grow water chestnut well, fertilization is very important. Below, let's take a look at the fertilization techniques for water chestnut with the editor.

1. Apply sufficient base fertilizer

Some farmers apply light base fertilizer or no base fertilizer when planting, which causes water chestnut to sprout slowly and grow weakly, resulting in thin and weak plants and low yield. Therefore, the base fertilizer must be applied sufficiently. Generally, more than 1000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure per mu is applied as base fertilizer, and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers should also be appropriately supplemented. If conditions permit, 1-2 kg of borax and 1 kg of zinc sulfate can be applied per mu, which can increase trace elements in the soil and promote plant growth.

2. Apply topdressing in time

In the early stage of growth, in order to promote the growth of aboveground stems and leaves, nitrogen fertilizer must be applied in the early stage, while in the later stage, potassium fertilizer is mainly used to promote corm enlargement and increase yield. After transplanting and survival, fertilizer should be applied once in combination with intertillage and weeding. Generally, 6-8 kg of urea per mu is applied, which can promote plant tillering. When the plants are divided, fertilizer should also be applied once in combination with intertillage and weeding, with 20 kg of potassium sulfate compound fertilizer applied per mu. One month after transplanting, fertilizer should also be applied once, similarly in combination with intertillage and weeding, applying 50 kg of potassium sulfate compound fertilizer. These are the number of topdressing applications during water chestnut growth.

3. Apply heavy fertilizer for corm formation

In September-October, a heavy application of corm formation fertilizer must be made to provide sufficient nutrients to the fruit. Generally, 40 kg of potassium sulfate compound fertilizer and 15-20 kg of potassium sulfate are applied per mu. Fertilization must be carried out after the dew has dried, so that fertilizer touching the leaves and being absorbed by the stems and leaves after dissolving in dew does not cause excessive plant growth. It can also be done in the evening or on cloudy days.

The above is an introduction to water chestnut fertilization techniques. I hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.