Key Points and Precautions for Fertilizing Yardlong Beans

Yardlong beans are one of the popular vegetables widely cultivated in China, grown in every region. They have strong adaptability, can be grown in open fields, and can grow year-round, coming to market in all four seasons. However, when growing yardlong beans, mastering fertilization techniques affects their yield. So how should yardlong beans be fertilized? We have summarized it below. Let's take a look at the detailed introduction.

1. Nutrient Requirements

Yardlong beans have a well-developed root system, but their roots have weak regeneration capacity. The main root generally penetrates about 1 m into the soil, with few lateral roots, and the clustered roots are mostly in the soil layer around 15 cm deep. Their roots have few nodules, so their nitrogen-fixation capacity is also weak. They are suitable for planting in fertile, loose, well-drained soil with good aeration, and not suitable for planting in heavy clay soil. Their fertilizer requirements are not high. In the early growth stage, nitrogen-fixation capacity is weak, so nitrogen fertilizer should be supplied appropriately; after flowering and pod setting, the demand for phosphorus and potassium fertilizer surges sharply. At this time, nitrogen-fixation capacity increases, vegetative growth and reproductive growth proceed simultaneously, and the demand for other nutrient elements increases. According to research, for every 100 kg produced, 1.02 kg of nitrogen, 0.44 kg of phosphorus pentoxide, and 0.97 kg of potassium oxide are consumed.

2. Apply Heavy Base Fertilizer

According to the nutrient requirements of yardlong beans, fertilization should be scientific. Yardlong beans are adverse to continuous cropping, so it is best to choose a plot where cotton and leguminous crops have not been planted within three years. First, base fertilizer should be applied. The base fertilizer should be mainly decomposed organic fertilizer, combined with an appropriate proportion of compound fertilizer. For example, a compound fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium is quite suitable as base fertilizer for yardlong beans. One point to note is that when applying base fertilizer, the amount should be reasonably increased or decreased according to soil fertility, so as to avoid improper fertilization management causing fertilizer damage to seedlings.

3. Skillful Topdressing

In addition to applying base fertilizer, reasonable topdressing should be carried out during the growing period according to the growth condition of yardlong beans. After transplanting, the main focus should be on seedling restraint to prevent excessive stem and leaf growth, promote the plant's transition to reproductive growth, and form more flower clusters. After pod setting, combined with watering, apply 100 jin of decomposed organic fertilizer or 5-8 jin of compound fertilizer per mu. After each harvest, topdress once as well, applying 5-10 kg of urea and 5-8 kg of potassium sulfate per mu. In the later stage, to avoid premature plant senescence, after each peak yield period, strengthen fertilizer and water management to promote lateral branch sprouting and flower bud formation.

The above is an introduction to fertilization techniques for yardlong beans. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.