Key Points and Detailed Methods of Buckwheat Fertilization Techniques

Buckwheat originated in China and has a cultivation history of more than two thousand years. It is a short-term crop with a short growth period, is not tolerant of high temperatures, and is afraid of frost, and it is cultivated in most regions. In buckwheat cultivation techniques, the most important thing is fertilization management; applying fertilizer is the best way to assist growth. At the same time, controlling fertilizer is the best adjustment method for controlling growth. So today we will also introduce how buckwheat fertilization should be controlled.

I. Nutrient Requirements

Before sowing, seed germination, like that of most crops, requires most of the nutrients, and base fertilizer can also improve the fertility of the sowing soil and change the structural layer, so base fertilizer is most important for buckwheat. Because of the short growth period, buckwheat grows quickly and therefore needs more nutrients, so topdressing is necessary, mainly applying phosphorus and potassium fertilizer; nitrogen fertilizer can be applied sparingly, mainly to strengthen the stems and plump the seeds.

II. Applying Base Fertilizer

Before sowing, according to the distribution of the buckwheat root system, apply base fertilizer mainly in the 20 cm tillage layer. Before fertilizing, first deep-plow the soil once, then rotary-till to loosen and refine the soil, then broadcast farmyard manure over the whole field, and mix the fertilizer together with the soil; you can water once thoroughly, then cover with a layer of fine surface soil. Finally sow and cover with soil. The base fertilizer is mainly applied at about 400 jin per mu. Chemical fertilizers such as calcium superphosphate can also be applied as base fertilizer; they take effect quickly but are not as long-lasting as farmyard manure.

III. Topdressing

Topdressing can be applied according to different climate, environment, geographical conditions, and growth conditions. Generally do not apply on rainy days, and do not apply when rain is predicted in a few days, as it is easy to wash the fertilizer away. Topdressing on a sunny afternoon is best; fertilizing in high temperature and intense heat increases the concentration of cell sap, making it easy for the plant to lose water and wither. Or topdressing on a cloudy day is most favorable for absorption. Of course, foliar spraying of fertilizer can be done on a cloudy day. At low temperatures, appropriate topdressing can preserve warmth and nourish the roots. In the early stage, compound fertilizer is generally applied to benefit stem and leaf growth. In the later stage, mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, calcium fertilizer, and trace element fertilizer are applied to make the plant sturdy, increase the seed-setting rate, and avoid empty shells. Each topdressing is about 12 jin per mu.

IV. Trace Elements

The soil originally contains some of the trace elements needed by buckwheat, but they may have been exhausted due to crop rotation or absorption. Or they may not have been present at all. Buckwheat itself requires certain trace elements for growth, and when they are lacking, the plant will show reactions such as yellowing and empty shells, so fertilizers such as boron and copper should be supplemented in real time and in the right amount.

Although the buckwheat growth period is short, fertilization during its growth period should not be careless and needs to be taken seriously by growers. Generally, doing the above fertilization work well can roughly promote good crop growth, improve lodging resistance, and increase yield.