How to fertilize greenhouse tomatoes? A detailed explanation of fertilization methods
When growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, fertilization differs from open-field growing, because the greenhouse environment is limited and the soil solution concentration may be a bit higher, so fertilization has some restrictions. In open fields, more base fertilizer may be needed, but in greenhouse fertilization it may need to be reduced a lot; specifically, this depends on how it affects tomato growth and on some external environmental conditions.
1. Fertilization methods
Apply more fertilizer during the seedling stage, but tomatoes are also fairly tolerant of fertilizer. The main growth at this stage is the plant, so more nitrogen fertilizer is needed, together with potassium fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer. After that, in the fruiting stage, many fruits need to form, which mainly requires a large amount of potassium fertilizer, then a small amount of phosphorus fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer. In the late fruiting stage, more fertilizer is needed to ensure fruit set and then delay the fruiting period. Fertilization is mainly done by dissolving the fertilizer, which is easier to absorb.
2. Fertilization amounts ⟧7⟧Generally, about 500 jin of base fertilizer is applied per greenhouse. The first topdressing is at the seedling stage; at this time topdressing is needed, with dilute fertilizer water at about 50 to 100 jin per application. During the whole seedling stage, topdressing is done about 2 times. After the seedling stage, fertilizer can be applied once a month, at about 60 jin each time. If chemical fertilizer is used, the amount can be determined according to the elements contained in the chemical fertilizer applied.
Generally, about 500 jin of base fertilizer is applied per greenhouse. The first topdressing is at the seedling stage, when topdressing is needed; the diluted fertilizer solution is about 50 to 100 jin per application, and topdressing is done about 2 times throughout the seedling stage. After the seedling stage, fertilizer can be applied once a month, with an application rate of about 60 jin. If chemical fertilizer is used, the amount can be determined according to the elements contained in the chemical fertilizer applied.
3. Environmental effects
If it is winter and the outside temperature is low, a suitable amount of extra fertilizer can be applied; farmyard manure can help keep warmth. If heavy rain affects soil moisture, wait until some of the water has dissipated before fertilizing. High summer temperatures have the greatest effect on nutrients inside the greenhouse, and the soil temperature will rise, so it is necessary to lower the temperature before fertilizing, to protect the roots and promote absorption.
4. Precautions
Be careful not to overfertilize. Excessive fertilization will raise the soil solution concentration, and the roots will not be able to absorb water and nutrients, resulting in fertilizer damage. Note that fertilization should be used together with watering, not alone, or water can be applied after fertilizing, which gives better absorption. Fertilizer should be used according to the tomato's fertilizer demand and also according to soil fertility. Do not apply too much fertilizer during the flowering period; mainly fertilize before flowering. Do not fertilize when the soil is too wet.
Greenhouse tomato fertilization should also be based on your local environment, the varieties grown, and some influencing factors. Finally, when fertilizing, pay attention to weather effects and soil conditions, and then decide on fertilization. In practice, it should be used according to the actual situation.