What are the key points of fertilizer and water management for crops in winter?
In winter, many plants enter a dormant period, so fertilizer and water management for crops requires great care, otherwise even a slight mistake can affect the crops' growth the following year. So how should fertilizer and water management for crops be done? Let's take a look together.
1. Do not apply too much water or fertilizer
In winter, both the air temperature and soil temperature inside greenhouses are relatively low, so crops absorb fertilizer nutrients slowly. If fertilizer is applied at the previous rate, it will only accumulate in the soil and cannot be absorbed by the roots. Over time, the solution concentration in the soil will rise, causing burns to the crop roots, and in severe cases it can even cause the crops to die or their leaves to wilt. Likewise, after watering in winter, both the soil temperature and soil aeration are affected, causing leaves to turn yellow or roots to rot, so watering should not be excessive either.
2. Fertilize according to the weather
When the soil is relatively moist, there is no need to apply fertilizer with irrigation, to avoid root rot and yellowing leaves. When applying fertilizer with irrigation, to avoid cloudy days after fertilization, it is best to fertilize when the weather turns clear after a cold spell. If cloudy days occur during fertilizer application with irrigation, the humidity inside the greenhouse will increase further, making it difficult for the surface temperature to recover, which is not conducive to vegetable growth.
3. Pay attention to ventilation
A greenhouse is a closed environment with relatively poor ventilation. When nitrogen-based chemical fertilizers are used, nitrogen gas is released during the decomposition of the fertilizer. Once the nitrogen gas concentration exceeds the limit, the stems and leaves of the crops will change color. Therefore, from winter to early spring, nitrogen-containing chemical fertilizers should be reduced as much as possible to avoid the harm caused by toxic gases such as nitrogen. In addition, pay attention to appropriate ventilation at noon on clear days; the temperature is relatively low at this time, and appropriate ventilation can promote crop growth and development.
4. Temperature management
On the second day after applying fertilizer with irrigation, the vents can be appropriately closed to raise the temperature inside the greenhouse by 2-3 degrees, which can effectively increase the surface temperature and alleviate the adverse effects brought by fertilizer application with irrigation.
The above is an introduction to the key points of fertilizer and water management for crops in winter. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.