Key Points and Precautions of Fertilizing Nursery Stock Explained in Detail

Fertilizer is indispensable throughout the process of growing nursery stock, as it provides the nutrients needed for growth, especially during the period of vigorous growth. Let's take a look below at the key points of fertilizing nursery stock and what precautions there are.

1. What are the key points of fertilizing nursery stock?

1. Fertilize according to soil conditions

Sandy soil has poor fertilizer retention, so it is easy to apply organic fertilizer in small amounts multiple times, with cold-natured fertilizers such as pig and cattle manure being preferable; for clay soil, which has poor aeration and low temperature, the amount can be appropriately increased when applying hot-natured fertilizers such as horse and sheep manure. In addition, the pH of the soil should be adjusted through fertilization according to the acidity and alkalinity of the fertilizer.

2. Master the weather conditions when fertilizing

Fertilizing nursery stock should be done when the weather is clear and the soil is dry, as such conditions are conducive to absorption by the root system of the nursery stock. On rainy days, because the root system of the nursery stock absorbs water slowly, not only are nutrients not easily absorbed, but the fertilizer components are also easily washed away by rainwater, causing waste.

3. Fertilize according to the characteristics of the fertilizer

Nitrogen fertilizer has strong mobility in the soil, so shallow application allows it to permeate into the root distribution layer and be easily absorbed by the nursery stock; potassium fertilizer has poorer mobility, and phosphorus fertilizer has even poorer mobility, so it is suitable to apply them deeply to the place where the root system of the nursery stock is most concentrated. When fertilizer is used as a base fertilizer, its effect is slower to appear, so it should be applied deeply; as a top dressing, the effect appears faster, so it is suitable to apply it shallowly.

4. Choose suitable types of fertilizer

The fertilizer used for top dressing generally adopts quick-acting fertilizer or decomposed human excrement and urine. The types of quick-acting fertilizer used in nursery fields commonly include urea, ferrous sulfate, ammonium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium superphosphate, and so on. Chemical fertilizer must be completely crushed into powder form and is not suitable for application in lumps.

In nurseries cultivating herbaceous flowers, applying ammonium bicarbonate is taboo, because this fertilizer is highly volatile, and especially when applied at high temperatures, the ammonia gas released can easily burn the leaves of herbaceous flower nursery stock. If a large amount of ammonium bicarbonate is applied, it will also make the nursery stock grow tender and delicate, reducing its stress resistance.

5. Fertilize according to the fertilizer requirements of the nursery stock

The fast-growing period is the period of most vigorous growth for nursery stock, requiring the most fertilizer and water, so the amount and frequency of nitrogen fertilizer can be increased, and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied in proportion to promote nitrogen absorption and the growth of the nursery stock. During the hardening period, both the aboveground and underground parts of the nursery stock gradually lignify, so excessive growth must be prevented, fertilizer application should be stopped, and the resistance of the nursery stock should be improved.

2. Precautions for fertilizing nursery stock

Organic fertilizer must be fully fermented and decomposed to avoid burning the roots. At the same time, after the fertilizer is decomposed, the pests, diseases, and weed seeds in the fertilizer are killed and will not bring adverse consequences. Chemical fertilizer must be completely crushed into powder form and diluted with water before use.

Choose a sunny day when the soil is dry for fertilizing. On rainy days or when the soil is too wet, fertilizer and water are easily lost, causing waste. After fertilizing, especially after applying chemical fertilizer, appropriate irrigation must be carried out so that the fertilizer seeps into the soil; otherwise, the soil solution concentration will become too high and damage the roots.

The ending period of fertilization must not be too late, to prevent the current year's branches of the nursery stock from not having time to lignify and suffering frost damage.

When fertilizing nursery stock in towns and cities, attention should be paid to hygiene, and fertilizer should not pollute the branches and leaves; fertilizing at noon in summer is strictly prohibited (it is better to do it in the morning and evening), to avoid burning the tree roots; in winter, fertilizing at noon is preferable.