The golden rule of chili fertilizer application: Fertilizer combination and application methods
Peppers, as warm-loving, fertile and highly tolerant of fertilization crops of the solanaceous family, have a growth cycle that includes the seedling stage, flowering and fruit setting stage, fruiting peak stage and post-harvest stage. The demand for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements varies significantly at different stages. Improper fertilization can lead to excessive growth, flower and fruit drop, fruit deformity or reduced quality. To achieve the goals of high yield, high quality and high efficiency in pepper cultivation, the golden rule of "supplying nutrients as needed, balanced ratio, precise timing, and scientific methods" must be followed. In combination with the growth patterns of the plants and the soil fertility conditions, a systematic fertilizer combination and fertilization method plan should be formulated. The specific contents are as follows:
(1) Seedling stage: Focus on providing nitrogen, with phosphorus and potassium as supplementary nutrients, to promote root growth and vigorous seedling development.
The main goal during the seedling stage (from sowing to transplanting, approximately 30-40 days) is to cultivate vigorous seedlings with well-developed roots, thick stems, and lush green leaves, avoiding excessive growth or weak seedlings, which will lay the foundation for subsequent flowering and fruit setting. During this stage, peppers have a high demand for nitrogen, phosphorus can promote root development, and potassium can enhance the stress resistance of young seedlings (such as cold resistance and disease resistance), while trace elements such as boron and zinc need to be supplemented in small amounts to prevent stunted seedlings.
2) Before planting: Apply a large amount of base fertilizer, with organic fertilizer being the main component and chemical fertilizers serving as a supplement, to improve the soil quality.
The core of fertilization before planting (7-10 days before planting) is to improve soil structure and enhance soil fertility, providing long-term nutrients for the rapid recovery and root expansion of peppers after planting, and avoiding slow recovery and weak growth due to insufficient soil nutrients after planting. At this stage, organic fertilizer should be the main component (organic fertilizer can improve soil aeration, water retention and fertilizer retention capabilities), combined with a small amount of balanced compound fertilizer to supplement nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and add micronutrient fertilizers to prevent soil nutrient imbalance.
3) From planting to flowering: Apply a light fertilizer to promote gradual growth, maintain nitrogen levels and increase phosphorus, and prevent excessive growth.
From the time of planting until flowering (approximately 20-25 days), this period is a crucial stage for the recovery of the root system and the transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth in peppers. The main goal is to promote the recovery of the root system, ensure the stable growth of stems and leaves, and prevent excessive nitrogen fertilizer from causing excessive growth (excessive growth will lead to delayed flowering and increased flower drop). At the same time, phosphorus should be supplemented to provide nutrients for flower bud differentiation.
