Three "Underestimated" Fertilizer Elements!

Nowadays, many farmers are reporting that although they haven't reduced the application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, the vegetables they grow are becoming less flavorful - tomatoes are not sweet, cucumbers are not crisp, and the aroma of strawberries has also weakened. 
The fruits on the fruit trees either have many cracked ones or have a short storage period, and they go bad just a few days after being picked. 
What's even more worrying is that the pests and diseases of crops are increasing, the cost of pesticide application is getting higher and higher, but the income has not seen any increase. 
In fact, the root cause of the problem is quite simple: the sulfur, calcium and magnesium in the soil have long been "deficient". Only supplementing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is like feeding a person only rice and no vegetables. The nutrition is unbalanced, and of course, the growth is not good. 
First, let's talk about calcium. Many people know that calcium is for "calcium supplementation", but they don't know that crops also need "calcium supplementation". 
Calcium is the "reinforcing frame" of the cell wall in crops. Only when the cell wall is strong can the stems of crops stand upright and be less prone to lodging; and the fruit peels can be thick and strong, reducing cracked and misshapen fruits. 
Just like growing tomatoes, the problem of blossom end rot that many farmers encounter, where a hole forms at the bottom of the fruit, is actually a typical calcium deficiency issue. 
The technical guidance from the Qingdao Rural and Agricultural Bureau clearly states that when the soil pH of greenhouse tomatoes is less than 6, calcium supplementation is necessary. A base application of 50 to 75 kilograms of calcium fertilizer per mu is required to effectively reduce diseases. 
Secondly, let's talk about sulfur. This is the "flavor code" of crops.

The unique aroma and taste of the vegetables and fruits we eat are all attributed to the role of sulfur-containing proteins. 
Without sulfur, tomatoes lose their sweet and sour flavor, the aroma of strawberries will be greatly reduced, and even the pungent flavors of garlic and onions will become milder. 
Professor Zhao Zhuc Qing's team from Huazhong Agricultural University conducted experiments. When sulfur was added to vegetable cultivation, the soluble sugar content of the vegetables increased by more than 10%, and the taste was significantly improved. 
Moreover, sulfur can enhance the resilience of crops, making them more resistant to diseases and pests, and reducing the need for pesticides. 
III. Finally, there is magnesium, which is the "photosynthesis engine" of crops. 
Magnesium is the core component of chlorophyll. Without magnesium, chlorophyll cannot be synthesized. The crops would be like having lost their "blood circulation function", with yellow leaves, premature aging, weakened photosynthesis, and naturally, less accumulated nutrients. 
This is the "magic" of magnesium. It may seem insignificant, but it can directly enhance the yield. 
With the promotion of high-yield farming methods, the demand for trace elements in crops is increasing significantly. The natural reserves in the soil have long been insufficient. 
A survey conducted by the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau of Qingdao City revealed that excessive application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium over a long period of time can lead to imbalances in soil nutrients, increasing the incidence of physiological nutrient deficiency diseases in crops by more than 30%, thereby seriously affecting quality and yield. 
Let me share a real case with you. The orange growers in Pingyang, Zhejiang Province, who had been applying nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the traditional way, managed to grow large oranges, but the sweetness was insufficient and they couldn't fetch a good price. 
Later, under the guidance of the team from Zhejiang Agricultural and Forestry University, not only were calcium, magnesium, sulfur and other elements supplemented, but other trace elements were also scientifically combined. As a result, the acid-to-sugar ratio of the fruits was significantly improved, and the organic selenium content also met the standards. It became a selenium-rich orange, and could be sold at 25 yuan per kilogram, with a premium of over 60% compared to ordinary Red Beauty oranges. 
This is the advantage of paying attention to trace elements. Not only can it enhance the quality, but it can also create distinctive agricultural products and increase the profit margin. 
Four. The nutrition of crops determines the nutritional content of our diet.

We often say that "eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is beneficial for health". However, if the fruits and vegetables themselves lack nutrients, no matter how much you eat, it won't be of any use. 
For instance, calcium is an essential component of human bones. Magnesium can regulate nerve and muscle functions and improve sleep. Sulfur is involved in the body's detoxification process and the regulation of joint health. 
The fruits and vegetables we consume are rich in calcium, magnesium and sulfur. We can obtain these nutrients through our regular diet, which is safer and more effective than taking dietary supplements. 
Just like the selenium-enriched vegetables at Ruipu Villa in Yangquan, due to their rich nutrition, they are not only highly favored by consumers, but also have a yield per acre that is several times higher than that of ordinary vegetables. 
V. Finally, based on years of agricultural technology experience, I would like to share a few thoughts with you: 
Change the fertilization concept of "only considering nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium" 
Just like humans, crops also require balanced nutrition. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the "main food", while trace elements such as sulfur, calcium and magnesium are the "side dishes", and all of them are indispensable. 
Apply fertilizer as needed and make targeted supplements. 
Different crops have different requirements for elements. For instance, tomatoes and strawberries are prone to calcium deficiency, garlic and onions are prone to sulfur deficiency, and fruit trees are prone to magnesium deficiency. It is necessary to supplement elements specifically based on the deficiency symptoms of the crops and the soil conditions. 
Use in combination with organic fertilizer 
Organic fertilizers contain abundant trace elements and can also improve soil structure and enhance the utilization rate of chemical fertilizers. It is recommended that everyone use organic fertilizers in combination with chemical fertilizers, which can not only provide nutrients but also protect the soil, achieving sustainable farming. 
Attach importance to soil health: Soil is the "food bowl" of crops. Soil acidification and compaction can affect the absorption of nutrients. Even if a large amount of fertilizer is applied, it won't be of any use. 
In conclusion, farming is not about "getting high yields by applying more fertilizer", but rather "achieving high yields through proper fertilization".