Tomatoes, also known as tomatoes , are a common vegetable that plays an important role in vegetable production throughout China. Do you know what kind of fertilizer is best for growing tomatoes? How should you apply base fertilizer? Let's find out together.
What fertilizer is best for tomatoes?
1. Water-soluble fertilizer
After the tomato seedlings have established themselves, to promote their growth, apply a fully soluble water-soluble fertilizer per acre by irrigation, flushing, or drip irrigation 2-3 times, with an interval of 5-7 days. Once the tomatoes enter the fruit-setting stage, apply a high-potassium fully soluble fertilizer per acre by flushing or drip irrigation 3-4 times. This will supplement potassium, calcium, and other elements, significantly improving tomato yield and quality.
2. Foliar fertilizer
To promote better fruit development in tomatoes, foliar fertilizers can be applied to the plants. Common foliar fertilizers include potassium dihydrogen phosphate, chelated water-soluble fertilizers, and amino acid fertilizers. Foliar fertilizers provide nutrients for tomato growth and are characterized by rapid absorption, effectively alleviating common nutrient deficiencies such as potassium, nitrogen, and calcium. Generally, foliar fertilizers should be applied every 7-10 days. Overly frequent application can cause brittle leaves and a decline in physiological function.
3. Organic fertilizer
Organic fertilizer provides the most comprehensive nutrients for tomato growth, and applying organic fertilizer remains an important option for achieving good tomato quality. Tomato fields fertilized with organic fertilizer should not be covered with mulch. The main fertilizers used are fermented animal manure or fully decomposed cake fertilizer. Specifically, dig a hole about 20cm away from the plant and then bury the organic fertilizer. Be careful not to dig too close to avoid damaging the roots.
4. Carbon dioxide fertilizer
Carbon dioxide fertilizer can only be applied under greenhouse conditions. Currently, it is mainly used for flavor-enhancing tomato cultivation under solar greenhouse conditions. Carbon dioxide is supplemented by hanging bag carbon dioxide generators, the reaction of urea with waste acid, and the burning of fossil fuels such as coal. However, regardless of the method of supplementation, carbon dioxide gas fertilizer can only be effective under conditions of good light and high temperature.
How should base fertilizer be applied to tomatoes?
Apply sufficient base fertilizer before transplanting tomatoes. It is recommended to use compound microbial fertilizer, which is rich in organic matter, humic acid, and beneficial bacteria, and can improve the soil and increase soil permeability. Organic fertilizer can also be used as base fertilizer, as only organic fertilizer has the effect of nourishing the soil. Moreover, organic fertilizer has a comprehensive range of nutrients and can be used in conjunction with superphosphate, potassium sulfate, etc.
