Fertilization is a crucial aspect of strawberry cultivation management; proper fertilization can significantly improve strawberry yield and quality. So, how should strawberries be fertilized? Let's find out below.
1. Base fertilizer
Sufficient base fertilizer should be applied, mainly organic fertilizer , generally accounting for 30-40% of the total fertilizer application. Recommended fertilization plan: Apply 3000-3500 kg of well-rotted organic fertilizer or 400-450 kg of commercial organic fertilizer per mu, and add 15-20 kg of compound fertilizer or 5-6 kg of urea, 15-20 kg of diammonium phosphate and 5-6 kg of potassium sulfate.
2. Topdressing
(1) After the seedlings have survived, apply 15-25 kg of special fertilizer per mu, or 10-13 kg of urea and 20 kg of 45% nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer. Fertilize in conjunction with watering to promote the rapid growth of seedlings and lay the foundation for flower bud differentiation.
(2) Apply fertilizer again after flower bud differentiation, with the same amount as before.
(3) Apply 15-20 kg of special fertilizer or 15-25 kg of urea per mu in conjunction with watering before the buds sprout in early spring to promote root development.
(4) Before flowering, apply 20-30 kg of special fertilizer per mu in conjunction with watering, or 13-15 kg each of urea and potassium sulfate, to promote fruit setting and fruit development.
3. Foliar fertilizer
Foliar fertilization is a supplementary way for plants to absorb nutrients, thus compensating for insufficient nutrient absorption by the roots. For strawberries, foliar fertilizer can generally be sprayed every 3-5 days. Depending on the growth of the strawberries, fertilizers such as urea, borax, and magnesium sulfate can be used. When spraying foliar fertilizer, it is important to choose an appropriate time, preferably around 4 pm on a windless, cloudy day.
4. Precautions
(1) Strawberries are very sensitive to chlorine, so the use of chlorine-containing fertilizers should be controlled.
(2) When fertilizing, avoid direct contact between fertilizer and roots to prevent root burn.
(3) Water should be applied promptly after fertilization to promote fertilizer dissolution and root absorption.
(4) Pay attention to the growth of strawberries and adjust the fertilization plan in a timely manner to avoid excessive fertilization that could lead to excessive plant growth or a decline in fruit quality.
