• 11 19 ，2024Mar 17, 2023
• pingsen

Proper Fertilization Methods and Precautions for Tomato Growth



Fertilization During Tomato Growth

Tomatoes are highly sensitive to top dressing during various critical growth periods. Therefore, proper top dressing significantly influences tomato yield. Below, we will analyze how to fertilize tomatoes and what precautions to take when top dressing.

Fertilization Time and Amount for Tomatoes

Based on the fertilizer requirements of tomatoes, fertilization should primarily rely on base fertilizers to cultivate strong seedlings. Before planting, apply 5-7 tons of high-quality organic fertilizer, 6-8 kg of phosphate fertilizer, and 7-10 kg of potash fertilizer per acre during soil preparation. After planting, top dress the tomatoes every 5-6 days with 2-3 kg of nitrogen fertilizer (urea) per mu.

When tomatoes enter the full fruiting period, specifically when the first truss of fruit is white and the second and third trusses are rapidly swelling, apply top dressing 2-3 times. Each time, apply 3-4 kg of nitrogen (urea) per mu, and add 1.5-2 kg of phosphorus and potassium to enhance fruit quality.

After tomatoes begin to bear fruit, the root system's ability to absorb fertilizer decreases. To delay senescence and extend the harvest period, use foliar sprays such as 0.3%-0.5% urea, 0.5% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and 0.1% borax.

For protected cultivation of tomatoes, it is essential to prevent salt buildup caused by excessive fertilization. Increase the input of organic fertilizers and reduce chemical fertilizer usage by 20%-30% compared to open-field cultivation. Apply fertilizers in small, frequent doses and ensure timely irrigation to manage salt levels, promoting healthy tomato growth.

Four Notes on Top Dressing Tomatoes

1.Control: From planting to fruit setting, control the amount of top dressing. Excessive or concentrated top dressing can cause excessive plant growth and even result in flower and fruit drop. If the plants are severely lacking in nutrients during this period, use a small amount of diluted manure or biochemical organic fertilizer solution.

2.Promote: During the young fruit period and harvest period, frequent top dressing promotes plant growth and development. When the first truss of fruit grows to the size of a walnut, apply quick-release chemical fertilizers 1-2 times. Use 30% human manure or 5% sulfur-containing compound fertilizer extract to ensure the plants are not nutrient-deficient. After the young fruit enters the swelling period, to meet the plants' growth needs and avoid late-stage nutrient deficiency, apply fruit-preserving fertilizers frequently. Generally, apply 40% human manure or 5% sulfur compound fertilizer extract every 10 days on sunny days.

3.Spray: Tomatoes absorb nutrients not only from the soil through their roots but also from the leaves to promote fruit and seed development. During the fruit growth period, especially when continuous rain in the early stage makes soil top dressing difficult, apply foliar fertilizers 2-3 times. Spray organic liquid fertilizers at a 300-500 times dilution or multi-element compound micro-fertilizers at a 500 times dilution to improve tomato quality.

4.Taboos: Avoid top dressing tomatoes in humid soil or at midday when temperatures are high. Excessively concentrated fertilizers can cause plant damage and overgrowth. Fertilizing in wet soil can lead to physiological issues like flower, leaf, and fruit drop. High temperatures can affect leaf evaporation and reduce fertilizer efficiency. While tomatoes do not have strict soil requirements, for high yields and good root development, select fertile loam with a deep soil layer, good drainage, and rich organic matter. The ideal soil pH is between 6 and 7, and overly acidic or alkaline soils should be amended.

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