What fertilizer is good for watermelon topdressing?

Time for topdressing watermelon

The first fertilization is carried out when the watermelon seedlings are raised. After the watermelon seedlings emerge, human feces or urea water is applied. Decomposed organic fertilizer, potassium sulfate, and superphosphate are used as base fertilizer. After transplanting, seedling and fruit fertilizer is applied, and diluted urea water is applied. Rotten cake fertilizer is applied during the vine growth period, urea is applied during the young melon period, and urea and potassium sulfate are applied in the early stage of maturity.

What fertilizer to use for watermelon topdressing

Watermelon needs to be fertilized twice during its growth period. One time is during the fruit swelling period, that is, after pollination is completed and combined with watering, topdressing fertilizer should be applied to expand the fruit. Nitrogen fertilizer and potassium sulfate can be applied.

1. Organic fertilizer

Organic fertilizer can be applied when planting watermelon, which has long-lasting fertilizer effect. Generally, the decomposed manure organic fertilizer of farmers is a good choice, but it must be decomposed, otherwise it will easily burn the seedlings. If there is cake fertilizer, it is also a good choice, such as soybean meal and peanut cake.

2. Potash fertilizer

The sugar content of watermelon is relatively high, so potassium fertilizer should be applied during the growth period. Potassium fertilizer is beneficial to metabolism, the formation and accumulation of carbohydrates, which greatly improves the quality of watermelon and increases the sugar content. After the watermelon enters the fruit setting period, a large amount of potassium fertilizer should be supplemented. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be sprayed on the leaves.

3. Boron fertilizer

Boron fertilizer can help watermelons bloom and set fruit faster. Appropriate application of boron fertilizer can also prevent the hollowness of watermelons and the thickening of the rind. It is very helpful in improving the taste and quality of watermelons. Special attention should be paid to plots that are deficient in boron. As a trace element, although the demand is not large, it is indispensable.

Watermelon topdressing method

1. Seedling-promoting fertilizer

Within one week after transplanting the watermelon seedlings, if the base fertilizer has not taken effect, or if base fertilizer has been applied, a small amount of topdressing can be applied, mainly quick-acting fertilizer, generally 8-10 grams of urea per plant, and cover the soil after digging trenches and fertilizing.

2. Fertilizer for accelerating vine growth

When the length of the watermelon seedlings is 40-60 cm, you can apply vine-promoting fertilizer, urea, superphosphate, potassium sulfate, or potassium sulfate-type triple compound fertilizer, and apply it 25 to 30 cm away from the root of the melon. After application, cover the soil and water to promote fertilizer absorption.

Precautions for topdressing watermelon

When applying top dressing to watermelon, do not apply chlorine-containing fertilizers, such as potassium chloride, ammonium chloride, etc., as they will reduce the sugar content of the watermelon and make the taste sour. Do not apply too much nitrogen fertilizer as it will easily cause the vines and leaves to grow wildly and make it difficult to set fruit.

Do not apply concentrated fertilizer when the soil is dry. The air humidity is high during consecutive rainy days. Applying fertilizer at this time will not only cause fertilizer loss, but also cause the watermelon vines and leaves to grow too long and make it difficult to fruit. Do not apply fertilizer close to the seedling eyes every time, as it is easy to burn the roots. Fertilizer should not be spread on the surface.