When to fertilize eggplant?

Eggplant is a plant that has a high demand for fertilizer . Lack of nutrients will lead to problems such as an increase in short-style flowers, poor development of floral organs, and low fruit set rate. These factors may cause a decrease in yield. Therefore, in the cultivation process of eggplant, reasonable fertilization is the key to achieving high yield and high quality. So when should we fertilize eggplant plants?

Fertilization requirements of eggplant

Eggplant is very sensitive to soil and fertilization levels. Good nutritional conditions can reduce flower drop, while malnutrition will lead to an increase in short-style flowers, poor development of floral organs, and difficulty in fruiting. Nutritional status will also affect the position of flowering. When nutrition is sufficient, the flowering branches can unfold 4 to 5 leaves, while when nutrition is malnourished, fewer leaves will unfold and more flowers will fall. The absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by eggplant increases as the growth cycle increases. During the seedling stage, the absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium accounts for only a small proportion of the total, but from the peak fruit-bearing period to the fruit-free period, the nutrient absorption accounts for more than 90% of the entire growth cycle, of which the peak fruit-bearing period accounts for about 2/3.

The nutrient requirements at different growth stages are also different. In the early stage, the main purpose is to promote the nutritional growth of the plant. As the growth progresses, more nutrients will be transported to flowers and fruits. During the flowering period, the absorption of nitrogen and potassium will increase significantly. If nitrogen is insufficient at this time, it will lead to poor flower development and an increase in short-style flowers, thus affecting yield. Producing 1,000 kilograms of eggplant requires approximately 3.2 kilograms of pure nitrogen, 0.94 kilograms of phosphorus pentoxide, and 4.5 kilograms of potassium oxide.

Eggplant fertilization method

1. Base fertilizer

Eggplant is susceptible to Verticillium wilt, so continuous cropping should be avoided in the soil where eggplant is grown. If continuous cropping is necessary, the soil should be disinfected. When growing in a greenhouse , a mixture of sulfur, dichlorvos and sawdust can be used for disinfection. After disinfection, apply 5,000 to 6,000 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer per mu, plus 25 to 35 kg of superphosphate and 15 to 20 kg of potassium sulfate, and at the same time apply 20 to 40 kg of biological organic fertilizer, evenly spread it on the soil surface and turn it into the plow layer of soil.

2. Topdressing

After the eggplants are planted, when the "door eggplants" enter the "staring stage" (that is, when the ovary swells and the petals are exposed after the flower is fertilized), the fruit begins to grow rapidly. At this time, the first topdressing is carried out, applying 4 to 5 kilograms of pure nitrogen (9 to 11 kilograms of urea or 20 to 25 kilograms of ammonium sulfate) per mu, and 5 kilograms of biological organic fertilizer. The second top dressing is carried out when the fruits of "double eggplant" are swelling, and the third top dressing is carried out when "four-sided bucket" begins to develop, which is the peak period of eggplant's fertilizer demand. The amount of top dressing is the same for the first three times, and the amount of top dressing can be halved thereafter, or no potassium fertilizer can be applied.

3. Foliar fertilization

2 days after transplanting, use root tube to irrigate the roots to promote root development and reduce root diseases; 20 to 30 days after transplanting, spray trace element foliar fertilizer to correct nutrient deficiency symptoms in the seedling stage; spray liquid sugar alcohol mobile boron in the early flowering period to promote pollination. When the fruits begin to swell, spray 2 to 3 times of high-potassium foliar fertilizer containing macroelements to promote the expansion of eggplant fruits. Before harvesting, spray fluid sugar alcohol to mobilize zinc to promote auxin synthesis and prevent premature aging.

The above are the key points and methods of fertilization for eggplant planting. I hope it will be helpful to your planting. If you have other questions, you can continue to leave a message.