How to fertilize loofah? What kind of fertilizer is good?

Luffa is an annual climbing vine of the Cucurbitaceae family. It originated in tropical regions and is not only rich in nutrients but also has high edible and medicinal value, so it is very popular on the dining table. Loofah is grown all over my country. So how do you fertilize loofah? What kind of fertilizer is good?

1. Fertilizer requirements of loofah

Luffa has a well-developed root system and is not demanding on soil, but in order to stimulate its production potential, it is best to choose soil with a deep soil layer, good air permeability, rich organic matter, and strong water and fertilizer retention capabilities for planting. Luffa likes a humid environment and is afraid of drought, but does not like waterlogging. Therefore, it should be cultivated in ridges during planting to prevent root rot or melon diseases.

During the entire growth period, loofah has the highest demand for nitrogen fertilizer, followed by potassium fertilizer, and the least demand for phosphorus fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer helps the growth of loofah stems and leaves. Lack of nitrogen fertilizer will cause the plants to be short and thin, with yellow-green leaves, affecting photosynthesis, leading to premature aging and reduced yields.

Potassium fertilizer helps the synthesis and transportation of carbohydrates, improves the shape, size, color and flavor of the loofah, and increases the vitamin C content; phosphorus fertilizer helps root development and increases the sugar content of the fruit, improving the quality of the loofah.

Fertilization principles: When planting loofah, sufficient organic fertilizer is required to promote the plant to be strong and produce more flowers and fruits. Before flowering and fruiting, the plant's nutrient requirements are small but comprehensive; after flowering and fruiting, the demand for water and fertilizer increases, and the supply must be increased, otherwise the plant will age prematurely and the fruits will be small.

2. Fertilization method of loofah

1. There should be sufficient base fertilizer. When planting loofah, combine land preparation with applying 2,000 kg of fully decomposed farmyard manure and 30 kg of triple compound fertilizer (15-15-15) per mu as base fertilizer. It is best to apply fertilizer in furrows or holes to improve fertilizer efficiency.

2. Apply fertilizer lightly to the seedlings. During the loofah seedling stage, 5 kg of urea or 1,000 kg of decomposed manure water can be applied per mu to promote seedling growth. Be careful not to apply too much nitrogen fertilizer to prevent the seedlings from growing too tall.

3. Apply more fruit and vegetable fertilizers. After the loofah blooms and sets fruit, apply 25 kg of compound fertilizer per mu and water the plant after fertilizing.

4. Apply foliar fertilizer skillfully during the peak fruit-bearing period. Foliar fertilization has the advantages of fast absorption, strong effect, low dosage and high efficiency. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate is the first choice. Use 80 grams per mu mixed with 30 kilograms of water for spraying. Spray once every 7-10 days for 2-3 times in a row to improve yield and quality.

The most favorite organic fertilizer for loofah is decomposed pig manure, because it has high organic matter content and strong water and fertilizer retention capacity. Cake fertilizer or sheep manure can also be used, but cow manure is not recommended.

In addition, enzymes can be used to grow loofah. Put fruit peels, vegetable leaves, grass, bean dregs and other raw materials into a bucket, add 500 grams of brown sugar, cover with water, and ferment for 2 months before use. After diluting 50 times, irrigate the roots to improve the taste of fruits and vegetables and help resist repeated cropping.

5. Pay attention to the "three fears" when applying fertilizer:

Afraid of applying uncomposted farmyard manure to avoid burning seedlings, pests and diseases, and poor nutrient absorption; afraid of applying too much nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive plant growth and increased risk of pests and diseases; afraid of spraying foliar fertilizer at noon on sunny days to avoid fertilizer damage and affect absorption effect.

When spraying foliar fertilizer, control the concentration, such as 0.5% urea and 0.2%-0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate to avoid fertilizer damage. If it rains within 3 hours after spraying, re-spraying is required.

When planting loofah, in addition to fertilizing, you should also pay attention to watering. Luffa likes moisture and requires a lot of water during the flowering and fruiting period. Insufficient soil moisture will affect yield and quality. Water once a day on sunny days.

In summary, scientific fertilization is the key to improving loofah yield and quality. By mastering the above fertilization methods, loofah can bear fruit continuously and increase yield.