1. According to cucumber and tomato fertilization practices, it's important to adjust the fertilizer application based on the growth stage. During the seedling phase, tomato plants need a balanced but light nutrient supply, so the fertilizer should be applied in small amounts with low concentration. When the plants are in the fruiting stage, the amount of fertilizer should increase, and the concentration should be higher. Some farmers mistakenly apply 200 kg of diammonium phosphate at once, which is not scientifically sound. Relying solely on diammonium phosphate to boost yield can lead to imbalanced nutrition and poor plant health.
2. Fertilization should also take soil conditions into account. When applying fertilizer through irrigation, the moisture level of the soil matters. If the soil is dry, use a lower concentration and apply more fertilizer. If the soil is moist, you can increase the concentration slightly while reducing the quantity. Sandy soils have poor water and nutrient retention, so they require frequent but small applications. In contrast, clay soils hold water and nutrients better, so less frequent but larger doses are appropriate.
3. Weather conditions play a key role in determining fertilizer concentration. High temperatures can reduce the root’s tolerance to high concentrations, so it's best to use diluted solutions during hot periods to avoid root burn. Conversely, when temperatures are low, plants absorb nutrients more slowly, so slightly higher concentrations may be beneficial. Always adjust your fertilization strategy according to the weather to ensure optimal results.
4. Different types of fertilizers require different application methods. For top-dressing, it's recommended to dig trenches to concentrate the fertilizer effect and cover it promptly to prevent nutrient loss through evaporation. When applying nitrogen-based fertilizers, keep them at least 10 cm away from the plant roots to avoid root burn. Combining compost with irrigation can enhance fertilizer efficiency and promote healthier plant growth.
In general, the base fertilizer for cucumbers and tomatoes is similar in quantity. For one mu (approximately 667 square meters) of greenhouse space, you can use about 3,000–4,000 kg of well-decomposed manure or 520–640 kg of avermectin organic fertilizer. Note that if using organic fertilizer, chicken manure should not be used alongside it. Typically, 40–50 kg of avermectin organic fertilizer can replace 500–800 kg of chicken manure. Other components include 40 kg of diammonium phosphate, 100 kg of potassium sulfate, 30 kg of urea, 4 kg of calcium nitrate, 3 kg of borax, 1.5 kg of zinc sulfate, and 40 kg of microbial agents. These should all be thoroughly mixed and incorporated deep into the soil. Microbial agents can be applied by trenching or injection, and they are especially effective when used during transplanting.
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