One of the key practices is deep trenching. Many vegetable farmers have a habit of applying water along with chemical fertilizers, especially during the summer when temperatures are high. However, this method is not scientifically sound. Under hot conditions, nitrogen-based fertilizers such as urea, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium bicarbonate tend to break down quickly. Ammonium bicarbonate, in particular, is highly volatile. The ammonia released from decomposition not only reduces the effectiveness of the fertilizer but can also lead to ammonia toxicity in eggplants. To avoid these issues, it's recommended to use the deep trenching method. The trenches should be about 5 to 8 cm deep. After applying the fertilizer, cover the soil immediately and water it thoroughly to ensure the fertilizer dissolves properly.
The second important point is the proper timing and amount of fertilizer application. Eggplants require a significant amount of nitrogen during their fruiting stage. However, under high temperature conditions, it's better to apply small amounts more frequently rather than large doses at once. Urea, for example, breaks down quickly in the soil. Once the plants have absorbed what they need, the excess can be lost, especially in sandy soils where nutrient leaching is more common. It's advised that the amount of ammonium bicarbonate per acre should not exceed 20 kg, and it’s best to apply it every 4 to 6 days through irrigation.
The third practice involves balanced or formula fertilization. While nitrogen is essential for eggplants, they also need phosphate and potash for optimal growth. Simply applying nitrogen-rich fertilizers each time is not sufficient. During the fruiting period, it's beneficial to apply phosphate and potassium fertilizers 2 to 3 times. This helps increase yield, improve fruit quality, and extend the harvesting period. A typical recommendation is to add 20 kg of phosphate fertilizer and 10 kg of potassium sulfate (potash) each time during top-dressing.
In addition to these methods, it's also important to monitor the overall health of the plants and adjust the fertilization plan accordingly. Soil testing can help determine the exact nutrient needs, ensuring that no element is over or under-supplied. Proper irrigation, combined with smart fertilization techniques, will lead to healthier plants and higher yields throughout the growing season.
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