Efficient autumn fertilization methods
A detailed introduction is about the knowledge of efficient autumn fertilization methods for flowers and plants, specifically as follows:
After entering autumn, many plants will enter a second growth peak period. For some potted plants that bloom in autumn, we need to apply top dressing in time to promote growth and blooming. For some fruit trees and woody flowers that bloom in spring, if the fertilization work is done well in autumn, the yield and blooming quantity of the following year will double. So, what kind of fertilizer should be used for autumn fertilization? When should it be applied? What are the precautions? Today, we can answer your questions.
Efficient autumn fertilization methods
There is a saying in the farming proverb, "Golden September and Silver October," which refers to the timing of autumn fertilization. Only by applying sufficient autumn fertilizer at the best time can the desired effect be achieved. If the nearest fertilization time is missed, more fertilizer efficacy will be lost, and the plants will be able to absorb and utilize less.
When is it best to apply autumn fertilizer?
"Golden September and Silver October" many flower friends understand as the solar calendar September and October, which is not wrong, but it is not completely correct. Why is that? This depends on the type of plant and the region. Golden September and Silver October is just a simple time concept.
Autumn fertilization is divided into the following two situations. If we want different effects from autumn fertilization, the timing of fertilization will also be different.
1. -- Autumn plants entering the growth peak and blooming --
For plants that enter the vigorous growth stage and bloom after the beginning of autumn, such as roses, bougainvillea, hibiscus, osmanthus, etc., these plants will form flower buds in autumn and consume a lot of nutrients. Therefore, timely top dressing in autumn can promote growth and increase the number of flowers.
Therefore, for plants that grow and bloom rapidly in autumn, the timing of top dressing should be early rather than late. In most areas, it can be carried out at the end of August and the beginning of September because the temperature gradually decreases at this time, the plants are about to enter the fast growth stage, and timely top dressing can provide the plants with sufficient nutrients to maintain vigorous growth and continuous flowering throughout autumn.
2. -- Plants growing slowly but not blooming after the beginning of autumn --
For some plants that do not bloom in autumn, such as Hydrangea macrophylla, woody begonias, and fruit trees, autumn fertilization is to enable the plants to store more nutrients for overwintering and reserve nutrients for flowering and fruiting in the following spring.
Therefore, the timing of fertilization is more delicate. If the fertilization time is too early, it will lead to excessive growth of branches in autumn, and these branches are easily frozen in winter, causing nutrient waste and affecting flowering and fruiting in the spring of the following year.
For these non-blooming plants in autumn and fruit trees, the best time to apply autumn fertilizer should be when growth stops. In the northern region, it is around September 20th, and in most areas, it is before and after the frost下降. At this time, the above-ground part of the plant stops growing, and the underground roots are still growing. Applying a sufficient amount of basic fertilizer at this time can be absorbed and stored by the plant roots, and the plants will have strong explosive power in spring, with strong new branches and more flowering and fruiting.
II. What kind of fertilizer is best for autumn fertilization?
What kind of fertilizer should be chosen for autumn fertilization? It is recommended to refer to the following two points for fertilizer selection principles.
Efficient autumn fertilization methods
1. -- Long-lasting fertilizer efficacy and comprehensive nutrients --
Autumn fertilizer requires good persistence and comprehensive nutrients. The first choice should be fermented organic fertilizer. However, there are many types of organic fertilizers, such as chicken manure, sheep manure, earthworm manure, and soybean cake fertilizer. How should you choose?
In the absence of consideration for soil texture, these fertilizers can all be used, with the principle of convenience taking precedence. If the amount of fermented organic fertilizer is limited, it can be combined with slow-release fertilizer and compound fertilizer, but the amount of chemical fertilizer should not be excessive.
2. -- Choose the appropriate fertilizer based on soil texture --
For potted flowers and trees, the potting soil is generally loose and breathable, so solid fermented organic fertilizers that are easy to obtain can be used.
If the soil of the ground-planted flowers and trees is relatively heavy, the Green Plant Enthusiast Network recommends that you prioritize the use of fermented sheep manure, which has more rough fiber and can increase the soil's breathability.
If the soil itself has a high particle content and good water permeability, it is recommended to choose fermented soybean cake, chicken manure, etc., which can increase the soil's fertilizer retention capacity.
III. Autumn fertilizer application methods
There are usually two methods of applying autumn fertilizer: broadcasting and shallow burial.
1. -- Broadcasting method --
The broadcasting method is simple to operate. You just need to evenly sprinkle the fermented organic fertilizer on the soil surface. This method is convenient, time-saving, and labor-saving, but there is more fertilizer loss.
2. -- Shallow burial method --
The Green Plant Enthusiast Network personally recommends using the shallow burial method, which is a bit more troublesome but has a higher fertilizer utilization rate.
For potted plants, you can dig out a layer of soil on the surface, mix it with fermented organic fertilizer, and then fill it back.
For fruit trees planted in the ground, you can dig a shallow trench 40 cm away from the main root, 30 cm wide and 10-15 cm deep, evenly sprinkle the fermented organic fertilizer into the trench, and then fill the excavated soil back, mixing it with the fermented organic fertilizer when backfilling.
Note: After applying autumn fertilizer, it should be watered in time. Only in a moist state can the fertilizer be absorbed and utilized by the plants.
The above is an introduction to the methods of efficient autumn fertilization for reference.