Blueberry is a new fruit. It is loved by people because of its rich nutrition and delicious taste. There are more and more farmers growing blueberries. However, blueberries have poor adaptability and are not easy to grow. So, when is the fertilization time for blueberries? What are the fertilization methods and precautions for fertilization?
Blueberry fertilization time
Base fertilizer can be applied from the autumnal equinox to before the soil is frozen, and is usually applied during the deciduous period (early and mid-November). The basal fertilizer application rate for late-maturing and early-maturing blueberry varieties should account for 50%-60% and 55%-65% of the total fertilization respectively.
Top dressing should be applied in stages according to the age of the tree and its phenological period. Apply 10 to 15 days before germination, mainly nitrogen fertilizer; apply the second time after fruit setting, that is, in May, mainly nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer; apply third time 10 days before harvest, use phosphorus and potassium The main purpose of fertilizer is to promote fruit swelling and increase yield and quality.
How to fertilize blueberries
1. Apply fertilizer 10-15 days before germination, mainly nitrogen fertilizer;
2. Fertilize in May after the fruit is set, mainly nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers;
3. Fertilizers should be applied 10 days before harvest, mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, the purpose is to promote fruit swelling and increase yield and quality.
Precautions for fertilization
1. Blueberries are suitable for acidic soil, and the pH value is 4.8-5.5. Before planting blueberries, we must improve the soil and adjust the pH of the soil to a suitable range. Try to use acid fertilizer or physiological acid fertilizer when fertilizing in the later period to prevent the pH value from rising. When the pH of the soil rises, it is necessary to continuously adjust the pH of the soil.
2. Blueberries are chlorine-reactive crops. Too high chloride ion concentration in the soil can easily cause chloride ion poisoning and death. Therefore, avoid the use of ammonium chloride or potassium chloride fertilizers, and use potassium sulfate-type compound fertilizers for compound fertilizers.
3. Blueberries don't like nitrate nitrogen. The use of nitrate nitrogen can cause poisoning and even cause tree death. Avoid using fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, and do not use nitrosulfur-based compound fertilizers or water-soluble fertilizers.
4. Blueberries are calcium susceptible crops. Calcium-containing fertilizers can hinder the absorption of iron, causing iron-deficiency yellowing and even death. Some calcium fertilizers can also increase the alkalinity of the soil and increase the pH value, which is not conducive to plant growth.
5. Blueberry is an oligotrophic crop. The body contains less elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium than other fruit trees. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers at one time can damage the root system, reduce yield, and even cause tree death. Try to apply compound fertilizer or water-soluble fertilizer several times in small amounts.
6. Blueberries need balanced nutrients. Generally, balanced potassium sulfate-type compound fertilizers are used. The ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is 1:1:1. Soils with high organic matter can reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer, the ratio is 1:2:3.
7. Use more organic fertilizers when fertilizing. Organic fertilizer has more nutrients and can provide a variety of nutrients; it is conducive to root growth; it can also improve the buffering of the soil and maintain a suitable pH. Fertilizer made from pine needles is more suitable for the growth of blueberries.
8. When fertilizing, try not to damage the roots. The location of fertilization is outside the shade of the tree, and the fertilizer should not be too concentrated to avoid burning the roots.