Like any living organism, seedlings require recharge - fertilizers that are mineral and organic. The first type is obtained as a result of chemical production, the second is a natural product that each gardener can produce independently. Remember that our seedlings need both types of fertilizer.
Mineral fertilizers for seedlings
Each crop requires a special approach to fertilizers. For example, when ripening beets, carrots and cabbage, the mandatory introduction of a large number of various nutrients is required, and crops such as cucumbers and radishes can cost an extremely small amount of fertilizer. But remember that without enough fertilizer, your crop will not be rich.
Mineral fertilizers for seedlings contain all the basic elements - phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen - substances that are simply necessary for each plant for normal growth.
The main of these elements is nitrogen - the basis of life processes. The lack of fertilizer in seedlings is manifested as follows - the mass of the plant is reduced, growth and development are slowed down. With an excessive nitrogen content, the ripening period of the plants is prolonged (vegetation period), and the nitrate content becomes excessive.
The next fertilizer for seedlings is phosphorus. This element is responsible for the plant's resistance to disease, improves interaction with other nutrients, provides enough energy for the plant, and contributes to the development of a developed root system.
The lack of phosphorus is manifested in a discoloration of the stem.
Potassium improves photosynthesis and plant metabolism. Potassium deficiency is manifested in weakening of the root system and stems, as well as in insufficient sugar in the plant.
Remember that for seedlings, fertilizers have a positive effect and are absorbed only in combination. For example, when a large amount of one type of fertilizer is applied and another type is deficient, a negative effect on the plant occurs.
But these are not all mineral elements that can be used for fertilizer. Also, trace elements such as boron, manganese, zinc and copper are necessary for your plants.
Organic fertilizers for seedlings
Organic fertilizers for seedlings contribute to the formation of acid, which positively affects the growth and development of plants. Acid is formed by the decomposition of organic fertilizers. In addition to these, these fertilizers contain various growth substances (growth stimulation) and antibiotics (the fight against phytopathogenic organisms). This type of fertilizer not only contributes to the saturation of plants with nutrients, but also provides moisture retention, helps the plant maintain a comfortable temperature for growth, and improves the conduct of microbiological processes in the soil.
One of the best and most affordable fertilizers is manure. This type of fertilizer contains almost the entire set of nutrients that contribute to the full formation and growth of seedlings.
The use of mineral fertilizers in areas with a sufficient content of manure can be minimized.
The best effect from the introduction of manure is achieved on soils with low or zero content of humus or humus. On fertile soils, you can get a negative effect - the fattening of plants. In this case, the fruit ripening time is delayed, which entails a decrease in the total yield.
It is important to properly store manure, as otherwise, the amount of useful elements and nutritional properties are reduced to zero, and the main element is lost - nitrogen. It is better to store it in piles and cover it with a film or a layer of earth from 10 cm. In no case should you keep manure in small heaps scattered throughout the site. Manure scattered on the ground needs to be immediately smelled.
Humus is an organic fertilizer that is often called rotted manure. Humus consists of the products of the processing of microorganisms that decompose the remains of plants and animals. Humus contributes to the development of a solid soil structure.
Compost is a fertilizer that is almost as good as manure in its properties. You can learn more about compost preparation from the article. .
Biohumus is a fertilizer obtained from the secondary processing of manure by California worms. Each particle is enveloped in a film that is saturated with antibiotics and microflora, which contributes to the formation of a fertile soil layer. Biohumus can be used not only as the main fertilizer, but also for feeding. In practice, it was investigated that 50 kg of vermicompost fully replace the manure machine.
Bacterial fertilizers increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the soil and improve plant nutrition. Pay attention to the instructions that apply to packaging with bacterial fertilizers. Compliance with all actions ensures high productivity.
Ash is an extremely valuable fertilizer that is used separately from other species. The amount and composition of the nutrients contained in the ash depends on its type - wood or grass. Particular attention should be paid to ash storage - do not allow moisture to enter. in this case, potassium disappears