Courgettes are relatively heavy users of nutrients and thus need sufficient nutrients supply for optimal productivity.
A proper nutrition is achieved by supplying the crop with both macro and micronutrients and both basal and foliar fertilizers are recommended.
Macronutrients are needed in large quantities and include Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium and Calcium, among others, while micronutrient elements are required in relatively low amounts but are very crucial in plant’s functions. They include Zinc, Iron, Boron, among others.
Basal fertilizers are absorbed by the crop through the roots, e.g., DAP, CAN, while foliar fertilizers are absorbed through the foliage, e.g. OPTIMIZER, GOLDCHANCE, etc.
Application of manure is necessary for soils not rich in organic matter. It releases its nutrients slowly throughout the growing period and adds organic matter to the soil.
FERTILIZER APPLICATION SCHEDULE
The crop requires different types and amounts of nutrients at different stages of its growth and development, and therefore fertilizer application schedule should be adjusted with respect to the different stages.
For instance, fertilizers higher in nitrogen may be used early in the season to promote the formation of vines and leaves, but should be discontinued after the plants are well-established.
Early growth stage
This is the stage between planting, germination and about 2-3 weeks after emergence of seedlings.
Soaking seeds in OPTIMZER 20ml/1l overnight before sowing promotes uniform and faster germination.
At this stage, phosphatic fertilizers are required in relatively higher quantities in order to stimulate root development, ensure vigorous growth and ensure a balanced crop growth.
Spray the seedlings with GOLDCHANCE SUPER START 50g/20l or LAVENDER 20ml/20l or PLANT SOUL 20ml/20l or LEGENDARY 40ml/20l.
ZINC GOLD 10ml/20l also enhances root development and stimulates growth.
Application of DAP while planting is highly encouraged.
Vegetative growth stage
During this stage the crop is actively growing and starts making food, in order to accumulate enough resources for use during the reproduction stage.
Nitrogenous fertilizers are required in relatively higher quantities at this time of crop’s growth and development.
To promote a faster vegetative growth, increase crop resistance to diseases and weather stress and ensure a balanced growth of the crop, spray GOLDCHANCE SUPER GROWTH 50g/20l or LAVENDER 20ml/20l. Top dressing using CAN is also important.
Other nitrogenous basal fertilizers like N.P.K 23.23.0 could also be applied at this stage.
Reproduction stage
At this stage, the crop begins to form flower buds, flowers and fruits.
Potassic fertilizers are highly recommended during this stage.
Spray the crop with GOLDCHANCE SUPER FLOWERS & FRUITS 50g/20l or DIMIPHITE 20ml/20l or LEGENDARY 40ml/20l or BIODISTINCTION XTRA 20ml/20l.
Basal fertilizers rich in potassium like N.P.K 17.17.17 should also be applied.
These fertilizers induce flowering, promote good fruit set and quality, increase crop resistance to infections and weather stress, ensure a balanced crop growth and improve crop productivity, among other benefits.
Note;
- Spray the crop with OPTIMIZER 10ml/20l at all stages of growth. This is a biostimulant which stimulates the crop to grow faster, helps it to withstand stressful conditions and adds nutrients to the growing plants among other functions.
- All foliar sprays should be incorporated with INTEGRA 3ml/20l. This is a sticker, spreader and penetrant which improves on the absorption of the fertilizer by the foliage of the crop.
- All basal fertilizers and manures should be mixed with HUMIPOWER, which adds organic matter to the soil, stabilizes soil pH making nutrients available, reduces leaching and minimizes runoff among other benefits.
- A repeat of foliar feed spray should be done on weekly basis.
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