Sesame, also known as "Yongcai," is one of China's main oilseed crops and holds significant planting value. However, sesame yields are often not as high as desired. Therefore, achieving high yields requires the implementation of proper fertilization techniques. Let's delve into the key aspects of fertilizing sesame plants.
Key Techniques for Fertilizing Sesame Plants
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Base Fertilization: Sesame plants have shallow root systems, so it's crucial to apply base fertilizers within a 10-centimeter soil layer, accounting for about 70% of the total fertilizer application. Typically, per mu (about 666.67 square meters), apply 1500 kilograms of well-rotted farmyard manure, 15 to 20 kilograms of calcium superphosphate, 3 kilograms of potassium chloride, and 15 kilograms of ammonium bicarbonate. Additionally, apply 0.8 kilograms of boron fertilizer and 50 kilograms of cake fertilizer per mu.
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Seedling Fertilization: Seedling fertilization requires minimal amounts but delivers high efficiency to meet the seedling's nutrient needs. It can be mixed with seeds or applied in furrows or pits before sowing. Generally, apply 5-8 kilograms of cake fertilizer per mu or apply 3-4 kilograms of potassium sulphate or 300-400 kilograms of mixed fertilizer.
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Topdressing:
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Seedling Stage: During this stage, topdressing should be done based on seedling growth. If seedlings are weak or vary significantly in size, a small amount of quick-acting fertilizer can be applied to dilute the effect of well-rotted human or urea fertilizer.
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Budding Stage: The budding stage is critical for sesame yield formation. Topdressing during this period should mainly focus on nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented by phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Apply 4-6 kilograms of urea and 25 kilograms of calcium superphosphate per mu. Topdressing can be done by punching holes or making small grooves (10 centimeters deep), concentrated 15 centimeters from the plant's stem.
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Full Bloom Stage: Apply 200 grams of potassium dihydrogen phosphate and 100 grams of borax diluted in 50 kilograms of water for foliar spraying per mu. It's recommended to spray continuously 2-3 times at intervals of 5-7 days to promote pod production and higher yields.
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Root Zone Fertilization: Start root zone fertilization at the early flowering stage, mainly with phosphorus fertilizer. Use a 0.4% potassium sulphate or 0.3%-0.4% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution for spraying, with intervals of 5-10 days and continuous spraying 2-3 times. Additionally, in areas with insufficient trace elements, spraying boron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc fertilizers also increases yields. When fertilizing, try to avoid high temperatures, dry winds, and rainfall after spraying.
In summary, mastering base fertilization, seedling fertilization, topdressing, and root zone fertilization are crucial for achieving high yields and healthy growth of sesame plants.
