How to Fertilize Loofah?

Loofah is a popular vegetable enjoyed by many for its sweet taste and high nutritional value. It is cultivated in many regions. So, how should loofah be fertilized? Let's learn about the fertilization methods for loofah.

How to Fertilize Loofah?

Characteristics of Loofah's Fertilization Needs:

1. Within 30 days of planting: There is a linear increase in the demand for nitrogen, reaching its peak during the mid-growth stage.

2. During flower bud differentiation: There is a dramatic increase in the demand for phosphorus, while the demand for nitrogen decreases slowly.

3. During fruiting: There is a noticeable increase in the absorption of potassium, which plays a role in the growth and development of the fruit.

4. During the peak fruiting period: The demand for fertilizer accounts for half of the entire growth period, and the absorption of fertilizer also reaches a peak.

5. During the late fruiting period: Nutrient absorption decreases, with a significant decrease in the absorption of nitrogen and potassium.

Methods of Fertilizing Loofah:

1. Base Fertilization: Before or during planting, combine soil tillage with the application of base fertilizer to ensure continuous improvement of soil nutrients for loofah growth. Base fertilizer mainly consists of organic fertilizer or farmyard manure, with a suitable amount of chemical or inorganic fertilizer. Generally, apply 3000-5000 kilograms of well-rotted organic fertilizer per acre, and 30-50 kilograms of compound fertilizer. Spread it on the soil and bury it by tillage.

2. Seedling Fertilization: Seedling fertilization usually begins one week after transplanting. Apply 3-5 kilograms of urea per acre, or use 1.5 kilograms of foliar fertilizer + compound fertilizer through drip irrigation. Seedlings are relatively weak, so the concentration should not be too high, and fertilizer should not be directly applied to the leaves.

3. Strong Seedling Fertilization: Start applying strong seedling fertilizer during the vine elongation period. Choose high-nitrogen compound fertilizer to promote stem and leaf growth, while the phosphorus and potassium in compound fertilizer can support both nutritional and reproductive growth, laying a foundation for later flower bud differentiation.

4. Strong Fruit Fertilization: When loofah plants reach the flowering stage, supplement with strong fruit fertilizer to promote flower bud differentiation and increase fruit set rate. Apply balanced fertilizer or high-phosphorus, high-potassium fertilizer. During this period, apply fertilizer 3-4 times, with each application consisting of 200-300 kilograms of well-rotted human and animal manure per acre, or 20-30 kilograms of compound fertilizer mainly containing phosphorus and potassium.

These are the methods for fertilizing loofah. Adequate fertilization is essential during the cultivation of loofah to improve its yield and quality.