Grapes are the most widely cultivated fruit crop globally, prized for their rich nutritional content, delicious taste, and unique flavor. They are popular across the world and hold significant economic value, especially in China, where they are extensively grown. However, many farmers lack proper knowledge in grape cultivation, particularly when it comes to nutrient management. Overuse of fertilizers in an attempt to boost yield often leads to poor economic returns and even financial losses.
Understanding the fertilizer needs of grapes is essential for both quality and productivity. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements:
1. **High Nutrient Demand**: Grapes grow vigorously and produce large yields, which means they require substantial nutrients from the soil. For every 100 kg of fruit produced, vines absorb approximately 0.3–0.6 kg of nitrogen, 0.1–0.3 kg of phosphorus pentoxide, 0.3–0.65 kg of potassium, 0.1 kg of magnesium, and 0.05 kg of sulfur.
2. **Potassium Requirement is High**: Under normal growing conditions, the ideal N:P:K ratio for grapes is around 1:0.5:1.2. To enhance both yield and quality, this ratio shifts slightly, with higher demands for phosphorus and potassium. In addition, grapes require more calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and manganese compared to other fruit trees.
3. **Fertilizer Needs Vary by Growth Stage**: The type of fertilizer required changes throughout the growing season. During bud development and flowering, a lot of nitrogen is needed. Boron becomes crucial during flowering, while phosphorus and potassium are vital during fruit development and maturation. After harvest, some nitrogen and calcium are still necessary for plant recovery.
**Fertilization Techniques for Grapes**:
- **Fertilization Principle**: A balanced approach is best—using organic fertilizers as the main source, supplemented with chemical fertilizers. Soil testing and formula-based fertilization help ensure optimal nutrition.
1. **Base Fertilization (In-Season)**: Applying base fertilizer in autumn is critical. It should be done after harvesting and before the ground freezes. In vineyards, dig trenches about 60 cm deep and 40–50 cm wide. For each vine, apply 1,500–3,000 kg of well-rotted organic manure, along with 75–100 kg of compound fertilizer like "Mei Sheng" 18-12-18 potassium sulfate magnesium. This accounts for 50–60% of the annual fertilizer requirement, and all organic materials should go into the base fertilizer.
2. **Top Dressing During Growth Season**: Apply top dressing 2–3 times a year. The first application occurs in early spring when buds begin to swell, using 32-6-12 or 34-0-16 "Meisheng" compound fertilizer at 20–25 kg per mu for young plants and 40–50 kg for mature ones. The second application follows early fruit expansion, using 18-12-18 potassium magnesium fertilizer. The third is applied during early fruit coloring, again using similar formulations.
3. **Foliar Spraying**: This method quickly supplies nutrients directly to the leaves. It's typically done 4–5 times a season. The first spray is during flowering with nitrogen and boron to support new growth and flower development. Later sprays focus on phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and amino acids, depending on the stage. Concentrations should range between 0.1% and 0.5%.
While root feeding can provide additional nutrients, it should never replace base or top dressing. Proper fertilization is key to achieving high-quality grapes and long-term farm sustainability.
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