Watermelon cultivation requires careful management of fertilization to ensure optimal growth and fruit quality. One common mistake is applying a large amount of nitrogen fertilizer in a single dose. While nitrogen is essential for plant growth, excessive amounts can cause the plants to become overly lush and leggy, which hinders flowering and fruit development. Before the watermelon starts setting fruit, potassium uptake increases significantly after fruit set. During the early stages of fruit development, the absorption of nitrogen and potassium is balanced, but as the fruits grow, potassium uptake peaks while nitrogen absorption declines. Phosphorus uptake becomes more important during the ripening stage. The N:P:K ratio varies depending on the growth phase—3.8:1:2.8 during seedling, 3.6:1:1.7 during vine growth, and 3.5:1:4.6 during fruiting.
Another critical error is using chlorine-containing fertilizers, such as ammonium chloride or potassium chloride. Watermelons are sensitive to chlorine, and its presence can reduce sugar accumulation, resulting in a less flavorful fruit.
Excessive use of human urine or organic waste should also be avoided, as it can lead to weak, elongated plants, making it difficult for the watermelon to set properly. This can result in thick rinds and an acidic taste.
When applying top-dressing fertilizer, it's important to avoid placing it too close to the roots. Fertilizer should be applied about 10 cm away from the main root to prevent root burn. Additionally, during dry weather, applying chemical fertilizers can cause physiological drought in the plants, as the soil moisture is low, leading to wilting and poor nutrient uptake.
Fertilizing during rainy weather is also not advisable. High humidity and saturated soil can cause nutrients to leach away quickly, reducing effectiveness. Moreover, excess moisture can promote excessive vegetative growth instead of fruit development.
Finally, when applying nitrogen-based fertilizers, it’s crucial to incorporate them into the soil promptly. Leaving them on the surface can lead to ammonia volatilization, damaging the leaves and reducing fertilizer efficiency. Proper application techniques are key to ensuring healthy, productive watermelon crops.
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