Specificity of autumn fertilizers
We use autumn fertilizers, depending on the weather, from the beginning of August to October.It is important to use the right preparations in good terms, because plants have different nutritional requirements throughout the growing season.Autumn complex fertilizers do not contain nitrogen or it occurs in minimal amounts. This is due to the specific effect of this element on plants. Nitrogen influences, among others to stimulate plants to create a vegetative mass (leaves, shoots, fruits).
So, if we supply plant organisms with this element in the wrong time, it will cause the plants to go into rest too late, and as a result they will freeze and die.That is why it is worth reaching for ready-made complex preparations. They consist mainly of macronutrients, i.e. potassium, phosphorus.Fertilizer mixtures, which are available in stores, also contain micronutrients necessary for the proper development and preparation of the plant for the dormant period.
Good fertilization will translate into high yields next year
Plant nutrition and soil preparation in the vegetable garden before winter are important in spring. Ingredients delivered at the end of the last growing season have a beneficial effect on plants due to the fact that at the beginning of the next season the access to nutrients is sometimes very limited.The substrate is frozen and too low temperature is not conducive to the use of fertilizers.Fall fertilizers contain, among others potassium, which increases frost resistance, prevents lodging and increases plant tolerance to drought.
This element increases the number of side shoots, which is closely related to the abundance of flowering and fruit set.Another important element contained in autumn fertilizers is phosphorus, which plays an important role especially in the initial stage of plant development, the so-called period of critical growth.The subsequent supply of phosphorus will no longer compensate for the negative effect of the deficiency.Phosphorus affects, among others, for the growth and development of the root system. Appropriate nutrition of plants with this macroelement reduces the accumulation of harmful forms of nitrogen in the tissues.
Important liming
The autumn nutrition of plants with calcium and the supply of this element to the soil has a regulating effect on the soil pH (pH) and good storage capacity of soil crops. The appropriate reaction of the soil directly affects the absorption and availability of nutrients in the substrate.Calcium contributes to the correct soil structure and regulates the decomposition of organic matter, e.g. compost.To adjust the pH too low (its value can be easily measured, e.g.litmus paper), we use liming. Dolomite or magnesium lime will be the most convenient to use. The appropriate amount of fertilizer, on average 0.5 to 2 kg / 10 m², is evenly spread over a given surface on a windless day and thoroughly mixed with the soil. Such a procedure should be performed on average every 3-4 years.
Let's use organic fertilizers
The use of compost and manure is also recommended in the fall.We use organic fertilizers mainly in October / November, digging them immediately with the soil to prevent the loss of minerals.This kind of power supply should be done every 3 years. Good compost / manure has no weed seeds. Organic matter supplied in the form of natural fertilizers has a very good effect on the structure of the substrate, soil biological activity and water accumulation. But not only composts and manure are beneficial to plants and soil. It is also worth using wood ash, which is rich in phosphorus and potassium.We use it like other organic fertilizers.
Before applying the fertilizer (in autumn, but also at any other recommended date), it is worth taking a substrate sample and return it to the local Chemical and Agricultural Station (addresses at www.schr.gov.pl) in to analyze the substrate.After receiving the results, we will find out what the actual deficiencies are and whether there is a need to fertilize the plants at all. Thanks to this, we avoid over-fertilization, which is harmful to the environment and crops, and disturbing the balance between the intake of macro- and microelements.
Finishing fertilization
In spring, we nourish the plants with complex fertilizers rich in nitrogen.Top dressing can be used during plant vegetation.In autumn, depending on the convenience of use, we use liquid fertilizers (soil or foliar) or loose fertilizers: coated - with a slow release of nutrients, granulated or dusty, e.g.magnesium lime.
