Greenhouses are aids in the cultivation of crops. They are very effective in extending the growing seasons of certain crops and in protecting the crops from various adverse conditions which are brought about by weather conditions and predators. They enhance the capabilities of nature and of man to cultivate crops.
Indeed, greenhouses have become effective tools for man to properly cultivate crops. However, the proper growth and development of the crops are still in the hands of the cultivator. There are many factors that should be considered in maintaining a greenhouse. The temperature, humidity, ventilation and shading are some of the factors that need attention when handling a greenhouse.
One of the most important factors in maintaining crops inside a greenhouse is fertilization. Maintaining the adequate amount of nutrition is needed to successfully sustain the growth and development of the crops inside a greenhouse.
More often than not, greenhouse crops are classified as heavy feeders. Heavy feeders are usually defined as crops which require large amounts of fertilizers. However, knowing that the crops are heavy feeders is not enough. Knowing the ratio if the elements that go into the fertilizers is as important as knowing the amount to be applied to the crops.
Recent research has proven that the nitrate, nitrogen and ammonium balance will affect the growth of plants. In the State of Texas, cultivators are advised to use less than 50% of nitrogen in the form of ammonium. High amounts of ammonium in turn can cause foliage burn due to toxicity.
Application
Most of the greenhouse crop cultivators today use a liquid feeding program to be able to supply nutrients to the crops. This kind of nutrient supply program can be supplemented by slow release of granular fertilizers to the crops.
The frequency of the application of fertilizers can influence the growth of the plants as well. Most often, it is deemed important to be able to supply different nutrients during the peaking periods of the vegetative growth or reproductive growth of the crops. It is generally accepted that the best application system for fertilizers is a constant one. Constant feeing may be modified to be able to suit the needs of the plants. High soluble salts may be feed to the plants every other application.
The balance between nutrients should be maintained by the cultivator so as to avoid the occurance of deficiencies and toxicities in the plants.
Selection
There are many fertilizers which offer complete nutrients that are needed by the plants. These fertilizers contain nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus which are the most essential elements that are needed by growing crops. There are also fertilizers which are custom made for different crops.
Nutrients
Here are some key facts about the different basic elements that are needed by greenhouse crops:
Nitrogen- There are many different sources of nitrogen which can be used to supply the nutrient to the plants. Ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and calcium nitrate are some of the sources of nitrogen. If one is to supply nitrogen to the crops, he should not supply more than 50% of it in ammonium form.
Potassium- This is an essential element in the water utilization of the plants. The most common source of potassium for plants is the potassium nitrate.
Phosphorus- Phosphorus is needed by the plants for their growth. It is usually supplied in large amounts. However, one must always be cautious in supplying phosphorus in large amounts for it may make other nutrients insoluble. This will make these nutrients impossible for plant absorption. The most common way of supplying phosphorus is through phosphoric acid or super phosphate.
Other nutrients
There are other nutrients that are needed to be able to provide complete nutrition to the crops. Plants need calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, molybdenum and chloride. Some of these are supplied through the growing medium but the others are supplied through supplemental application.
Both the primary and secondary nutrients should be incorporated to the feeding program. There are commercial blends which can suit the needs of the crops that are being cultivated in the greenhouse.
One must be able to monitor the amount and the balance of the different nutrients that are supplied to the crops in the greenhouse. Only through proper nutrition will the plants achieve their optimum growth and development potential. Quality crops can be harvested if one knows how to get around the nutritional requirements of the crops.
A plant newly potted will need some time so that it can grow new roots in order to absorb or take in the fertilizer that you will apply.
How you fertilize and what type of fertilizer you use is dependent on what kinds of plants or crop you grow in your greenhouse, because every crop has a particular requirement with regards to nutrients, and this requirement should be met.
For house plants, it is usually much easier to fertilize a large group together. Generally, plants need to be fertilized every one or two months while there is rapid growth and all throughout the winter season, twice or once only.
Alternatively, you can apply the fertilizer more frequently when using a liquid fertilizer diluted in water; this familiarizes certain plants that otherwise be injured when you use a fertilizer of full. Generally half of the recommended strength or dosage means that you use only half fertilizer in every plant.
Annual plants can flourish very rapidly and will require fertilization every two weeks throughout their “short season”. A few flowering plants such as the Azalea must not be applied fertilizer while in their blooming or flowering stage.
Most fertilizers that are generally used have considerable amount of nitrogen (50 percent); they contain the preferred amount of nitrate f and are usually labeled and identified as “peat-lite”. This type is preferred and recommended for greenhouse hobby use. The N-P-K ratio can be verified by reading the label that is found at the fertilizer bag.
Fertilizers are usually applied at the amount or ratio of “200 ppm nitrogen” fertilizer like “21-5-20” or “20-10-20”. This is completed by continuous liquid application; this ratio is the basis for mostly all pot grown “greenhouse plants”. The rate may be adjusted downward or upward depending on the plant that is grown.
Any pre-mixed or ready mixture of fertilizer for the kind of plants that you grow is acceptable; for most flowering and foliar plants. An N-P-K ratio analysis that is similar to “1-2-1” will supply a balanced growth.
Soluble fertilizers can be conveniently applied and deliver faster results compared to solid fertilizers or “slow release” gravel-like fertilizers. Just apply the solution in a manner like you are watering your plants, however, instead of water, use the fertilizer solution, making certain that the plant soil is slightly moist before application. You should never apply fertilizer solution onto plants with dry soil the roots can be injured by the fertilizer chemicals; moist soil further dilutes the chemicals.
Apply fertilizers always following or much weaker dose than the suggested dilution strength, and not stronger, as seedlings, newly established cuttings, and developing plants will derive benefit from much weaker solutions; stronger solution will only injure young and soft roots.
There are many injections or siphon devices available in the market to make application of soluble fertilizers much easier; however, when you use them, be certain that you install “backflow preventers” in order to keep the nutrients or chemicals in the fertilizer solution from contaminating your water supply in the home. Likewise do not water your plants with a “water-softened” water due to its “high salt” content.
Recommended fertilizer products
A mixture of floramicro, florabloom and floragro, will enable you to combine a wide range of many different nutrient blends or solutions in order to fulfill the specific requirement of virtually any kind of plant that you grow, and at different stages of the plants life.
This is accomplished by changing the mixture combinations as well as the general strength of your solution. You can combine different ratios and different strength of nutrients by adjusting the water quantity when blending floragro, floramicro and florabloom.
Calcium Nitrate in Greenhouse Grade may be used in large scale growing. It can be economical to buy fertilizers in 50-pound quantities. Calcium Nitrate in Greenhouse Grade and Hydro-Gro are great combinations to achieve complete nutrient blend.
Greenhouse plants need your attention. Check on them each day to be sure that they are free from disease and pests and act immediately if there is any problem. It is a wise idea to know the characteristics of each type of plant that you grow in your greenhouse. Have fun taking care of your plants!
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