1. Base Fertilization (Soil Preparation)
Period: Before transplanting or sowing
Fertilizer Type: Compound NPK with trace elements (e.g. 12-12-17 or 15-15-15)
Dosage: 40–60 kg/acre
Purpose: Supply essential nutrients for strong plant establishment.
2. Corrective Fertilization – Root Application (After Transplanting)
Period: 7–10 days after transplanting
Fertilizer Type: Water-soluble NPK high in phosphorus (e.g. 10-52-10)
Dosage: 1–2 kg/acre in solution
Purpose: Enhance root development and plant adaptation.
3. Vegetative Growth
Period: 15–30 days after transplanting
Fertilizer Type: NPK with emphasis on nitrogen (e.g. 20-20-20 or 30-10-10)
Method: Via fertigation or root application
Purpose: Rapid vegetative growth and development of rich foliage.
4. Flowering – Fruit Set
Period: At the onset of flowering
Fertilizer Type: Water-soluble with high phosphorus + trace elements (e.g. 13-40-13)
Purpose: Facilitate flowering and fruit set.
5. Fruit Development and Ripening
Period: From fruit set onwards
Fertilizer Type: Potassium-rich (e.g. 15-5-30, 0-0-50, potassium sulfate)
Purpose: Improve fruit size, quality, and flavor.
6. Foliar Products (Throughout the Growing Season)
- Trace elements: Boron, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium
- Growth enhancers: Amino acids, seaweed extracts
- Preventive applications for nutrient deficiencies
Tips:
- Gradual and tailored fertigation provides better nutrient management.
- Soil and water analysis is essential for proper planning.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen, especially in greenhouse crops, as it affects quality.