Nutrition and Fertilizing Vegetables

Vegetable Nutrition and Fertilisation

All plants need nutrients for their successful growth. Vegetables also require essential living conditions for their development - light, heat, air, nutrients and irrigation. In our climatic conditions, vegetables have sufficient light and warm days for their development. It is necessary to supply them with nutrients and irrigation, especially for more demanding species.

Successful vegetable growing requires these steps:

• proper soil cultivation
• regular fertilisation
• crop rotation in the same location
• adequate irrigation

If we follow these conditions - we will always achieve a good harvest. Tired and depleted soil without nutrients, with remnants of the same plants is insufficient for proper development. A good supply of nutrients in the soil is required by virtually all types of vegetables. Nutrients are mineral substances that are dissolved in the soil. Either in the form of a water solution or in solid soil particles.

For normal development, plants need ten basic biogenic elements. These are oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur and iron. In small amounts they need trace elements, which are: zinc, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, iodine, manganese, sodium, silicon, and others.

Plants absorb all nutrients through their roots from the soil. In the soil, the above-mentioned elements are dissolved in the form of compounds. For example, they absorb nitrogen in the form of nitric acid or ammonia.

Carbon, oxygen and hydrogen - form the basic component of every organic matter, which is formed from them during photosynthesis. With insufficient ventilation and humidity, plants die. This is because they lack oxygen supply. By loosening the soil, we enrich it with oxygen, which has a beneficial effect on roots and soil bacteria.

Nitrogen - is one of the most important elements for plant nutrition. Plants absorb nitrogen more than all other elements. Among vegetables, leafy vegetables particularly need nitrogen. Nitrogen deficiency causes loss of chlorophyll in leaves, which turn yellow and pale.

Phosphorus - is most abundant in fruits and seeds. Phosphorus is important for the development and good pollination of flowers. Phosphorus deficiency causes reduced flavour content. Plants flower little and late. Root vegetables (carrots) have a dull, indistinct colour. Excess phosphorus causes rapid fruit ripening and premature plant ageing. Excess phosphorus can be corrected by adding nitrogen and potassium fertilisers to the soil.

Potassium - an essential element in the formation of cellulose, fats, sugars and starches. Legumes have high potassium requirements. Potassium deficiency causes poor overall plant condition. Leaves turn white and yellow from the edges. Red-brown spots may appear. Plants produce fewer fruits. Fruits may be smaller, less developed, deformed and less durable. The root system of plants does not develop properly and they are therefore less resistant during dry and frosty weather.

Calcium - regulator of chemical balance in the soil. It neutralizes organic acids in plants, especially oxalic acid. Calcium deficiency causes yellowing and paling of leaves. Calcium deficiency particularly affects plants growing in waterlogged and acidic soils. Excess calcium is not a common occurrence. If we over-lime the soil, we limit the supply of iron, magnesium and phosphorus to plants.

Magnesium - is most abundant in seeds and flowers of plants. It is a significant component of leafy greens.

Magnesium, calcium and potassium should be in the soil in a harmonious ratio. When magnesium is deficient, leaves pale and yellow in the same way as with calcium and iron deficiency.

Sulphur is a component of proteins and many plant essential oils. Onions, brassicas and legumes require the most sulphur.

Iron - is important in the formation of chlorophyll (as are manganese, copper and zinc). Together they play a role in other developmental processes in plants. When growing vegetables, the amount of iron normally contained in the soil is completely sufficient.

Trace elements - the normal supply in the soil is also sufficient for plants. Plants need them in minute amounts. It is advisable to gradually supply and replenish all trace elements to the soil!

Boron - is one of the most important trace elements. It promotes the formation of flowers and fruits. Deficiency is mainly manifested in beetroot, where it causes heart rot. Also in head lettuce, where boron deficiency causes blackening of leaves. Crops with high boron requirements include tomatoes, early potatoes, cauliflower, and others.

Aluminium, silicon, sodium and chlorine - have a beneficial effect on plant growth. Aluminium with calcium supports the growth of cell walls. Most soils suffer from excess chlorine (this is caused by excessive fertilization with potassium salts). Celery and beetroot need the most chlorine for their growth.

Copper - has a similar role in soil nutrition as iron. When copper is deficient, plant leaves turn yellow and fall off.

Molybdenum - supports the activity of soil bacteria. Plants need it only in minute amounts. In cauliflower, molybdenum deficiency causes buttoning of florets.

Iodine - is more important in human nutrition than for crops. Iodine is added to some industrial fertilizers.

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Author: Hana Michalíková