Small pepper fertilization and irrigation techniques
September 14 05:23:56, 2025
Overusing nitrogen fertilizer on small peppers can be harmful. Applying too much at once not only leads to wastage since the plants cannot absorb it, but also causes issues like "strong seedlings" or "burned seedlings." High soil salt concentration can further hinder root development and overall plant growth. Additionally, if the soil is either too dry or overly wet due to excessive rain, the plants may wilt, lose leaves, or drop flowers and fruits. To ensure a good yield and quality of small peppers, proper fertilization and watering techniques must be carefully managed. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it effectively:
1. **Before Cultivation:** Apply 5,000 kilograms of well-rotted farmyard manure per mu, along with 50 kg of superphosphate and 20 kg of potassium sulfate as base fertilizer. After plowing, level the field thoroughly and create raised beds (sputum). It's recommended to reserve one-third of the base fertilizer for application under the sputum. Mix the soil after shallow cultivation and then press it down.
2. **Planting Stage:** Dig a small hole 15–25 cm deep on the surface. Transplant the seedling with its original soil, fill halfway with fine soil, and water it. The next morning, water again and finish filling the hole with fine soil.
3. **Post-Planting Care:** Focus on cultivating and maintaining the roots before fruiting to encourage healthy root development. About 3–4 days after planting, when the soil starts to dry out, perform light cultivation. Be careful not to dig too deep to avoid disturbing the seedlings. After 5–7 days, when the stems and leaves turn green and new heart leaves begin to grow, it’s time for slow seedling growth. Water at this stage and apply a seedling fertilizer of 10 kg. Keep the soil moist and perform a fine cultivation after 10–15 days.
4. **Flowering and Fruiting Period:** Control watering to prevent excessive vegetative growth and promote fruit set. Once most of the peppers have set fruit, stop the seedling water and apply the second watering, adding 20–25 kg of urea or 1,000 kg of human manure per mu. This helps in fruit enlargement. After harvesting, apply the third watering combined with fertilizer, using 10–15 kg of urea per acre. Continue watering every 7–10 days depending on weather conditions to maintain moisture without overwatering.
5. **High Temperature Management:** During hot periods, evaporation increases, so water once every 5–7 days. Keep the soil surface moist to help the fruit expand. Water in the early morning or late evening. In hot and humid conditions or after rain, a quick watering can help cool the garden. Small peppers are sensitive to waterlogging; if water accumulates for more than 4 hours, the plants may wilt or even drown. Therefore, during the rainy season, proper drainage is essential. Ensure no standing water remains in the field after rain and drain it promptly.
By following these practices, you can significantly improve the health, yield, and quality of your small pepper crops.