Cucumber - fertilization at different stages of development

The cucumber crop is of great economic importance, being one of the most popular species worldwide. The greatest demand occurs in the fall when cornichon varieties are used for processing by canning. They are also used in cosmetics, making different lotions and creams for skin care.

The cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) is part of the Cucurbitaceae family, one of the most important families. It originates from various countries in Asia and Africa, representing one of the oldest cultivated vegetables.

It is a vegetable plant that can be grown all year round either in protected areas or in the field. Cucumber is an annual, herbaceous plant, its root system is poorly developed, so it is difficult for the plant to recover if it is injured. As a result, transplanting is more difficult.

The stem is creeping or climbing, fragile in the first part of the vegetative growth period, and it becomes lignified as the plant matures. To improve branching and to form a larger number of female flowers, pinch the stem when the plants are small (4-5 leaves).

Critical phases of cucumber nutrition

During vegetation, there are a few critical periods of nutrition. This is the time when, if the plants do not have the optimum amount of nutrients available, certain processes occur which affect the plants’ growth and development, resulting in poor production in terms of quality and quantity.

The first 6-8 leaves (the most consumed element is N);
Flower bud emergence;
Beginning of flowering (highest requirements in this phase are for P and microelements like B, Cu, Mo);
Beginning of fruit ripening (highest requirements are for K and B).

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Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

The role of macronutrients in cucumber crop

Nitrogen

In general, all crops need large amounts of nitrogen due to its direct influence on the plant’s growth process. It plays a role in the storage and transfer of genetic information, but also in enzyme synthesis and enzyme activity.

Nitrogen use is conditioned during the growing season by several factors, such as soil pH, species, plant age. Nitrogen plays an important role in the photosynthesis process.

Phosphorus

Due to the complex functions it fulfils in the plant, it cannot be replaced by any other nutrient. Phosphorus is essential for the normal development of the root system, stem, flower formation and early fruit ripening. It is responsible for storing energy and transporting it into the cell.

Potassium

This element has an important role in stomatal activity, thus regulating the water regime of the plant cells. Potassium indirectly stimulates the nutrient absorption in the plant. The ability of plants to protect themselves against diseases, pests and climatic conditions is given by the action of potassium. Potassium not only influences the resistance of the plants but also the quality of the crops.

Calcium

Most of the Ca inside the plant is found in the cell walls, ensuring their elasticity and helping to bind the cells together. Lack of this element can cause flower abortion and the appearance of small, cup-shaped leaves.

Magnesium

It is a very important macroelement, which acts throughout the vegetation period, fulfilling several functions such as: it is the central component of chlorophyll which acts in the photosynthesis process, it is the phosphorus carrier in plants, it is involved in the cell division process.

Sulfur

It is a fundamental nutrient in plant production because it performs many functions, such as: it acts in the process of chlorophyll formation, it plays an important role in the formation of proteins, vitamins and enzymes, it helps plants to overwinter.

How macroelement deficiencies manifest in cucumber crops

Nitrogen deficiency

Mature leaves turn pale green, once the deficiency increases, the leaves become chlorotic (uniformly yellow);
In case of a severe deficiency, the plant turns completely yellow;
The rammification process also decreases, resulting in short-sized plants;
The percentage of flower binding decreases;
Growth is delayed;
Cucumber fruits suffering from nitrogen deficiency are deformed.