Cucumbers have specific fertilizer requirements due to their rapid growth and high yield potential. However, their root systems are shallow and weak in nutrient absorption, especially when it comes to ammonium nitrogen. High concentrations of this form of nitrogen can be harmful, so the type and amount of fertilizers used must be carefully managed. According to research, for every 1000 kg of cucumber produced, the plant takes up approximately 1.9–2.7 kg of nitrogen (N), 0.8–0.9 kg of phosphorus (P₂O₅), and 3.5–4.0 kg of potassium (K₂O), with a ratio of 1:0.5:1.25.
Nitrogen uptake increases rapidly during the first 30 days after planting and peaks mid-growth. During the reproductive phase, the need for phosphorus rises significantly, while nitrogen demand slightly decreases. Potassium is required throughout the entire growing period. Cucumbers often develop bitterness near the fruit stem, mainly due to the presence of cucurbitacin (Câ‚â‚‚Hâ‚…â‚€O₈). This bitterness can be caused by various factors, including excessive nitrogen, low temperatures, insufficient light or moisture, and weak plant growth. Therefore, during the fruit-setting stage, it's essential to ensure adequate nitrogen supply while also managing soil solution concentration to avoid bitterness.
Fertilization strategies should be well-planned. First, apply base fertilizer, primarily organic manure, such as 2500–3000 kg or even over 5000 kg of pig manure per acre. About 90% of the phosphate and 50–60% of the potash and nitrogen should be applied at this stage. Second, apply top-dressing regularly. Since cucumbers have an indeterminate inflorescence and produce fruit over a long period, each harvest should be followed by a water and fertilizer application. Using a drip irrigation system with dissolved fertilizer helps prevent over-fertilization and improves both quality and yield. It's recommended to apply fertilizer every 7–10 days, using 10–15 kg of urea per mu along with decomposed manure, totaling about 7–9 applications during the growing season.
Potassium is crucial for balanced growth and disease resistance. If the base fertilizer lacks potassium, additional top-dressing is necessary. Studies show that potassium deficiency in the early stages is hard to recover from, and lack of potassium in the first half of the growing season can reduce yield to just one-ninth of the total. Even in the second half, potassium deficiency can still lead to a loss of one-third of the harvest.
Finally, foliar spraying can be beneficial. Spraying a 0.2–0.3% solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate during the mid-growth stage has proven effective in improving plant health and productivity. Combining these practices ensures optimal growth and high-quality cucumber production.
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