Nitroammofoska is a common chemical fertilizer that supplies plants with basic macroelements. For strawberries, such fertilizing is relevant at the beginning of the season in spring. Nitroammophoska contains 3 components that are vital for any crop. These are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Minerals are contained in the fertilizer in an easily accessible form.
The benefits of using nitroammophoska in spring
Fertilizer promotes active growth of shoots and leaves in spring, strengthens strawberry roots, and increases resistance to negative external influences. After such feeding, the immunity of plants increases, they become resistant to fungal diseases and garden pests.
Thanks to its complex composition and affordable price, nitroammophoska is in demand among summer residents, who actively use it to feed garden and vegetable crops. The nitrogen contained in the granules is present simultaneously in ammonium and nitrate forms. Due to this, fertilizing becomes especially effective. The fertilizer is available in granules, it is convenient to store and use.
Feeding time
Nitroammofoska is applied during the very first feeding in the spring, before the strawberries begin to grow green mass. The snow should completely melt by this time, and the soil should warm up to + 8-10 °C.If you fertilize earlier, the roots will not be able to fully absorb the nutrients, since in cold soil the root system functions poorly.
If you are late in applying fertilizer, the strawberries will lag behind in growth, which will also delay fruiting. Before adding nitroammophoska, the bed with berries is tidied up:
- remove the cover if it was used;
- cut off dried leaves on strawberries;
- remove emerging weeds;
- loosen the soil.
In the middle zone, the first feeding is carried out in the last days of March or early April, taking into account current weather conditions. If nitroammophoska is added, other nitrogen-containing fertilizers will no longer be needed. Next time the strawberries will need to be fed when the buds are forming.
Fertilizer composition
The mineral mixture is available in different forms, differing from each other in the ratio of chemical elements. The composition (NPK) can be as follows:
- 16x16x16 (components are contained in equal parts) - a universal formula suitable for most soils;
- 8x24x24 (nitrogen content is reduced by 3 times compared to phosphorus and potassium) - the fertilizer is used on poor soils, mainly for potatoes and root crops;
- 21x0x21 (there is no phosphorus in the fertilizer) - this fertilizing is applied on soils saturated with phosphorus compounds, so as not to create an even greater imbalance.
Formulations are also available with other proportions. Nitroammophoska should be used taking into account the characteristics of the soil on the site and the time of year. For spring, it is desirable that nitrogen predominates in the composition.
When selected correctly, fertilizer helps increase productivity by 30-70%. It is the combination of components that makes nitroammophoska more effective compared to single-component fertilizers. The granules are completely water soluble.
Method of application, consumption
Nitroammophoska is applied under the strawberries in dry form. If the soil is moist, there is no need to water it additionally. The granules are scattered under the bushes in the amount of 40 g per 1 square meter. m, after which it is carefully mixed with soil. After adding it to dry soil, the bed must be watered.
When planting strawberry seedlings, fertilizer can be added to each hole, mixed with humus or compost. In this case, 1 tbsp is used per seedling. spoon of nitroammophoska.
Complex feeding can also be used for leaf spraying in the spring, for example, if strawberry bushes are stunted in growth. Nitroammophoska is diluted in warm water. For 10 liters of liquid consume 1.5-2 tbsp. l. granules The prepared mixture is sprayed onto strawberries. Spraying is carried out before sunset or in cloudy weather.
Nitroammofosk is not stored for long. Open packaging must be used up within 6 months, so the fertilizer is used simultaneously for feeding other crops. After the expiration of the shelf life, the chemical partially loses its beneficial properties. If nitroammofoska was used correctly for strawberries, the bushes will grow and bear fruit well. The taste of the berries in this case also improves.
