Application of potassium humate for cucumbers: in the greenhouse and open ground

Using liquid potassium humate for cucumbers, gardeners and farmers achieve an increase in yield. It contributes to the formation of beautiful fruits adapted to long storage. Many vegetable growers highly appreciated the help provided by potassium humate in growing cucumbers in open beds and in a greenhouse.

Features of using potassium humate for cucumbers

Cucumbers and other crops benefit from organic fertilizers only after they are completely decomposed. Potassium humate is the end result of the breakdown of natural substances, so it instantly saturates plants with minerals. In the cultivation of cucumbers, he found such an application:

1. Soaking seeds before planting.
2. Introducing into the soil under young sprouts and adult bushes.
3. Foliar top dressing with a weak solution.

Foliar feeding is of particular importance for cucumbers. Farmers have found that fertilizer also provides nutrients to weed roots. If, however, the leaves and stems of cucumbers are processed after weeding, only the cultivated culture will receive stimulation.

The drug is quickly absorbed by the roots and leaves of cucumbers.

Pros and cons of feeding

It is worth noting the extreme profitability of this organic fertilizer. The drug increases the effectiveness of other mineral dressings and reduces their consumption.

The use of potassium humate in the cultivation of cucumbers gives such positive effects:

1. Yield increase.
2. Commercial type of fruits.
3. High palatability.
4. Reducing the concentration of nitrates.
5. Disease resistance.
6. Increasing frost and drought resistance.
7. Acceleration of growth and maturation.
8. Accumulation of nutrients.
9. The development of microorganisms in the soil.

A negative consequence of the introduction of a concentrate obtained from brown coal and sapropel (lake sediments) may be the ingress of heavy metals and other toxic substances into the soil. No less dangerous is the use of waste from the alcohol, pulp and paper industries as raw materials. Experienced agronomists prefer not the cheapest, but safe and effective lowland peat humate.

When to feed cucumbers with potassium humate

Potassium humate is unique in that it provides the minerals necessary for crops at all stages of their development. Soaking cucumber seeds in a solution encourages them to germinate. Watering young plants stimulates the formation of strong roots and the growth of the aerial part. Potassium humate for cucumbers during the fruiting period plays an equally important role, as it increases the quantity, quality and taste of the crop.

 The first application of the solution is usually carried out in the presence of 3-5 leaves. The remaining 3-5 dressings are evenly distributed throughout the growing season. When planning them, the processing of cucumbers from diseases and pests is taken into account. Combination with other types of organics is allowed.

How often to feed cucumbers with potassium humate

According to professional agronomists, the effect of potassium humate is enough for the culture for about a month. Based on this, it is easy to make a fertilization schedule. Starting with the formation of three leaves on the bush, top dressing is applied every 3-4 weeks.

Do not feed cucumbers more often than recommended. Otherwise, it will turn from a stimulant into a retardant (inhibits the growth of roots and stems). When growing cucumbers on soils rich in organic matter, only 2-3 approaches are enough.

Application instruction of Potassium humate for cucumbers

Potassium humate is produced in two forms: powder and liquid. The drug in the solid state is easier to transport and store, but most gardeners prefer the liquid form of the substance because of the convenience of preparing the solution.

It is used as an organic fertilizer. Combination with other dressings enhances its effectiveness. Gardeners often prepare a mixture for spraying cucumbers from potassium humate and boric acid. Top dressing is applied to wet soil or through a small-drop sprayer. The second method is preferable during a cold snap or, if necessary, quickly reanimate the bushes.

Foliar feeding of cucumbers is recommended when the ambient temperature drops

How to apply liquid potassium humate for cucumbers in a greenhouse

In the greenhouse, cucumbers are usually grown using seedlings. The first top dressing is carried out when young shoots are planted in the garden. So they take root faster and absorb nutrients from the soil. No other fertilizers are added at this point.

Organically fertilized greenhouse soil usually contains an abundant supply of nutrients. In view of this, it is enough to introduce potassium humate only three times: when planting seedlings, during flowering and during the period of fruit set. In poor lighting and low temperatures in the greenhouse, it is better to use a foliar feeding method. It is important to reduce the concentration of the solution so as not to harm the culture.

How to apply liquid potassium humate for cucumbers in the open field

When grown outdoors, cucumbers are usually fertilized more frequently. This also applies to fertilizing with humate.

Experienced gardeners make a solution prepared from liquid potassium humate under the following conditions:

• formation of 3-5 sheets;
• budding;
• flowering period;
• the beginning of fruiting;
• end of the first wave of fruit set.

The composition is injected under the root of cucumbers or sprayed on the leaves. The second method is most effective during the cold period, when the processes in the root system slow down. They try to process both leaves and stems.

Proportions of liquid potassium humate for cucumbers

The liquid concentrate is very convenient to use: the dark brown substance is diluted in water, after which the composition is completely ready for use.

For each type of cucumber processing, there are separate proportions of the mixture:

1. Seed soaking: 1/3 tsp. diluted in 1 liter of water.
2. Watering solution: 1 tbsp. l. poured into 10 liters of water.
3. Spray solution: 1 tsp. mixed with 10 liters of water.

The result should be a light brown liquid. The danger of exceeding the recommended concentration lies not only in slowing down the development of bushes, but also in the accumulation of harmful substances in the fruits.

Exceeding the dose of potassium humate can lead to the accumulation of poisons in cucumbers

Precautions when working with potassium humate

Potassium humate refers to low-hazard substances. When working with it, the possibility of acute poisoning is completely excluded. However, contact with the body should be avoided. The following recommendations will save you from the unpleasant consequences of contact with a concentrated substance:

1. Store in a place protected from children and animals.
2. In case of accidental ingestion, immediately induce vomiting.
3. Wear gloves while applying the solution.
4. In case of contact with skin, wash off with soapy water.
5. Remove from mucous membranes with plenty of water.
6. Dispose of empty containers with household waste.

In undiluted form, potassium humate is stored for 5 years. The shelf life of the finished solution does not exceed 1 month. A securely sealed container with fertilizer is stored in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Liquid potassium humate for cucumbers is used by most experienced gardeners and farmers. The result is a bountiful harvest of high quality, which is not long in coming. The stimulating solution increases the immunity of plants and their endurance. Cucumbers become tastier and healthier.

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