Fertilization in vertical gardens should be combined with the growth requirements of plants, the characteristics of the substrate and the design of the irrigation system, avoiding the direct application of traditional fertilization methods for ground planting. The following analysis is conducted from four dimensions: fertilization methods, fertilizer types, cycle management, and special scenarios:
Slow-release fertilization at the root
Principle: By mixing slow-release fertilizer particles (such as coated fertilizers) into the planting substrate, nutrients are released slowly, reducing the frequency of artificial fertilization.
Applicable scenarios: Vertical gardens with a thick substrate layer (≥15 cm), especially suitable for foliage plants (such as Pothos and turtle-back bamboo) or slow-growing shrubs.
Key points of operation:
The dosage of slow-release fertilizer should be calculated based on the volume of the substrate. Generally, 1 to 2 kilograms are added per cubic meter of substrate.
It needs to be thoroughly mixed with the substrate to avoid excessive local concentration causing root burn.
Foliar spraying for fertilization
Principle: Nutrients are directly absorbed through the stomata on the leaves, rapidly replenishing trace elements (such as iron and magnesium) or regulating the growth state.
Applicable scenarios: When plants show symptoms of nutrient deficiency (such as yellowing leaves) or need to promote flowering during the flowering period;
Key points of operation:
The spraying concentration should be strictly controlled (such as diluting nitrogen fertilizer to 0.1%-0.2%) to avoid scorching the leaves.
Spray in the early morning or evening, avoiding the strong light period.
Fertilization of the irrigation system
Principle: Dissolve water-soluble fertilizers in irrigation water and supply them evenly to plants through drip irrigation or micro-sprinkler systems.
Applicable scenarios: Vertical gardens with automated irrigation, especially suitable for herbaceous plants that require precise fertilizer control (such as petunias and pansies).
Key points of operation:
The fertilizer should be dissolved fully to avoid clogging the dripper.
After fertilization, the pipes should be rinsed with clean water to prevent the residual fertilizer from crystallizing.
Substrate improved fertilizer
Function: Regulate the pH value of the substrate or increase the organic matter content to improve the root environment.
When the peat soil substrate is slightly acidic, lime can be added to adjust the pH to 6.0-6.5.
Application scenarios: When the substrate ages (after more than two years of cultivation) or when the plants show growth arrest.
Balanced compound fertilizer
Function: Provide balanced nutrition of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to promote the overall growth of plants.
Applicable ratio: General-purpose fertilizers with a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ratio of 15-15-15 or 20-20-20;
Application scenario: Regular fertilization during the plant growth period (spring to autumn).
High-potassium flower-promoting fertilizer
Function: Increase the proportion of potassium elements, promote flower bud differentiation and fruit enlargement.
Applicable ratio: The ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is 10-30-20 or a similar ratio.
Application scenario: One month before the flowering period of flowering plants (such as hydrangeas and geraniums).
Trace element fertilizer
Function: Supplement trace elements such as iron, magnesium and zinc, and prevent deficiency syndrome.
When the leaves of a plant turn yellow but the veins remain green, chelated iron fertilizer can be sprayed.
Application scenarios: Deficiency of trace elements in the substrate or the rapid growth period of plants.
Seasonal adjustment
In spring: Mainly use balanced compound fertilizer, apply once every 4 to 6 weeks to promote the germination of new buds.
In summer: When the temperature is high, suspend root fertilization and switch to foliar spraying of trace element fertilizers to prevent root burning.
In autumn: Reduce the proportion of nitrogen fertilizer, increase the proportion of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, and enhance the cold resistance of plants.
In winter: Stop fertilizing dormant plants (such as some perennial herbs) to prevent excessive growth.
Plant stage matching
Seedling stage: Mainly apply low-concentration balanced fertilizer, once every 2 to 3 weeks, to avoid damaging the roots with concentrated fertilizer.
Growth period: Fertilize once every four weeks and adjust the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium according to the plant type.
Flowering period: One month before flowering, switch to high-potassium fertilizer. After flowering, supplement with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to promote recovery.
Matrix aging compensation
After the substrate has been used for two years, the nutrient content decreases. It is necessary to increase the frequency of fertilization (such as shortening it to once every three weeks) or replace part of the substrate.
The acclimation period of newly planted plants
Suspend fertilization within one month after transplantation. Wait until the root system recovers and then irrigate with low-concentration fertilizer (such as 50% diluted balanced fertilizer).
Recovery period of pests and diseases
When plants are attacked by pests and diseases, their root absorption capacity weakens. It is necessary to switch to foliar spraying of amino acid-based fertilizers to promote recovery.
Succulents and drought-tolerant plants
Reduce the frequency of fertilization (once every 2 to 3 months) to avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer causing excessive growth.
After fertilization, the irrigation interval should be extended to prevent water accumulation in the substrate and root rot.
Indoor low-light environment
Reduce the proportion of nitrogen fertilizer (for example, adjust the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to 10-15-20) to prevent plants from growing too tall due to insufficient light.
Concentration control
The concentration of root fertilization should be no more than 0.3% (i.e., no more than 3 grams of fertilizer can be dissolved in 1 liter of water), and the concentration of foliar spraying should be no more than 0.2%.
Irrigation combination
After fertilization, irrigation should be carried out immediately to ensure that the fertilizer dissolves and penetrates to the root layer, avoiding excessive local concentration.
Observation and adjustment
Adjust the fertilization plan dynamically based on the growth status of the plants (such as leaf color and the number of new buds) to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.
Environmental safety
When foliar spraying is carried out, the walls and the ground should be covered to prevent the fertilizer from contaminating the structure.
Unused fertilizer should be stored in a sealed container to prevent moisture and caking.
Through the above strategies, 3D artificial vertical gardens can achieve precise fertilization, reducing nutrient waste and environmental pollution. Fertilization should be combined with the characteristics of plants, the state of the substrate and environmental conditions to avoid blindly applying general schemes. Meanwhile, regular detection of substrate nutrient content (such as through professional institutions or portable detectors) is the key to optimizing fertilization strategies.
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