Changzhou Yingda New Material Co., Ltd , https://www.yingdaspc.com
The cultivation of shed vegetables should go out of the wrong zone
For a few days, the author visited a pollution-free vegetable production park in Xinye County, Henan Province. During this time, he had the opportunity to listen to over a dozen greenhouse farmers discuss their management experiences and shared insights on how to avoid common mistakes in greenhouse vegetable cultivation.
**Misunderstanding 1: More fertilization means higher yield.**
Over-fertilizing vegetables can lead to fertilizer burn and damage the plants. The solution is to control chicken and cow manure within 2,500 kg after three years of continuous greenhouse use, reducing chemical fertilizer by about 50%. Additionally, applying cow manure, humic acid fertilizer, and EM bacterial fertilizer helps improve soil structure, reduce salt accumulation, and prevent fertilizer damage. It's also important to supplement micronutrients like boron, zinc, and magnesium to maintain balanced soil nutrition.
**Misunderstanding 2: More seedlings mean higher yield.**
Planting too many seedlings can lead to poor growth due to limited light and nutrients. The correct approach is to plant at a reasonable density, especially during winter when light is weak. Farmers can adopt a method where they start with dense planting, thin out the plants mid-season, and allow for branching later, ensuring that leaves are not overcrowded.
**Misunderstanding 3: Higher temperature leads to faster growth.**
Vegetables have an optimal temperature range of 25°C to 32°C. If the temperature is too high, it can cause excessive respiration, weak stems, and reduced yields. To manage this, greenhouses should have two air vents for proper cooling. It’s also essential to adjust temperatures according to the growth stage of each vegetable, ensuring the right conditions for both vegetative and reproductive growth.
**Misunderstanding 4: Healthy plants grow well.**
Excessive vegetative growth can actually reduce fruit yield. To balance this, farmers should control water supply during the seedling stage to promote strong root development. This ensures that photosynthetic products are distributed effectively between the roots and the above-ground parts. Proper nutrient allocation is key—pre-planting should focus on root development, while later stages should support fruiting.
**Misunderstanding 5: Using more pesticides reduces disease.**
Pesticides should be used strategically, not excessively. Instead of over-reliance, farmers should identify specific diseases and apply targeted sprays. Improving the greenhouse environment, such as lowering leaf temperatures, can also help prevent disease. Preventive measures during the seedling stage are crucial, as once pathogens enter the plant, it becomes much harder to treat.
**Misunderstanding 6: More harvests mean more income.**
Frequent planting cycles can lower efficiency and reduce overall profitability. A better approach is to plan for one major crop in winter, two in spring and autumn, and allow for soil recovery during summer. Deep plowing, rain washing, solarization, and sterilization can help rejuvenate the soil and reduce pests, leading to healthier crops in the long run.
By avoiding these six common misunderstandings, greenhouse farmers can significantly improve their productivity, sustainability, and profitability.