The use of ammonia for cucumbers and tomatoes
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant life, including cucumbers and tomatoes. Treatment of cultivated crops with a nitrogen-containing solution (ammonia) will lead to their intensive flowering and fruiting, which is required for every gardener to get a good harvest. An additional advantage is the smell of ammonia, which will protect the fruit from the effects of various pests.
General characteristics of ammonia
Ammonia is an absolutely colorless gas with a pungent, not very pleasant smell. This substance contains a large amount of nitrogen (about 80%), which is the main source of nutrition for any cultivated crop, contributes to the optimal production of chlorophyll and is easily absorbed. As a result, the plant blooms profusely and bears a large number of fruits.
An aqueous solution or concentrated ammonia tincture is ammonia. Often in everyday life this concept and the term "ammonia" are confused. But you need to know that ammonia consists of another chemical - ammonium chloride.
Gardeners are advised to use ammonia specifically for prevention and when the first symptoms of a lack of nitrogen compounds in the soil appear.
Signs of insufficient nitrogen intake by agriculture are as follows:
- yellowness may appear on some leaves of the culture, the natural color fades;
- leaves begin to form much smaller in size;
- the stem of the plant becomes vulnerable, breaks easily;
- culture growth slows down;
- the flowering process becomes less intense or does not occur at all;
- there is a risk of freezing of the plant due to an increase in the level of susceptibility to cold.
All of the above factors necessitate the use of ammonia in the country or garden. Its beneficial properties for plants will ensure a high level of yield.
Benefits of using
To the benefits of using a solution of ammonia (ammonia) as a fertilizer and a means of protection against harmful insects include:
- a sufficiently high level of nitrogen content, which is easily and quickly absorbed by plants and provides them with the necessary nutrients;
- low probability of oversaturation of soil and plants with nitrogen;
- no accumulation of nitrates, which are harmful to human health;
- no risk of acidifying the soil due to the medium alkaline reaction of the substance (does not harm beneficial microorganisms);
- the possibility of using it as an effective means to repel various pests, such as a bear, wireworm or aphids.
Reviews of gardeners in most cases are positive, since ammonia itself is perceived as an environmentally friendly means for fertilizing and protecting crops, whether it be cucumbers or tomatoes. It does not spoil the soil and properly provides the plants with the supply of nutrients.
Precautionary measures
At the same time, ammonia also has properties that are toxic to humans.If a large amount of ammonia vapor enters the body, there is a high probability of disruption of the heart and the functioning of the respiratory system. Poisoning with this substance can lead to long-term treatment and recovery of the body. There is also a risk of chemical burns if ammonia comes into contact with human skin.
To avoid such situations, the gardener should consider a few rules when working with ammonia:
- be sure to wear gloves, protective bandages and face masks (respirators);
- prepare the solution only in the open air or in rooms that are properly ventilated;
- avoid interaction with other active elements, it is allowed to mix only with iodine;
- carry out the procedure in cool weather conditions;
- do not use this substance for people suffering from diseases of the vascular system.
Ammonia also has properties such as volatility and volatility. As a result, only a freshly prepared solution should be used (not subject to storage) and cultures should be treated in the morning or evening, when there is no exposure to the sun.
During the treatment itself, avoid getting the solution on the stems and leaves of the plant, watering it in the root area, avoiding fine spraying. In order to avoid chemical burns, it is recommended to carry out the procedure after watering and adhere to the individual dosage of the substance for different types of crops.
How to prepare a solution?
In order to prepare the correct solution, it is necessary to dilute 10% ammonia tincture in purified cool water. The dosage is determined by the type of culture, the purpose and method of the processing process.It is recommended to gradually increase the concentration, initially using small doses, for better adaptation of plants to new conditions. There is a maximum allowable concentration of the drug, equal to 120 ml for every 10 liters of water. Exceeding this dose can damage the root system of the plant. Depending on the purpose of the use of the substance, solutions of various concentrations are prepared.
- If nitrogen starvation is observed to a large extent, then it is recommended to use a solution with proportions of 80 ml per 10 liters of water.
- For regular prevention, take 50 ml per 10 liters of water.
- During the period of active flowering, a solution is used with a calculation of 90 ml / 10 l.
- In order to protect against the bear and from the larvae of the soil fly - 10 ml / 10 l. Use this solution to water the soil before planting crops.
- For foliar feeding of plants - 25 ml / 5 l.
- From other pests, crops are sprayed with the following solution: 25 ml of tincture, 5 liters of water and 25 ml of liquid soap.
The water used for the solution must first be settled. Sometimes a couple of drops of iodine can be added to the solution for more intensive growth and the formation of large fruits.
Processing methods
Top dressing of crops is carried out in two ways, which can be carried out separately or used in combination for a better result.
Watering plants under the root
This option provides a sufficient supply of nutrients (in particular, nitrogen) to the plant cells. It is also more optimal and convenient for regular treatments, and before planting seedlings in open ground.
The disadvantage is that the result is delayed, therefore it is not suitable for obvious nitrogen starvation.
Foliar top dressing of fruit-bearing crops
Allows you to quickly solve the problem with a lack of nitrogen in plants.Spraying is carried out in the absence of wind, preferably late in the evening to avoid the formation of sunburn from drops. At the initial stage, it is recommended to use a solution of low concentration (2 tablespoons per 10 liters of water) with its subsequent increase. It is also not recommended to use a spray gun in order to avoid the ingress of harmful substances into the human body. You can spray using a watering can with a small divider.
Fertilizing cucumbers with ammonia usually begins after the appearance of the fourth leaf, when a full-fledged bush begins to form. For cucumbers, a good option would be to treat them with a solution with proportions of 50 ml per 10 liters of water. It is recommended to water the bush under the root. The frequency of treatment is on average once a week. This will protect the culture from disease.
To eliminate the signs of nitrogen starvation that have already appeared and protect against the effects of pests, it is necessary to feed the plant in a foliar way. Apply a weak dosage of the solution.
To fertilize tomatoes growing in a greenhouse or in a greenhouse, prepare a solution with a calculation of 50 ml per 10 liters of water. The frequency of processing is once a week.
When blanching or yellowing is observed on the leaves of the culture, both types of top dressing can be combined. In this case, foliar top dressing is carried out using a solution at the rate of 25 ml per 5 liters of water.
Fortified cultures at the stage of fruit formation should be sprayed with a solution of the following dosage: 15 ml of ammonia, 5 liters of cold water and 15 ml of liquid soap. Such a composition will protect the tomatoes from harmful insects, which will allow you to maintain a good harvest.
It should be borne in mind that the humidity level in greenhouses should not exceed the norm, otherwise the fruits will begin to succumb to the rotting process.
Thus, fertilizing with ammonia stimulates the growth, flowering and fruiting of cultivated crops and will be useful in practice. Ammonia will repel harmful insects, which will help maintain a high level of yield.
For information on how to feed tomatoes with ammonia, see the next video.