Tomatoes are a thermophilic crop. Compliance with the rules of agricultural technology helps to get a large harvest. One of the most important activities is timely feeding.
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Elements necessary for active growth of tomatoes
In order for a culture to grow actively, develop correctly and give a high yield, it needs nutrients:
- boron;
- iron;
- magnesium;
- molybdenum.
The following speaks about their lack:
- slow growth;
- lack of ovaries;
- twisted and withering leaves.
Top dressing helps to replenish the stock. One of the most beneficial is iodine-based. However, when using this component, the dosage must be carefully observed. An excess of the substance leads to a burn of the root system and green mass.
Advantages of using iodine-based dressings
The effect of iodine on tomatoes has a number of advantages:
- accelerates the growth of seedlings;
- increases plant immunity to late blight;
- improves the process of nitrogen exchange in plants;
- seedlings that are watered with a solution based on this element grow stronger and healthier;
- the number of ovaries increases;
- fruits are formed larger, with high palatability;
- increased immunity to mosaic and root rot;
- fruits ripen 7 days ahead of schedule.
Top dressing is carried out with a small dosage.
Signs of iodine deficiency
Signs of iodine deficiency in tomatoes are as follows:
- Decreased yield. Decrease in the number of ovaries, deterioration in taste. The fruits are small.
- Delay in the fruiting phase.
- Decreased immunity. Plants are easily exposed to various infectious diseases.
External signs indicating a lack of an element:
- Slow growth.
- Thin trunks and shoots.
- Fragile, pale, limp leaves.
The component is necessary when diseases appear:
- mosaics;
- brown spot;
- root rot;
- late blight.
In some cases, iodine can replace nitrogen components or nitrate in the fertilizer.
How to properly feed tomatoes with iodine
The element is successfully introduced, alternating foliar and root dressings, depending on the phase of plant development.
Root way
It is especially effective when the root system is well developed and capable of delivering nutrients quickly. This method is best suited for seedlings.
The first time a solution based on iodine is injected when the first pair of leaves appeared on the seedling. At this phase, the area of the plate is small, therefore, the foliar method is used.
To prepare it you will need:
- iodine - 1 drop;
- water - 3 l.
The component is carefully diluted in warm water. Before applying, the soil around the plant is pre-moistened. Then the solution is spilled.
Tomatoes respond positively to one top dressing already - the seedlings look healthy and strong, and are actively growing.
The procedure is repeated during the fruiting period. The harvest is large and tasty.
The second foliar dressing is carried out during the formation of the brushes.
Adhere to dosages:
- iodine - 3 drops;
- water - 10 liters.
The solution is prepared in the same way as for seedlings. For tall plants use 1 liter per 1 bush. For low-growing varieties, 0.7 liters is enough.
During the fruiting period, boric acid is added to the fertilizer:
- water - 5 l;
- wood ash - 3 l;
- iodine - 10 ml;
- boric acid - 10 g.
The water is heated and carefully sifted ash is dissolved in it. The container is closed and left to infuse for 1 hour. Then iodine and boric acid are introduced. Insist 24 hours.
Applied in this way:
- take 1 liter of infusion and dilute with 10 liters of water;
- shed each bush strictly at the root.
Foliar dressing
Alternate with the root method.
Prepare the preparation for spraying:
- iodine - 5 drops;
- water - 1 l.
The components are thoroughly mixed and the green mass is treated with a spray bottle.
A dry and cloudy day is chosen for processing. In order not to burn the plants, the dosage is strictly observed.
The use of iodine as a top dressing significantly activates the growth of tomatoes, increases their immunity to various diseases. The harvest will be large, with high taste.
Do you use iodine in your garden and vegetable garden?
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