
Celery is a leafy vegetable with many advantages, including a short growing season, rapid growth, simple management, high yield, and good economic benefits. Years of production practice have shown that to promote rapid growth and high yield in celery, the following fertilizers can be applied:
**I. Urea**
Urea is currently the nitrogen fertilizer with the highest nitrogen content. It has high nutrient content, good water solubility, and can promote rapid growth of celery stems and leaves. However, excessive application of urea can actually slow growth, increase cellulose, cause premature aging of the plant, and reduce quality. Therefore, it is recommended to apply it in small amounts frequently, generally 10-15 kg of urea per acre each time, combined with watering.
**II. High-Nitrogen Compound Fertilizer**
While celery has a relatively high demand for nitrogen fertilizer during its growth and development, it also needs certain amounts of phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients are beneficial not only for the growth of stems and leaves but also for root development. Furthermore, they can significantly improve the disease resistance of celery and reduce the occurrence of diseases. Therefore, celery can also be top-dressed with high-nitrogen compound fertilizer. This can be combined with irrigation, applying 20-30 kg of 40% high-nitrogen compound fertilizer per acre to promote stronger celery growth.
III. Water-soluble Fertilizer
Water-soluble fertilizers not only have high nutrient content and a complete range of nutrients, but also have a relatively high absorption and utilization rate. They can simultaneously supplement the various nutrients needed for celery growth and development, resulting in stronger celery, higher yield, and better quality. Water-soluble fertilizers can be applied via drip irrigation or fertigation. Generally, apply 5-10 kg of 60% high-nitrogen water-soluble fertilizer per acre each time.
IV. Foliar Fertilizer
In addition to root fertilization, foliar spraying can also be used. Foliar fertilization has many advantages, including high efficiency, rapid absorption, high utilization rate, and low cost. Foliar fertilizer can be sprayed during the seedling stage, the slow growth stage, and the rapid growth stage of celery. Use 100 ml of 42% liquid nitrogen fertilizer, 100 g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and 30-50 ml of 0.4% brassinolide·gibberellin soluble concentrate per acre, dilute with 15 kg of water and spray evenly. Spray once every 15 days, for 2-3 consecutive times. This can promote the growth of celery stems and leaves and improve the yield and quality of celery.
