Peppers and tomatoes are different plants, but their need for mineral components is almost the same. It is useful to feed tomato seedlings, like bell pepper seedlings, with a solution of ammonia.
The mineral compound must be added in several stages. If certain proportions are observed, fertilizing with ammonia will stimulate growth and ensure the growth of green mass. The plants will be strong and able to adapt to any environmental conditions.
When to use fertilizer
At the initial stage of the growing season (young seedlings, emerging sprouts, small plants) nitrogen is needed. This substance is a stimulant; it accelerates the processes of development and growth of the culture.
When a component is deficient, problems arise. The seedlings will not be strong. It can obtain nitrogen from developed mineral complexes or from a substance that is always at hand - ammonia. Its main advantage compared to other formulations is its low cost combined with sufficient efficiency.
Before carrying out the procedure, you need to examine and evaluate what the tomato and pepper seedlings look like. The main symptoms of a lack of substance appear as follows:
- thin, elongated stems, elongated leaf cuttings;
- underdeveloped, possibly curled leaves;
- after transplanting into the ground the plant gets sick;
- the lower leaf blades change color, become yellow or dull;
- frost resistance decreases, that is, in the morning the condition of the plant will be worse than during the day (due to cold snaps at night);
- plants develop slowly, their growth stops;
- leaves fall off, flowers fade, some buds do not have time to open.
One of the listed signals is enough to identify the problem and establish the increased need of the crop for fertilizers containing nitrogen. The easiest way to get it is from ammonia, adhering to the prescribed proportions for feeding.
Attention! Do you know why ammonia should be in any gardener’s medicine cabinet? It is not only nutritious. The component repels some pests: flies, mole crickets, wireworms, aphids, ants and midges.
Description and benefits of ammonia
Ammonia is a solution that has no color and has a sharp, recognizable odor. It is precisely due to the special chemical and physical properties that ammonia can be used as a top dressing and as an insecticide.
Please note! The root system will be saturated with nitrogen, and the leaves will not be covered with small holes, since the poisonous aroma will repel any midge.
Before watering bell peppers, you need to study the principle of its action, which may be different. The composition can:
- enter into a chemical reaction;
- scare away with a pungent odor;
- have a positive impact on the growth and development of culture.
It is able to prevent soil acidification.
Proper planting of peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers together in a greenhouse Nowadays, gardening and vegetable gardening are actively flourishing, so at the beginning of spring, many owners of summer cottages...
Acidification is a process that can result from the decomposition of organic residues from plants.
It is impossible to grow paprika in acidic soil, since the optimal level of acidity is an important requirement that must be observed. In such conditions, only acidophilic cultures can grow in the form of:
- horsetail;
- moss;
- blueberries;
- blackberries.
Acidification provokes the dominance of heavy substances:
- salt;
- aluminum;
- selenium;
- potassium.
They block the flow of nutrients into the root system. In such an environment, insect pests, such as aphids, begin to form and actively develop. Without nitrogen, even with careful care, the following is likely to occur:
- starvation of bushes;
- foliage chlorosis;
- inhibition of root growth;
- wilting of tops.
Beneficial features
Ammonia is necessary for growing green mass. Ammonia helps the plant to accelerate growth, improve immunity and prevents the development of chlorosis - a disease of plant leaf blades.
When used, soil deoxidation is ensured. Fertilizing with ammonia in reasonable doses will be useful for weakened crops with yellowing leaves. But we must take into account that this is not a panacea; it will not cure the plant. If the seedlings are sick, it is necessary to act on them comprehensively, adjusting their care.
Many gardeners identify an unpleasant and even pungent odor as a significant drawback of the solution. The substance cannot be used in conjunction with ash solution, because the components neutralize each other's effectiveness. The break between their use should be at least 2 weeks.
Attention! Remember that before using ammonia for seedlings, you need to clarify the composition of the soil. If it is saturated with nitrogen, fertilizing is dangerous and can cause noticeable harm to the crop.
Precautionary measures
It is important to take precautions when working with ammonia solutions. It is necessary to set the correct dose for treating plants. Otherwise, the fruits will have a watery taste, and a person who eats such vegetables may become poisoned. You need to protect yourself from getting the solution on your skin, that is, wear:
- close-fitting clothing;
- mask;
- gloves.
Feeding seedlings
Nitrogen is well absorbed by plants and its effect can be seen quickly. Low concentrations are used for feeding, because overfeeding is dangerous. Use with extreme caution after picking.
The working solution is prepared in the following dosages: 50 ml of concentrated ammonia is diluted in 10 liters of clean water. The composition is carefully mixed and applied to the root.
Pest protection is provided differently. It is better to add the substance to the holes before planting. Dissolve 4-5 tbsp in 10 liters of water. means, and then pour the prepared grooves.
Detailed information in the next video.
Leaf feeding
Foliar fertilization with nitrogen is provided several times during the season:
- For the first time, plants are sprayed with an ammonia solution in April-May, before moving to the site;
- then spraying is carried out 2-3 days after planting the crop in open ground;
- during the flowering period;
- at the stage of fruit formation;
- after the first harvest.
Attention! Compliance with the above scheme will help accelerate growth, increase harvest volumes and provide protection from pests.
Foliar feeding should be carried out on a dry, clear day, preferably without wind. Plants are sprayed in the evening at sunset or early in the morning. To obtain a solution, add approximately half a bottle to 10 liters of water.
Why do peppers need nitrogen?
Pepper bushes intensively absorb nitrates, which are then converted into nitrogen. Nitrogen is needed by crops for intensive growth, growth of greenery, production of chlorophyll, and affects the flowering of bushes, that is, the quality of grown fruits.
Bushes do not absorb ammonia very readily, so beginner gardeners are advised to use ammonia - feeding peppers with ammonia will not oversaturate the bushes with nitrogen.
Ammonia is an essential intermediate compound that occurs during the natural nitrogen cycle. Nitrogen is partially converted into ammonium simply in fresh air, if there is moisture, without the help of any microorganisms. Because of this, feed crops with ammonia - this can have a greater effect than using organic matter, since intensive soil biosynthesis is necessary to obtain nitrates from organic matter.
A small area that is actively used will usually have few microorganisms in the soil. In this case, it is difficult for peppers to extract nitrogen from the soil, even if fertilizers are applied. You can change the composition of the soil by adding humus, but this takes quite a lot of time and money. Treat the peppers with ammonia, which will help the crop avoid stress, take root and produce abundant harvests, and many parasites will not appear on the site due to the use of fertilizers.
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Ammonium is an alkali. Because of this, fertilizing with ammonia along with fertilizing with organic matter prevents the appearance of soil with acidic characteristics. Lime is added to the ground only if the soil has become acidic.
Security measures
Ammonia belongs to a group of substances that can cause harm to human health. Upon contact, it enters the body through the skin and mucous membranes. Ammonia for seedlings of tomatoes and peppers should be used carefully, observing basic safety measures.
Already when preparing the solution, you must use a respirator to minimize contact. When spraying, you should protect your eyes by wearing special glasses. You need to work with gloves. After the procedure, wash your hands and face well. Remove clothes and put them in the wash.
