Characteristics of fertilizer requirement, high yield fertilization technology and time of hops in China

Hops are native to Europe, America and Asia. It can be used for brewing beer and medicine. So what is the fertilizer demand characteristics, high-yield fertilization technology and time of hops in China? Hops is a perennial herb, which can grow continuously for about 20 years after planting. It is reported that for every 100 kg of dried hops, 16 kg of nitrogen, 8 kg of phosphorus and 15 kg of potassium are needed.

The absorption and utilization of nutrients in hops are different in different growth stages. Most of the nutrients absorbed by hops at seedling stage are provided by persistent roots. With the formation of new roots and the acceleration of plant growth, the absorption of nutrients began to increase, but the absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium accounted for only 2.5%, 1.9% and 2.1% of the total absorption at the whole seedling stage, respectively. Although the nutrient absorption in this period is not much, it is very important and is the basis for future growth. During flowering, hops entered the stage of both vegetative growth and reproductive growth, and nutrient uptake increased significantly, with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium accounting for 19.3%, 13.9% and 14.1%, respectively. Entering the stage of cone formation is the period of the most vigorous growth and development of hops, and it is also the period of the most nutrient absorption. The absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium accounts for 50.5%, 53.5% and 54.9% respectively. At this time, the cone is formed and nutrients are transferred to the cone. Sufficient phosphorus and potassium are beneficial to the development of cones. Nutrient absorption slows down during maturity, and the absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is about 30%. At this time, maintaining a certain level of nutrients can prevent premature senility.

The fertilization of hops is divided into base fertilizer and topdressing fertilizer. The base fertilizer is mainly organic fertilizer, with 340 tons of organic fertilizer per 667 square meters, 20 kg of phosphate fertilizer and 4 kg of nitrogen fertilizer, and potash fertilizer should be added to the soil with insufficient potassium supply. When cutting the buds, apply the fertilizer to the cutting sprouts. The amount of nitrogen applied to base fertilizer (including organic fertilizer nitrogen) accounted for about 60% of the total nitrogen application, 40% of nitrogen topdressing at flowering stage, 16 kg of nitrogen for every 667 square meters, 3 times, 10% at seedling stage, 20% at budding stage, and 10% at cone formation stage. The combined application of 5 kg potash fertilizer at budding stage has a good effect on increasing yield. Spraying 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution in the later stage is beneficial to improve the quality of hops.