Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable belonging to the Brassica family. It has strong adaptability to various soil types, but thrives best in sandy loam or loam soils that are rich in organic matter and have good water and nutrient retention capabilities. The growth cycle of cauliflower includes several key stages: germination, seedling development, rosette formation, and finally flower bud development. Cauliflower has a long growing season and requires a significant amount of nutrients throughout its life cycle. Among these, nitrogen and potassium are the most critical. Throughout the growing period, especially during the rapid leaf development phase, a steady supply of nitrogen is essential. Potassium uptake is most intense during the flower formation stage. In addition, calcium, boron, magnesium, and molybdenum are also required in relatively large amounts. On average, producing 1000 kg of cauliflower requires approximately 13.4 kg of nitrogen, 3.93 kg of phosphorus pentoxide, and 9.59 kg of potassium oxide, with a typical nutrient ratio of 1:0.3:0.7. The nutrient needs vary depending on the growth stage. Before the appearance of flower buds, nutrient uptake is relatively low. However, once the flower buds begin to form and expand, the plant's demand for nutrients increases rapidly. The peak period for nutrient absorption occurs during the early stages of flower bud differentiation and flower head development. If nitrogen is insufficient at this time, the plant may redirect nutrients from the lower leaves to the developing flower head, causing yellowing or even leaf drop. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure adequate phosphorus and potassium supply during this period to support proper flower head expansion. Cauliflower is a calcium-loving crop and requires high levels of calcium. A deficiency in calcium, either due to poor soil content or environmental factors, can lead to dry, brittle leaves, which negatively affects both yield and quality. Similarly, cauliflower is highly sensitive to boron. A lack of boron can result in cracked or lobed stems, brown spots on the flower heads, and an unpleasant bitter taste. Molybdenum is another essential micronutrient, and a deficiency can cause a condition known as "whip disease," where the plant becomes weak and stunted. Fertilization techniques play a vital role in ensuring healthy growth and high-quality yields. For each mu (approximately 667 square meters), it is recommended to apply 2500–3000 kg of farmyard manure or 350–400 kg of commercial organic fertilizer as a base fertilizer. Additionally, 20–23 kg of nitrogen (N), 6–8 kg of phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅), and 11–14 kg of potassium oxide (K₂O) should be applied. Organic fertilizer is typically used as a base, while nitrogen and potassium are split between the base and top dressing. Phosphate is usually applied as a base fertilizer. 1. **Base Fertilizer**: Apply 2500–3000 kg of farmyard manure or 350–400 kg of commercial organic fertilizer per mu. Add 6 kg of urea, 13–17 kg of diammonium phosphate, and 7–8 kg of potassium sulfate. If there is a known boron deficiency, apply 0.5 kg of boron per mu. 2. **Top Dressing**: During the rosette stage, apply 10–11 kg of urea and 5–6 kg of potassium sulfate to promote flower bud formation. At the early stage of flower head development, apply 13–15 kg of urea and 6–8 kg of potassium sulfate to encourage rapid growth and prevent hollow stems. In the middle stage of flower head formation, apply 10–11 kg of urea and 5–6 kg of potassium sulfate to enhance both yield and quality. 3. **Foliar and Root Applications**: If the soil is deficient in calcium, apply a 0.3%–0.5% solution of calcium chloride or calcium nitrate during the rosette stage. For boron deficiency, spray a 0.1%–0.2% borax solution during the early and mid-stages of leaf development. For magnesium deficiency, apply a 0.2%–0.4% magnesium sulfate solution 1–2 times. Molybdenum is needed in small quantities, but a 0.01% ammonium molybdate solution can be sprayed during the flowering stage. In greenhouse cultivation, carbon dioxide gas fertilizers can also be used to improve growth conditions. For more information about cauliflower cultivation and fertilization, visit our company website at [http://example.com](http://example.com).
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