How to fertilize rosemary plants – Rosemary Fertilization Schedule
As it happens in every other crop, there can’t be any universal fertilization rule, because every field is different and has different needs. Performing soil analysis once a year is extremely important in order to diagnose nutrient deficiencies and take corrective actions, under the guidance of a licensed agronomist.
Rosemary plant generally needs Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur and Magnesium in order to thrive and give sustainably high yields for over a decade. In most cases, the plant responds greatly to Nitrogen supply, especially when Nitrogen is applied after harvest. In this case, new growth is promoted. However, supplying excessive quantities of Nitrogen will have a negative effect in the quality of essential oil.
A common fertilizer scheme applied by many conventional farmers involves adding 700 lbs. (318 kg) of N-P-K 12-12-17+2MgO per hectare every year (1 hectare = 2,47 acres = 10.000 square meters). Normally, this quantity is often split in 2 or 3 applications, with the first application starting immediately after harvesting.
Organic rosemary growers often add 15-20 tons of well-rotted manure per hectare and plow well before they transplant the young plants. Then, every year they add 5-10 tons of manure per hectare, most often during the autumn. They cultivate lightly and irrigate well after every manure application. According to the specifications of the organic farming, they may also add 450 lbs. (200 kg) of potassium sulfate (K2SO4) per hectare.
However, these are just common patterns that should not be followed without making your own research. Every field is different and has different needs.
You can enrich this article by leaving a comment or photo of your rosemary farm fertilization techniques and methods.
1.) Rosemary Plant Information
2.) How to grow Rosemary at home
3.) Growing Rosemary for Profit
4.) Rosemary Growing Conditions
5.) Sowing and Planting Rosemary, Seeding Rate and Number of Plants per Hectare
6.) Rosemary Water Requirements
7.) Rosemary Fertilizer Requirements
10.) Rosemary Plant Essential Oil Yield
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