Eggplant Production, Fertilization

Fertilization
Eggplant Production

	Eggplant is a long duration crop that requires a fertile soil. Organic fertilizers are used to improve the overall structure and condition of the soil. Compost (10 t/ha) or chicken manure (3 t/ha) are commonly used. Organic fertilizer is applied before transplanting.
	Additional fertilizer applications rates depend on the soil’s fertility, organic matter content, and texture. A soil test is strongly recommended. In the sandy loam soils at AVRDC, typical fertilizer rates are 170 kg/ha of N, 70 kg/ha of P2O5, and 180 kg/ha of K2O.

Nutrient	Basal	3 wks	6 wks	During harvest	Total
N	30%	15%	15%	40%	100%
P	50	0	50	0	100
K	30	15	15	40	100

Recommendations for the percent distribution of fertilizer during the growing season are shown in the table. Using nitrogen (N) as an example, 30% of the total N should be applied before transplanting (basal), 15% applied in each sidedressing (3 and 6 weeks after transplanting), and 40% applied during the harvest (typically in 4 applications each spaced 2 weeks apart).