Cucumbers have always been a popular vegetable in the market and are widely cultivated. The main cultivation methods include greenhouse and open field cultivation. Due to the controllable maturity period, significantly higher yields, and higher economic benefits, greenhouse cultivation has become the primary mode of cultivation in various regions.

Cucumber Growth Habits:

Cucumbers prefer warm conditions, low light, and high humidity, and they are parthenocarpic (producing fruit without fertilization). They require ample nutrients and water, grow quickly, and yield abundantly. However, their root system is primarily distributed in the shallow tillage layer of 15-25 cm, and they have a large leaf surface area leading to high water transpiration. The plants have thin stems, weak tolerance to nutrient and water stress, and poor nutrient absorption capacity. The specific environmental needs for cucumber cultivation are as follows:

1. Temperature: Cucumbers thrive in warm conditions and cannot tolerate cold. The optimal temperature range during the growing period is 10-32°C. Typically, temperatures of 25-32°C during the day and 15-18°C at night are ideal for growth. The optimal soil temperature is 20-25°C, with a minimum threshold around 15°C. The most suitable diurnal temperature difference is 10-15°C. Cucumber photosynthesis is adversely affected at 35°C, and high-temperature stress occurs at 45°C. Freezing damage occurs at -2 to 0°C, but seedlings hardened at low temperatures can withstand temperatures as low as 3°C.

2. Light: Southern varieties are more sensitive to short daylight hours, while Northern varieties have become day-neutral, requiring neither long nor short days specifically. The light saturation point is 55,000 lux, and the light compensation point is 1,500 lux. Most varieties grow well under short daylight conditions of 8-11 hours.

3. Water: Cucumber plants have high yields and, therefore, high water demands. The appropriate soil moisture content is 60-90%. Excessive water should be avoided during the seedling stage, with soil moisture maintained at 60-70%. During the fruiting stage, sufficient water supply is essential, with soil moisture at 80-90%. The optimal relative humidity for cucumbers is 60-90%; excessively high humidity can lead to diseases, reducing yields.

4. Soil: Cucumbers prefer moist but not waterlogged, fertile but not overly rich soils. They grow best in soil rich in organic matter. They generally prefer pH levels between 5.5 and 7.2, with an ideal pH of 6.5.

Cucumbers have comprehensive requirements for cultivation environment parameters. SmartFarm provides comprehensive environmental data monitoring, including air temperature and humidity, light, carbon dioxide, soil temperature and humidity, soil pH value, and soil EC. The system is easy to install and can be used as soon as it is powered on. Data can be viewed locally via a small electronic display or LED screen on the device, or remotely at any time through mobile or computer software, significantly reducing the labor time required for in-situ supervision within greenhouses.

Key Points for Greenhouse Cucumber Cultivation

1. Rooting Period: During the first week after transplanting, enhance insulation by keeping doors and windows tightly closed and curtains properly hung. Do not ventilate unless temperatures exceed 33°C. In the event of a cold snap, additional insulation is needed. Approximately 10 to 15 days after transplanting, perform a root drench using fungicides like pyraclostrobin + oxine-copper.

2. Initial Flowering Period: From the rooting period to the setting of the first crop, the focus is on promoting root growth and controlling seedling growth to lay a solid foundation for fruiting. After rooting, promptly stake and tie the vines, bending the tall seedlings so that the tips of all plants are at the same level for easy management. Control water to promote root growth.

If plant growth is too slow, with dark green, dull leaves and clustered growing tips, it indicates a lack of water. Conversely, if the petioles and internodes are too long, leaf color is pale green, leaves are upright, and the leaves near the growing point are sparse, it indicates excess water.

Practice large temperature differential management: ventilate to cool down when daytime temperatures exceed 35°C, close vents when temperatures drop to 20-25°C in the afternoon, and maintain nighttime temperatures at 10-13°C. Ventilate by first opening doors and windows, then raise the shoulder films on the apron as outside temperatures rise.

3. Fruiting Period: Ensure sufficient water and nutrients to promote fruiting and prevent early decline. Increase ventilation to reduce temperature and humidity, ventilate by lifting the bottom edges of the greenhouse film, avoid nighttime condensation, and ensure the ventilation openings cover 25% of the total area. Keep nighttime humidity below 65%.

When the cucumbers are 10-15 cm long, irrigate with fertilizer and gradually switch to regular irrigation and fertilization, supplementing with foliar fertilizer as needed.

Focus on high-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizers, adding foliars containing mineral-source humic acids to improve soil properties and nutrient levels. Cucumbers have shallow roots, so a "little and often" approach is best for nutrient and water management. Pinch off plants at 25-30 leaves to promote secondary fruiting, and remove old, diseased, and withered leaves promptly.

As cucumbers transition from flowering to fruiting, they require a more stable growing environment, necessitating frequent and flexible operation of greenhouse temperature control systems. Intelligent control cabinets can remotely or automatically control the operation of equipment such as roller shutters, film lifters, water pumps, and shade nets, significantly improving efficiency. For large planting areas, the benefit is even more noticeable; with just a tap on the SmartFarming app, multiple roller shutters in dozens of greenhouses can be operated simultaneously, reducing labor costs substantially.

4. Harvest Period: During this period, water and fertilization should follow the principle of light and frequent irrigation, gradually increasing the amount. Depending on the growth and harvest conditions, apply 2 kg of balanced macroelement fertilizer and 3 kg of high-potassium fertilizer per acre every 10 days. Foliar applications of 1% magnesium sulfate or 0.5% chelated magnesium can be added as needed.

From post-fruiting to pre-harvest, cucumbers have strict requirements for irrigation and fertilization. Using intelligent water and fertilizer systems, irrigation and fertilization can be conducted based on real-time soil conditions, and zones can be remotely controlled. This ensures more scientific and timely water and nutrient supply, reducing labor while maintaining an optimal growing environment for crops over the long term.