Unit 5 Lesson 10 Fertilizer Placement and Application Methods

Fertilizer Improve quality and quantity of crops –Crops Have specific fertilizer needs Various crops respond differently to: –Fertilizer applications –To soils in which they grow

Fertilizer Distributed –Bulk or packages –Solid –Liquid –Gaseous forms

Fertilizer Application –Just as important as proper amounts Based on fertilizer analyses –Influenced by Nutrient deficiencies Soil types Climatic conditions Fertilizer availability Crop types grown

Fertilizer Knowledge of proper application is essential but insufficient.

Fertilizer Placement Availability –Depends on fertilizer application method used –Spraying or Broadcasting phosphate and mixing it in soil may cause fixation. Broadcasting – scattering fertilizer material in all directions Fixation – process in a soil by which chemical elements are converted from a soluble (exchangeable) form to an insoluble form –An improper fertilizer application may result in a complete loss of the applied plant food nutrient. If fertilizer is not in reach of plant roots and not dissolved by moisture in soil, it is considered a loss to plants.

Fertilizer Placement Scanned Image A.Proper fertilizer application includes placing fertilizer materials to the side of and below seed B.Or mixing fertilizer materials in the soil C.Fertilizer must not be placed too close to seed or seedling Seedling injury due to “salt burn” from fertilizer may occur, particularly in sandy soils or if large amounts of soluble nitrogen or potassium are applied. Similar problems occur in growing crops if fertilizers are placed to close to roots.

Fertilizer Application Method Banding –Fertilizer is placed near the seed –Usually used on row crops –Fertilizer is placed 2” below and to the side of the seed Keeps it from injuring the seedling

Fertilizer Applicaton Methods Sidedressing Type of banding –Fertilizer is placed Near the soil surface To the side of plant Usually used when applying –Nigtrogen –Potassium »As a second application »After the plant emerges –Reduces loss by leaching –Used during favorable soil moisture conditions

Fertilizer Application Methods Topdressing –Applying a second application to the soil surface –Used mainly on Small grains Legumes Grasses

Fertilizer Application Methods Broadcasting –Differs from banding in that the total cropland area is covered with fertilizer –Mostly used

Fertilizer Application Methods Fertigating –Applying fertilizer through irrigation water –Works best with Nitrogen Potassium Most effective when water is uniformly distributed Most efficient in a sprinkler-type irrigation systems

Fertilizer Application Methods Foliage Spraying –Satisfactory when trace elements are needed immediately or –Nutrients must be applied to sandy soils –Popular on Citrus Ornamental crops

Fertilizer Application Methods Injecting Gaseous Fertilizers –Nitrogen Applied by –Injecting anhydrous ammonia –Under pressure –In six inches soil depth –Tractor drawn applicators