Fertilizers are essential nutrient sources for crop growth, but incorrect application methods not only waste resources but may also damage crops. Mastering scientific fertilization techniques is crucial for improving fertilizer efficiency and ensuring crop health.
Precise Control of Fertilizer Concentration
Controlling fertilizer concentration is key to preventing root burn. Water-soluble fertilizers like urea and monopotassium phosphate need proper dilution. For leafy vegetables, foliar spray concentration should be maintained at 0.2%-0.3%, while fruit vegetables require 0.3%-0.5% concentration for root irrigation. Avoid applying high-concentration fertilizers directly near the root zone.
Organic fertilizers must be completely decomposed before use. Undecomposed organic fertilizers continue to ferment in the soil, generating heat and harmful substances that can cause root scorching. For example, chicken manure requires at least three months of composting to meet safety standards.
Selecting Appropriate Fertilization Methods
Base fertilizers should be applied before sowing or transplanting, primarily using organic fertilizers with small amounts of compound fertilizers. Thoroughly mix fertilizers with soil through deep plowing at 20-30 cm depth.
Top dressing should be chosen according to crop growth stages. Leafy vegetables can use furrow application or foliar spraying during growth periods, while fruit vegetables benefit from hole application or drip irrigation after fruit setting. Foliar fertilizers serve as emergency supplements, showing rapid effects within 1-2 days when crops display nutrient deficiency symptoms.
Timing Fertilization Correctly
Avoid heavy fertilization during seedling stage as young roots are fragile and susceptible to damage from high-concentration fertilizers. Use diluted organic fertilizers during this period.
Flowering period is critical for many crops, especially fruit vegetables that require adequate phosphorus. Applying phosphorus fertilizers one week before flowering effectively prevents flower drop.
During crop maturation, stop nitrogen application and increase potassium fertilizers to promote ripening. Nitrogen application at this stage may cause delayed maturity and affect yield and quality.
Important Considerations:
Avoid long-term single-nutrient fertilization. Maintain balanced NPK ratios and apply organic fertilizers at least once annually to improve soil conditions.
Identify chlorine-sensitive crops like potatoes and sweet potatoes that cannot tolerate chloride-containing fertilizers. Use alternatives such as potassium sulfate.
Apply fertilizers after rain or irrigation when soil moisture facilitates fertilizer dissolution and root absorption. Avoid fertilization during dry conditions.
By mastering the fertilization principles of “appropriate amount, proper timing, and targeted application,” farmers can effectively improve fertilizer utilization, reduce resource waste, prevent issues like seedling burn, and achieve sustainable agricultural development.
To complement scientific application methods, modern agriculture increasingly relies on advanced production technologies that optimize fertilizer characteristics. Various fertilizer granulation processes enable manufacturers to create products with improved nutrient delivery and reduced environmental impact. For compound fertilizers, the NPK fertilizer production line typically integrates precise NPK blending machine systems with specialized granulation equipment like the double roller press granulator for high-density formulations or the versatile disc granulator machine for uniform spherical pellets. The complete disc granulation production line ensures consistent product quality through controlled agglomeration. Meanwhile, organic nutrient sources benefit from specialized systems where initial processing utilizes efficient windrow composting machine technology, with advanced windrow machine options ensuring proper aeration. The subsequent organic fertilizer production line and sophisticated bio organic fertilizer production line employ appropriate fertilizer granulator technologies to transform composted materials into value-added products. By matching production technology to application requirements, manufacturers can create fertilizers that maximize nutrient efficiency while supporting sustainable agricultural practices through reduced leaching and controlled nutrient release.