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Farmers have the conception that adding large quantities of fertilizers in their farms will only do good to their plants. However, according to The Royal Horticultural Society, since fertilizers are substances that are rich in nutrients, are meant to be added in small quantities. The society suggests the following points for fertilizer application:
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Soil analysis: A thorough analysis of the soil should be conducted before planting the crops. You should first find out the existing nutrient content of you soil, find out the nutrient requirement of the plants you want to grow and add fertilizers based on the nutrient deficiency. A typical soil analysis test, this service being provided by the society as well, will determine the soil texture, organic matter content, and pH. It will also give you the content of different minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. Some soil test labs also determine the microorganism activity in your soil.
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Time of application: The time when you apply the fertilizers is also crucial. In cold climates, fertilizers should not be applied during winter and autumn as they will favor young growth during the winter. The weather being harsh during this time, the plants won’t be able to survive long. Hence the fertilizers should be applied during spring only. In fact the time of adding the fertilizers and preparation of the crop should be close.
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Quantity of fertilizers: The society suggests that if a farmer is in doubt about the quantity of fertilizer to be added, he should add less fertilizer to be on the safer side.
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Organic fertilizers: It also urges the farmers to prefer organic fertilizers to chemical fertilizers.
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