Methods or Ways of Applying Fertilizers

Fertilizers
Fertilizers are chemicals substances which can be added to the soil to increase its fertility. Fertilizers can be in form of granules, powder, crystal and pellets.

Type of Fertilizer
There are two types which are;
1.  Simple, Straight or Single Fertilizers: These fertilizer contain only one nutrients which may be phosphorus, nitrogen or potassium etc. Example are urea, single super phosphate(CaHpo), triple   super phosphate, ammonium sulphate etc.

2.  Complete or Mixed or Compound Fertilizer: These are fertilizers which contain two or more primary nutrient element plus filler materials. Examples are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) 15.15.15, NPK 5.10.5 etc.

Methods or Ways of Applying Fertilizers

• Broadcasting: This is where fertilizer is evenly spread on the farm land. It could be done before ploughing or tilling to incorporate it into the soil.

     

• Side dressing or application: This is where small quality of fertilizer is placed on one or two side of individual crop.

   

• Ring application: A shallow trench is dug round individual crop a few centimeters away from the stem. Fertilizer is then sprinkled in the trench and covered with soil.

 

• Row application: This is where fertilizer is applied in row few centimeters from the crops. It is suitable where crops are planted in rows.

• Top dressing or application: This is where fertilizer is applied to the surface soil within the reach of the root of crop during the growing stage.

• Foliar application: This is where soluble fertilizers are applied as splays on the leaves of crops.