Article by :- Priya Kumari
Introduction
Fertilizers are materials of either natural or artificial origin and containing chemicals, which by their use, increase the productivity and the growth of the plants. In fact, they release the necessary nutrients to the land for healthy crops and increase its yield. Every year farmers spend a lot of money on fertilizers expecting to get a good harvest, but the results are often disappointing. They do the wrong work when applying the fertilizer which causes the slowing of the plant growth and pollutes the environment. These are the most common fertilizer errors that made the most of the farmers would not repeat if they want to have a bigger yield:
Skipping Soil Analysis
Often, people do not perform soil testing which is considered a typical mistake and as a result, they are using fertilizers that are either less or more in quantity or of the wrong type. Consequently, these nutrients in the soil become unbalanced, and plants' growth is compromised, and their yield potential decreases apart from the soil's health getting worse. Soil testing is the only way to find out the pH, nutrient levels, and deficiencies, thus being able to use the correct fertilizer. Tips: A soil test is a must before you decide to add fertilizer to the soil. The test will guide you on the required nutrients. An agriculture expert should be consulted for the right type and amount of fertilizer to be used.
Ignoring Crop Needs and Overusing Fertilizers
Each crop requires different nutrients. Using the same fertilizer for all can lead to a decrease in the crop yield. The farmer may feel inclined to give the plants additional nutrients, under the assumption that they will grow faster and become stronger. The result of using too much fertilizer will be the opposite of the farmer's expectation and the plant will grow slower or die. Over-fertilizing can lead to the death of plants, a decrease in the population of good soil organisms, and a possible contamination of rivers and lakes into which the fertilizer may flow because of runoff. Tips: Adjust the kind and quantity of fertilizer to be compatible with the nutrient needs of the crop. Refer to crop instructions or seek advice from an expert to be able to tap the best growth and yield of the crop. Put the fertilizers in use according to the recommended quantities and Timetables. Employ instruments such as measuring cups or calibrated spreaders for over application prevention.
Using wrong type of fertilizers
It is not true that all fertilizers are identical. Besides, if you use fertilizers that are not suitable, your plants can be got stuck in their development or even harmed. Fertilizers are available in different varieties, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), and each nutrient has its own function. So if you choose the wrong one, plant may not release essential nutrients. Tips: Discover the nutrients that the crop requires and select the suitable fertilizer. Refer to the guidelines or consult experts to make sure that the right match for healthy growth is found.
Applying at Inappropriate times
One of the main factors that determine the efficiency of a fertilizer is the time at which it is applied. If the fertilizer is used at an incorrect time it can result in loss of nutrients, plants that will not properly absorb them, or even cause the crops to get injured. As an illustration, if the fertilizer is used at the hottest point of the day, the nutrient, nitrogen, can be released in the air in the form of a gas instead of being absorbed by the soil. Tips: Fertilizers should be used only when plants are at the proper growth stage and when the temperature is cooler. In order for the nutrients to be absorbed well, do not use fertilizers during an intense heat or heavy rain.
Improper Application Technique
How fertilizer is used mainly depends on the type a user is. One common way of using fertilizer is by spreading it over big areas that have been evenly cultivated. However, this is not always the best method, especially in the case of certain kinds of plants. Fertilizing the soil in the area the plant is going to get the nutrients is the best way to do it.
Tips: Employ the appropriate technique for the specific crop, ensure that the fertilizer is placed close to the root area. It is advisable to distribute the fertilizer uniformly so that the nutrients are not wasted and for the plant to get good development.
Using Poor- Quality Fertilizers
Poor quality fertilizers that are used in agricultural productions often do not provide the necessary minerals for the plants; hence, the plants will have a weak and stunted growth. In addition, these fertilizers of low quality may contain some harmful substances that will deteriorate the soil acidifying it slowly. Consequently, yields of the crops diminish that leads to a decrease of the farm productivity. Tips: Make sure that you always buy fertilizers from suppliers that you trust. Quality certifications should also be checked. In order to keep the soil in good condition and grow your crops in a healthy manner, stay away from cheap and mixed products.
Conclusion
Fertilizer errors are able to cost you a lot of money. However, if you possess the necessary knowledge and follow the right practices, these errors will become easy to avoid. A healthy growth of plants in the soil depends on soil testing, the right selection of fertilizer, and the correct application of it. Farmers through blending traditional agriculture with individual nutrient management can increase production, reduce their expenses, and conserve the soil quality for the future of the farm sector.