6 fertilization technique using npk compound fertilizer.

6 fertilization technique using npk compound fertilizer.

Fertilization technique: Nitrogen-Based Measurement Approach

  • The application amount of compound fertilizer is measured based on nitrogen amount. Compound fertilizer contains a variety of nutrients, most of which are of the ternary type of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Except for the special fertilizers used for leguminous crops, which are mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, they all use nitrogen as the main nutrient, and the nutrient ratio all uses nitrogen as 1, with corresponding phosphorus and potassium nutrients.
  • For a certain crop in a region, when actually calculating the application amount, it can be converted from the amount of single nitrogen fertilizer that is customarily applied locally. The application amount is calculated based on the amount of nitrogen in the compound fertilizer, which also makes it easy to compare the fertilization levels of different soils and different crops.
  • Since compound fertilizer contains a considerable amount of phosphorus, potassium and accessory components, the amount of fertilizer applied is larger than that of single nitrogen fertilizer. Generally, 50kg/acre is applied to field crops and 100kg/acre to cash crops.

Fertilization technique: correct timing approach

  • In order to make the phosphorus and potassium (especially phosphorus) in the compound fertilizer fully play its role, the base fertilizer should be applied as early as possible. Annual crops can be applied in combination with tillage, while perennial crops (such as trees) are mostly applied in winter and spring. If compound fertilizer is used as top dressing, it should also be applied early or together with single nitrogen fertilizer.
  •  Spring: This is a common time to start fertilizing, especially for plants that are actively growing or about to start growing after winter dormancy. For many plants, early spring is the time to give them a boost of nutrients to support new growth.
  • Late Spring/Early Summer: For many plants, a second round of fertilization in late spring or early summer can be beneficial. This helps to sustain them through the peak growth period and into summer. 
  • Late Summer/Fall: Some plants benefit from a late-season fertilization to support them through the end of the growing season. However, be cautious with this timing, as you don’t want to encourage too much new growth that could be damaged by the onset of winter.

Fertilization technique: Depth of fertilization

  • The depth of fertilization has a great influence on fertilizer efficiency. Fertilizer should be applied to the soil layer where the crop root system is distributed, so that the nutrients in the soil below the cultivated layer can be more supplemented to promote a balanced fertilizer supply.
  • As the crop grows, the roots will continue to stretch toward the lower soil. Except for a few crops with a short growth period, the absorptive root systems of most crops in the middle and late stages can be distributed from the root system to the soil layer of 30-50cm.
  • In the early stage, crops mainly absorb nutrients from the upper tillage layer, while in the middle and late stages, more nutrients are absorbed from the lower layer. Therefore, the layered fertilization treatment of compound fertilizers concentrated as base fertilizer can increase the yield by 4%-10% compared with the application of fertilizers in one layer.

Foliar fertilization technique working principle explained

  • Foliar fertilization is a method of supplying essential nutrients to plants by applying liquid fertilizer directly to their leaves. Instead of applying fertilizer to the soil for uptake through the roots, foliar fertilization involves spraying a nutrient solution onto the foliage, where the nutrients are absorbed through the stomata (tiny pores) on the leaves’ surface or through the epidermis.
  • This method is particularly useful when plants have nutrient deficiencies or when quick correction is needed. Foliar fertilization can provide a rapid boost of nutrients, bypassing any soil nutrient uptake issues or deficiencies. It’s often used in conjunction with soil fertilization, especially during critical growth stages or periods of stress.
  • Foliar fertilization is most effective when the nutrient solution is applied during the early morning or late afternoon when stomata are open, allowing for better nutrient absorption. However, care must be taken not to apply foliar fertilizers during hot, sunny conditions, as this can cause leaf burn. Additionally, it’s important to ensure proper dilution and application rates to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant.

Compound fertilizer drip fertigation working mechanism

  • Drip fertigation is a method of applying fertilizers, nutrients, and other supplements to plants through a drip irrigation system. In traditional drip irrigation, water is delivered directly to the root zone of plants through a network of tubing and emitters, which helps conserve water and reduce runoff.
  • In drip fertigation, fertilizers or nutrients are mixed with the irrigation water and delivered directly to the root zone along with the water. This allows for precise control over the application of fertilizers, ensuring that plants receive the nutrients they need in the right amounts and at the right times.
  • Drip fertigation is widely used in agriculture, horticulture, and landscaping because it can improve nutrient uptake efficiency, reduce fertilizer waste, and promote healthier plant growth. It also allows for the application of fertilizers through automated systems, which can save time and labor compared to manual application methods.

Organic fertilizer drip fertigation principle explained:

  • Hydroponic fertilization is a method of supplying essential nutrients to plants grown in a hydroponic system, where plants grow without soil, usually in a nutrient-rich water solution. In hydroponic systems, plants receive all of their required nutrients directly from the water, which is enriched with a balanced mixture of essential minerals and nutrients.
  • Hydroponic fertilization involves carefully monitoring and adjusting the nutrient solution to ensure that plants receive the optimal balance of nutrients required for healthy growth. This typically includes elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and various micronutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese.
  • The nutrient solution can be either liquid or soluble powder, and it’s important to maintain the correct pH level to ensure that plants can effectively absorb the nutrients. Fertilization in hydroponic systems is often more precise and controlled compared to traditional soil-based methods, allowing growers to tailor the nutrient solution to the specific needs of the plants and optimize growth and yield.

Conclusino:

In conclusion, the utilization of NPK compound fertilizers offers a multifaceted approach to enhancing agricultural productivity while mitigating environmental impacts. Through the six discussed fertilization techniques, farmers can deploy tailored strategies to address the diverse needs of their crops and soil compositions.