Fundamental fertiliser guidelines

Crafting a fertiliser plan requires the expertise of an agriculturalist, who must consider factors like soil chemistry, crop type, row spacing during planting, fertiliser application methods, and the plant’s preferred nutrient uptake mechanism.

The rationale behind the necessity of using fertilisers in commercial crop production is grounded in logic. While some may simplify the process and suggest that all crops can be treated uniformly, the reality is more nuanced.

Drawing parallels with medicine, when a person experiences a health issue, certain logical steps come into play. Typically, the individual would visit a medical practitioner for an examination, leading to a visual diagnosis or possibly the need for tests before a treatment plan is recommended. In urgent cases, emergency measures are taken, often involving specialists. The prescription of medication must be precise, encompassing the right type of medicine, dosage, timing, and application method, whether oral, topical, or otherwise.

Similarly, the approach to determining the appropriate fertiliser for a specific crop follows a structured process akin to medical diagnosis and treatment. The 4R-Nutrient-Stewardship framework serves as a guide to achieving the goals of cropping systems, including increased production, enhanced farmer profitability, environmental protection, and sustainability. This concept emphasises applying the right fertiliser source, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place.

SOIL ANALYSIS

It’s essential to recognise that conducting a superficial soil analysis is often futile, as it fails to provide comprehensive insights. Instead, it is advisable to collect soil samples from both the topsoil and subsoil layers for a thorough analysis of nutrient levels and other crucial elements. Understanding the nutritional composition of each layer is vital, along with identifying any deviations from the norm, such as soil acidity, salinity, or the accumulation of harmful levels of specific elements. These factors, along with the nutritional status, necessitate soil samples being sent to accredited agricultural laboratories for analysis, adhering to established extraction methods and published standards.

IT EMPHASISES APPLYING THE RIGHT FERTILISER SOURCE, AT THE RIGHT RATE, AT THE RIGHT TIME, IN THE RIGHT PLACE

Crafting a fertiliser plan requires the expertise of an agriculturalist, who must consider factors such as soil chemistry, crop type, row spacing during planting, fertiliser application methods, and the plant’s preferred nutrient uptake mechanism. For instance, certain essential elements like phosphorus, potassium and zinc are primarily absorbed by plants through diffusion and direct root contact within a short distance. Therefore, these elements are most effectively applied by banding them in the soil at an appropriate rate and distance from the seed. Nitrogen, typically applied during planting, should also be included in this banded fertiliser. While some elements may be broadcasted successfully for uptake, others exhibit greater efficiency when banded within the root zone.

Ultimately, determining the right fertiliser involves a delicate balance of nutritional knowledge, crop characteristics, nutrient properties, cropping practices, application efficacy, affordability, and prevailing climate conditions. While there is room for flexibility, certain factors remain beyond human calculation.

SUPPLIED It is advisable to collect soil samples from both the topsoil and subsoil layers for a thorough analysis of nutrient levels and other crucial elements.