INTRODUCTION
Fertilizers are an essential component of agriculture, particularly in the palm oil industry. Furthermore, many growers and planters are unaware that improper fertilizer application can harm their crops. Micronutrients should be applied with care to ensure that their effects are maximized and that the crops are not harmed. Most fertilizers come with instructions on how to apply them, as well as the required weight per hectare. Producers should follow the instructions on labeling and manuals, otherwise, their plants’ health may be affected.
Here are five frequent fertilizers mistakes to avoid:
- Unbalanced Nutrition: For plants to reach their full potential, they require a well-balanced diet. This contains at least 13 important elements in various amounts. Farmers usually solely consider the application of NPK fertilizers, forgetting the relevance of other vital minerals and micronutrients. This frequently results in a lower yield and a crop of ordinary quality.
- Nutrients without soil testing: Before choosing/applying fertilizers, soil testing is essential. Depending on the soil performance test, you can subsequently select the appropriate fertilizer. If you really want high output, you must supplement insufficient minerals with synthetic fertilizers.
- Too much fertilizer: A widespread misconception among farmers is that a higher fertilizer and pesticide dose will result in a bigger yield, which is not the case. Overdosing on fertilizers has negative consequences for the crop, the soil, and the ecosystem. Salinity build-up or the poisoning of specific components might result in irreversible harm.
- Failure to Apply Fertilizers at the Appropriate Time: Fertilizers should be applied at least 2 or 3 months before the ripening season begins. This is particularly true of nutrients like nitrogen (present in NPK fertilizers), which takes roughly three weeks to attain its optimum effect. Fertilizing that after harvest time may not be a smart idea, as the excess nutrients leftover from the important crops might help the development of pests and parasite plants.
- Fertilizer placement errors: Fertilizer placement is a critical component of effective crop management. Plant nutrient absorption is often improved by proper positioning, which leads to increased yields. Fertilizers can be administered by hand or with the use of special equipment. When applying fertilizers by hand, it’s critical to make sure they’re evenly distributed. To guarantee equal spreading, application equipment must be properly adjusted. To improve efficacy and reduce evaporation, broadcasted fertilizers should be integrated after application. To avoid damaging the seedling or roots, make sure no nitrogen is deposited too close to the seed or the sprouting plant while banding or spot-applying.
CONCLUSION
Fertilizing your garden is an important part of ensuring a healthy yield, but you must be selective with your application. While there are many situations when fertilizer for your crops is a good idea, there are just as many times when the fertilizer bag should be kept closed. We’ve compiled a list of frequent fertilization blunders that gardeners are prone to make. You’ll want to memorize these mistakes since you can maintain your plants looking their best and avoid any garden accidents caused by a lack of fertilizer understanding.
Padcorp, which was founded in 1960 and is the most reputable manufacturer of agricultural tools and equipment, is here to assist you at every step.
