Nutrients and irrigation speed up crop development, increase crop yield and prevent contamination. Besides the sun, irrigation, and nutrients become the most basic requirements for plant growth and development.
Implementing the following practices can increase the efficient use of nutrients in your farm or growing system. The higher the efficiency, the fewer nutrients lost and better environmental and economic outcomes. But before that, you need to learn and understand the specific irrigation and nutrient management practices for better farming outcomes.
The Right Amount of Nutrients For Your Plants
With most things, too much of a good thing is bad. Adding the right amount of fertilizer is an essential practice for nutrient management based on your farm's goals and soil conditions. The proportion of different nutrients in the soil, the water content in the soil, and the type of soil the plants are growing in, causes the plants to absorb the nutrients at different rates.
The best amount of nutrients will vary between crop species, soil, precipitation, and more. We have provided some helpful information in this article but to find out the very best quantity for a particular plant species, go through your local extension services or regional resources.
Healthy Crops Start with Your Soil
The foundation of healthy crops begins with healthy soil. Soil provides a plant most the essential things needed for its growth; nutrients, water, and support.
To cultivate robust crops, understanding the soil's condition is vital, which is where soil testing comes in. Soil tests analyze nutrient levels, pH, organic matter, and other key factors, offering valuable insights into the soil's capacity to support the crops you're attempting to grow. This information enables farmers to make informed decisions about what amendments are needed, such as adding fertilizers or lime, to create a balanced and productive environment.
By starting with soil testing, growers can optimize their fields for plant health, reduce input costs, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Estimating the Number of Plants
Plants need space to grow. Since land is limited to what you have available, farmers can use a simple equation or technology to help them calculate this amount.
Using a farm management tool like Farmbrite to estimate the number of plants likely to be grown in a particular grazing area or field, will help automatically estimate the number of plants for a particular planting area. Based on the information you provide about the plant you're growing, Farmbrite to help you estimate your needed amount of plants, organize your farm, and calculate your plant spacing.
You can also calculate this manually based on the plant growth, the plant spacing needs, and the amount of space available in your field. Check out this free plant spacing calculator and plant spacing guide.
Finding the Right Amount of Fertilizer For Your Crop
When adding fertilizer, you don't want to use what isn't needed. One way we see farms overspending is through the overuse of fertilizers. By reducing your use of fertilizers you can save money and add fertilizer only where needed. But the question is, how do you know where to add nutrients to your soil?
To calculate the amount of fertilizer needed you will need to answer these questions:
1. Understand Your Crop’s Nutrient Requirements
Identify the crop you are growing and its specific nutrient requirements, typically expressed as N-P-K (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium).
Use resources such as soil and crop guidelines, local agricultural extension offices, or a crop nutrient requirement chart to help guide you.
2. Testing
Perform a soil test to determine the existing nutrient levels already in your soil.
Compare the test results with the crop’s nutrient requirements to calculate the deficit that needs to be supplemented with fertilizer. You may not need to add anything.
3. Determine Fertilizer Type
Select a type of fertilizer based on its nutrient composition (e.g., 10-10-10 means 10% Nitrogen, 10% Phosphorus, and 10% Potassium).
Make sure it aligns with the nutrient deficit identified in the soil test and calculate the amount you need for the crop you're growing.
4. Calculate Fertilizer Quantities for Your Crop
Use the following fertilizer ratio formula:
With a fertilizer ratio for a soil test recommendation of 6 lb of nitrogen, 5 lb of phosphate, and 2 lb of Phosphorus, divide the weight of each of the three nutrients (6 lb, 5 lb, 2 lb) listed on the report by the lowest nutrient weight (2 lb in this case).
6 ÷ 2 = 3
5 ÷ 2 = 3
2 ÷ 2 = 1
The fertilizer ratio that best fits this recommendation is 3-3-1. It's worth it to say that fertilizer ratios on products available might not always match exactly the fertilizer ratio that you are looking for. Just match it the best you can.
5. Adjust Fertilizer for Area
Multiply the fertilizer requirement per acre by the size of your field to determine the total amount of fertilizer needed.
6. Application Fertilizer Application Timing and Methods
Follow crop-specific guidelines for when and how to apply the fertilizer (e.g., before planting, at specific growth stages, or as a split application).
Finding the Right Type of Fertilizer
Fertilizers aren't one size fits all. The form of fertilizer you get determines how fast the nutrients will become available for the plant. Finding a suitable fertilizer can depend on many things like plant species, soil, environmental conditions, and more. To be thorough and have the best growing season, it's a good idea to take all this into account during the crop planning process.
Fertilizer:
Fertilizer offers plants specific nutrients for healthy growth at key times that are needed. Store-bought nutrients and fertilizers are clearly labeled with the amounts of nutrients they will release. These will have nutrient levels on them that will be labeled. You can be very precise with their application.
Compost:
Compost improves and adds nourishment to the soil. The nutrients from organic sources are available in a 'slow release' form as decomposition occurs gradually. However, it takes time to break these down and it's hard to predict the amount of nutrients available for the crop and when it will become available.
For composting systems, nutrients (like nitrogen) can be added in the form of green materials (grass clippings, kitchen scraps), and carbon (in the form of dry leaves, and straw) that can balance the nitrogen.
3 Keys to Composting:
Layering: Create layers of greens and browns to ensure that microorganisms have a balanced diet of nutrients to break down the material effectively.
Turning: Regularly turn the compost pile to ensure nutrients are evenly distributed and broken down.
Temperature: The optimal temperature range for compost is 130°F to 160°F (54°C to 71°C)
Overheating: Over 160°F a compost pile can "cook" too quickly, causing the beneficial microbes to die off. This can slow down the composting process, or in some cases, stop it altogether. (If the pile gets too hot, you should turn it and allow some airflow for it to cool down.
Active Decomposition: 130°F to 160°F, This is the "thermophilic" phase of composting, where the temperature rises due to the heat generated by microbial activity, primarily bacteria and fungi. In this range, microbes are working most efficiently to break down organic matter.
Slower Decomposition: Below 130°F, microbial activity slows down significantly, and the composting process can take much longer. It’s still possible for compost to break down at these temperatures, but it will happen at a much slower rate.
Cold Composting: In colder climates or during winter months, composting can still occur at lower temperatures, but the process may be more sluggish unless the pile is large enough to generate internal heat or external steps (like using compost bins with insulation) are taken.
If you are using organic fertilizers such as manure it can have a variable nutrient content which might change over time. Consult a professional on the best form/source ideal for your crops and farm.
Find balance with any fertilization practice, just like in nature. We might suggest using both compost and fertilizer. This way you can add nutrients when needed for the things we are growing and to nourish the soil for the next growing season.
Finding the Right Location and Placement of Nutrients
So, what is the right fertilizer application fertilizer and timing methods? Well, it depends on what you're growing the and application method.
Finding the right location to add nutrients in various contexts (gardening, farming, aquaculture, etc.) depends on the type of system you're working with. Below are some key guidelines for different scenarios:
1. Soil-Based Farming
In soil-based systems, adding nutrients directly to the soil is common, but it’s important to target the areas where plants can most effectively access the nutrients. Such as:
Plant Root Zones: Apply nutrients near the plant roots for maximum absorption. You can use fertilizers as a top dressing around the base of plants or incorporate them into the soil before planting.
Placement: This involves adding nutrients along the rows of plants after they've grown a bit. It helps provide nutrients during critical growth stages.
Deep Fertilization: For deep-rooted plants, nutrients can be added deeper into the soil to reach the lower root zone.
Soil Amendments:
Organic matter (compost, mulch, manure) should be added across the garden bed, ideally before planting or as a top dressing to improve long-term soil health and nutrient availability.
2. Hydroponics or Aquaponics Systems
In soilless systems like hydroponics or aquaponics, nutrient delivery will always need to be precise since there’s no soil to act as a buffer.
Hydroponic Tanks or Reservoirs: Nutrients are usually mixed in water and delivered to the plants through a pump system. It's essential to maintain the correct balance and concentration of nutrients throughout the solution.
Root Zone: In deep-water culture or (DWC), aeroponics, and other hydroponic setups, the plant roots should be in direct contact with nutrient-rich water or mist so they can access the nutrients.
Even Distribution: Ensure the nutrient solution is evenly distributed across all plants to avoid deficiencies or excesses in your operation.
3. Foliar Feeding
Foliar feeding involves spraying nutrients directly onto the leaves of plants. This can be effective in addressing certain nutrient deficiencies quickly but should be done with care to avoid burning the leaves.
Mist the Leaves: Apply nutrients in a fine mist directly to the plant leaves, ideally in the early morning or late afternoon when the stomata (pores) are open and active.
Concentration: Use a diluted solution to avoid nutrient burn, as the absorption rate via leaves is faster than through the roots.
Determine The Timing To Add Nutrients
Fertilizer timing is critical to maximize crop health, yield, and profitability. All organisms need nutrients at different times of their lifecycle to grow well, and plants are no different. By understanding the growth stages of plants and aligning nutrient application to their specific needs, farmers can enhance nutrient uptake efficiency and reduce wasted fertilizer applications.
When to Apply Fertilizer:
Fertilizer timing options generally include pre-plant, at-planting, side-dressing, and split applications, each type caters to different crop requirements and environmental conditions.
Growers can develop a tailored strategy for their operation utilizing many of these strategies for their plants to ensure optimal growing results.
Fertilizer at Pre-planting: If you know that your soil does not have adequate fertilizer for the plant you are growing, apply a base fertilizer before planting your crop.
Nutrients needed for plants to grow:
Nitrogen (N): Is essential for protein synthesis and chlorophyll production,
Phosphorus (P): Helps root development, flower and seed formation,
Potassium (K): Regulates water balance, enzyme activity, and disease resistance.
Macronutrients: Needed for various other functions like photosynthesis, hormone production, and more.
Applying Fertilizer at Planting: Apply fertilizer at the time you plant. You can apply a small amount of readily available nutrients near the seed to kickstart germination. You will usually apply with water.
Side-dressing Fertilization: You can also apply fertilizer alongside plant rows during their active growth stages when their nutrient demand is high. This is usually about 4-6 weeks after planting.
Topdressing Fertilization:
Broadcast fertilizer on the soil surface later in the season for specific nutrient needs. This might also be applied in early spring or fall.
Split Application Fertilization: You might also consider dividing the fertilizer into multiple applications throughout the growing season. This will ensure maximum nutrient uptake at key times. Using a task organization You can utilize a farm task management application like Farmbrite to manage your reminders to do this when needed (so you don't forget).
Ways to Apply Fertilizer:
Broadcasting: Evenly distribute fertilizer over a wide area, suitable for large areas with established plants.
Banding: Apply fertilizer in concentrated strips near the seed row, minimizing nutrient loss.
Injection: Apply fertilizer directly into the soil using specialized equipment, ideal for liquid fertilizers.
Foliar spray: Apply diluted liquid fertilizer directly onto leaves for quick nutrient uptake in specific situations.
Fertigation: Mix fertilizer with irrigation water and apply through the watering system.
Important factors to consider when applying fertilizer:
Crop type:
Different plants have different nutrient requirements and optimal application timings.
Soil type:
Soil texture influences nutrient availability and how fertilizer should be applied.
Weather conditions:
Avoid applying fertilizer just before heavy rain to prevent nutrient leaching.
Environmental concerns:
Follow responsible fertilizer practices to minimize nutrient runoff and pollution.
The Health Of Your Soil
Often fertile soil will supply enough nutrients to compensate for fertilizer deficiency in short to medium periods. Remember, that no crop will use fertilizers/nutrients with 100% efficiency. That's because plants are always in competition with the microorganisms in the soil.
Also, nutrient loss is due to the movement of water and gas that is part of a productive biological environment but this will decrease fertilizer efficiency. However, unused fertilizer can be incorporated into the plant-soil system using cover crops, crop rotation with plants with different root systems, and nutrient intake.
Most people prefer the pre-plant application of nutrients. The approach ensures the crop receives enough nutrition early in its growth for higher yields. It also reduces the number of passes in the field, saving time and energy.
Nutrient uptake patterns change throughout the season. At an early stage, the demand for nutrients is low. If you apply enough nutrients for the entire crop at the start of the season, large portions will be available before the crop can take it. Irrigation water or rain can also move the nutrients beyond the plant's reach and become a water quality concern.
The best way to avoid such issues is to apply fertilizers in smaller portions at crucial stages in crop development. The number of applications will vary depending on your irrigation system and the crop species.
Conclusion to How to Manage Crop Fertilization
Managing plant nutrients effectively is key to promoting healthy plant growth, optimizing yields, and maintaining sustainable practices. By understanding the specific nutrient requirements of different plants, tailoring fertilization schedules, and monitoring soil and plant health regularly, you can ensure that plants receive the right nutrients at the right time.
Understanding your soil composition and finding a balance between organic and synthetic fertilizers, using efficient application methods, and timing, and incorporating soil health practices like composting and crop rotation will help build a resilient, productive growing system.
Above all, using a holistic approach to nutrient management that respects both plant and environmental needs is essential for long-term success in any growing endeavor. We hope this article has given you some ideas on how to better manage your farm nutrients.
Happy Farming!