Fertilizers & Methods of Application

Master fertilizers & application methods! Understand NPK, organic vs. inorganic, and how to apply nutrients effectively.

Match the types of fertilizers Complete fertilizer fertilizer that has all three primary elements (macros) N-P-K, 10-10-10 Incomplete fertilizer fertilizer that does not have all three primary elements (macros). 10-0-10 Organic fertilizer are fertilizers made by products of plant or animal matter and contain carbon. Inorganic fertilizer fertilizers that come from other sources other than animals or plants. Soluble fertilizers fertilizers that are dissolved in water and applied as a liquid. Insoluble fetilizers fertilizers that are granular or slow release and do not dissolve in water. Fill in the blanks for each method of fertilzier application Banding: spread in bands or lines where developing roots will easily reach it. To the side and below the seed rows (common practice 2" deeper and to the side). Provides plants with concentrated zone for improved nutrient use efficiency Side-dressing: applied between rows of young plants. Promote growth and nutrient uptake, especially to those plants with heavy nutrient demand like corn and potatoes Soil injection: Anhydrous ammonia in a liquid form can be injected into the soil near the plant roots to apply nutrients precisely. Not common but is used in the landscape industry for trees Broadcasting: spreading fertilizer uniformly over a defined plot. Employed in row crops, lawns, and vegetables. Irrigation follows to dissolve the fertilizer in the soil and minimize risk of salt damage to plants Fertigation: distributes water-soluble fertilizers through irrigation systems, often employed in greenhouses and nurseries. Foliar Spray: providing micronutrients to plants by spraying fertilizer directly onto the leaves. Costly and has a high risk of phytotoxicity (poisonous effect of a substance on plant growth). Can cause abnormal growth or death if applied in too high of concentrations Based on the ratio, is this fertilizer a complete fertilizer or an incomplete fertilizer? 15-20-10 complete incomplete based on the ratio, is this fertilizer an incomplete or complete fertilizer? 10-0-18 complete incomplete What are the three primary nutrients (macronutrients) represented in the fertilizer ratio 10-10-10 Sort nutrients by macro primary, secondary, non-mineral and micro nutrients Macro Primary Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) Macro Secondary Calcium (Ca) Sulfur (S) Magnesium (Mg) Macro Non Mineral Carbon (C) Hydrogen (H) Oxygen (O) Micronutrients Boron (B) Chlorine (Cl) Copper (Cu) Iron (Fe) Manganese (Mn) Molybdenum (Mo) Nickel (Ni) Zinc (Zn) Sources of Nutrients Plant Residue stalks, leaves, vines, other parts of plants Green Manures cover crops like legumes, minimize soil erosion Compost organic matter broken down by microorganisms animal waste manure from animals industrial waste wastewater treatment turned into biosolids inorganic fertilizers from sources other than animals or plants What plant nutrient is needed? Nitrogen Potassium Phosphorus What plant nutrient is needed? Nitrogen Potassium Phosphorus What plant nutrient is needed? Nitrogen Potassium Phosphorus