The use of urea fertilizer and phosphorus among other nutrients is quite common in the agriculture industry. However, many farmers are not aware of the dos and don’ts of using the fertilizer which may affect the health of the plants. Whether it is overfeeding the crops or not applying the fertilizer correctly, there can be a number of reasons that can harm the plants. With proper information, a farmer can make their land flourish and give plants the correct nutrition.
Plant nutrition is essential but when crops are mass-produced, they can be deficient in some or the other nutrients due to several reasons. This is when fertilizers come into the picture and provide the missing nutrition to the crops. However, if the fertilizers are not properly applied to the crops, the roots can burn, ultimately killing it. Mentioned below are the dos and don’ts of fertilizer application that one should keep in mind: -
Conduct a Soil Test
It is noteworthy that all crops and soil types are different, so their requirements are also different. Soil testing is a great technique to know if the crops will react positively to a fertilizer or not. This can be done by taking a small part of the land, applying the fertilizer, and checking if it is providing proper nutrition to the crops. Soil testing can help provide the right and accurate amount of fertilizer to the plants without any wastage.
Follow the Instructions
Following the label instructions and guidelines is one of the most important things to do while applying it on the crops as they contain some vital information. Even if a farmer is using the same type of fertilizer from a different brand, chances of varying application instructions are there. Fertilizers can drastically affect the plants as well as the farmer, so it is best to follow these guidelines for maximum safety.
Dispose of the Fertilizer Carefully
This might be unknown to many but carelessly disposing of the fertilizer can be very dangerous. For instance, if it is disposed of in a local water body then it can contaminate the water, making it poisonous to drink. The best practices for disposing of the fertilizer are to hand it to the local hazardous waste service or dump it in a heavy-duty plastic bag so that it does not leak out.
Do Not Fertilize New Plants
The use of urea fertilizer or any other on new plants can be damaging to its growth. The new plants are usually vulnerable and require some time to properly establish their roots in the soil. Applying fertilizer to them in this stage can damage the overall health of the plants and eventually destroy them. Once the plants are strong enough, then it is advisable to apply fertilizer.
Avoid Excessive Fertilization
Always remember that excess of anything can be harmful and it is the same in the case of fertilizing the crops. It can make the plant’s immunity weaker, cause burning, harm the roots, and become the reason for other issues. Applying the recommended fertilizer amount is the best way to avoid excessive fertilizing the plants.
One should invest in a good-quality fertilizer for their land and ensure that they apply it according to the instructions provided. By taking appropriate safety measures one can ensure to provide nutrition to the crops without harming them.