Fertilizer Testing Reveals True Quality for Maximum Crop Yields

Fertilizers are one of the most important factors in increasing agricultural productivity. Plants require essential nutrients that are often insufficient in the soil, especially on land that has been cultivated intensively. However, fertilizer use cannot be done carelessly. Choosing the right type of fertilizer and applying it correctly are key to achieving optimal results while maintaining long-term soil fertility.

• Principles of Fertilizer Selection
• Principles of Fertilizer Application
• Benefits of Proper Fertilization

Principles of Fertilizer Selection

Several basic principles should be considered when selecting fertilizers:

1. Plant Needs
   Each crop requires different nutrients. For example, rice needs a high amount of nitrogen during its vegetative stage, while fruit crops require more phosphorus and potassium to support flowering and fruiting.
2. Soil Type
   Soil condition strongly influences fertilizer effectiveness. Sandy soils are prone to nutrient leaching, making organic fertilizers more suitable to improve water retention. Clay soils, on the other hand, benefit from chemical fertilizers that are readily available to plants.
3. Nutrient Availability
   Soil analysis helps identify which nutrients are deficient. This prevents over-fertilization, which not only wastes resources but can also pollute the environment.
4. Fertilizer Type
   • Organic fertilizers are best for improving long-term soil fertility.
   • Synthetic fertilizers provide high nutrient concentrations that are immediately available.
     A combination of both is often the most effective choice.

Principles of Fertilizer Application

Beyond selection, proper fertilizer application must also follow basic principles:

1. Right Type
   Fertilizer must match plant and soil needs. For example, SP-36 supplies phosphorus, while potassium chloride (KCl) provides potassium.
2. Right Dosage
   Fertilizers should be applied according to recommendations. Too little results in poor plant growth, while too much can poison plants and degrade soil quality.
3. Right Time
   Fertilizer application should correspond to the crop’s growth stage. Nitrogen is best applied during early growth, while potassium is more critical during fruit development.
4. Right Method
   Application method affects fertilizer efficiency. Granular fertilizers may be broadcast or placed near roots, while liquid fertilizers can be sprayed directly onto leaves (foliar application).
5. Right Placement
   Fertilizers should be placed near the root zone to ensure maximum uptake. Fertilizers spread too far from roots will be less effective.

Benefits of Proper Fertilization

Following the correct principles of fertilizer selection and application provides several benefits:

• Healthy and productive plant growth
• Improved crop quality
• Maintained soil fertility
• Reduced risk of environmental pollution from over-fertilization

Conclusion

Fertilizer selection and application must follow the principles of the right type, dosage, timing, method, and placement. Considering soil conditions and crop-specific needs ensures efficient and sustainable fertilization. With the right approach, fertilizers not only boost yields but also help maintain soil resources for future generations.

Before applying fertilizer to land, it's crucial to ensure the formulation is safe for plants, soil, and the environment. Without toxicity testing, the risk of soil damage, reduced productivity, and even ecological impacts can go undetected.

Read more:
Why is Fertilizer Nutrient Content Lab Testing Necessary?

IML Research provides fertilizer toxicity testing services to assess potential harmful effects early on, ensuring your product is truly safe and meets standards. Ensure the safety of your fertilizer with reliable scientific data. Start your toxicity testing with IML Research today.

Author : Fachry
Editor: Sabilla Reza

References:

Fertilizers Europe. (2018). Fertilizer basics: Why we need fertilizers, where they come from, how they work, and how they are used. Brussels: Fertilizers Europe.

Maguire, R., Alley, M., & Flowers, W. (2019). Fertilizer types and calculating application rates. Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech.

Purba, T., Situmeang, R., Rohman, H. F., Mahyati, A., Firgiyanto, R., Junaedi, A. S., … Suhastyo, A. A. (2021). Pupuk dan teknologi pemupukan. Medan: Yayasan Kita Menulis.