FERTILIZERS GOOD FOR MORE AGRICULTURAL OUTPUT Epsode 1

I am starting a series on fertilizers, as a farmer with a passion, i want to see our production high and growing. Lets start....

what fertilizers are
Fertilizers are usually substances added to the soil to supply nutrients.
They are categorised into two, organic and inorganic fertilizers.

Qualities of a good fertilizer
It should be:-
✔ Easy to apply
✔ Easy to handle
✔ Easy to store
✔ Able to supply the required nutrients readily.
✔ Affordable.

Lets now look at one category of fertilizer and that is;

Artificial or Inorganic fertilizers
These are chemically synthesised plant nutrient compounds which are applied to the soil to supplement its natural fertility.

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Advantages of Inorganic fertilizers

✔ They contain high mineral concentrate
✔ They are more convenient to handle and store
✔ They release nutrients easily.
✔ Many are combined with irrigation water and applied at once.

Disadvantages of inorganic fertilizers

✔ They are expensive
✔ They are used up quickly
✔ They can be leached
✔ May pollute the environment if incorrectly used.
✔ Frequent application usually changes the soil Ph.

Factors to consider for beneficial use of these fertilizers

✔ Apply the correct rate of fertilizers
✔ Ensure to apply correct type
✔ Carefully assess the required nutrients for plant growth
✔ First analyse the soil to establish nutrients present in the soil.

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So, fertilizers containing only one essential element is known as simple or a straight fertilizer. Then, those that contain two or more essential elements is known as a compound or mixed fertilizer.

Stay tuned for the next episode with continuation with compound fertilizers.

Thanks for the interest in farming

Ben (Agriculturalist)