Did you know that there are over 10 whole nutrients a plant needs? This includes carbon, hydrogen and oxygen which is why air and water are necessary. But the rest of the nutrients all depend upon one thing – the soil. This is why Fertilising plants is an essential habit.
The basis of fertilising plants all comes from one keyword, fertilisation. A fertiliser is a substance which pushes the plant towards growth, healthiness and productivity. Therefore, fertilising plants is paired with factors such as light, air, water, moisture and temperature.
Some of the more important nutrients for fertilising plants are phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sulphur, and nitrogen (besides the ones mentioned earlier). A total of 17 nutrients are required for the plan to sustain a healthy life, thus fertilising plants is essential because the soil provides a major chunk of these nutrients.
Nutrients for fertilising plants can be split into multiple categories. This includes primary macronutrients, the most important of all such as Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Whereas secondary macronutrients include sulphur, calcium and magnesium.
Types and uses:
Fertilising plants can be done with different types of fertilisers. Organic fertilisers are those which come from plants and animals. Molecules are added to the fertilising plants and this promotes soil enrichment and even reproduction amongst plants. Some examples of fertilising plants organically are;
- Agricultural waste
- Manure from livestock
- Industrial waste
However, inorganic fertilisers exist too which are responsible for directly affecting the soil through chemicals. This includes Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers. Some of the common nitrogen fertilisers for fertilising plants are urea and ammonium sulphate. These chemicals consist of nitrogen which is a primary element for soil enrichment. Agricultural products are especially improved by this chemical.
In addition, another inorganic type for fertilising plants is phosphorus fertiliser. This is responsible for cell growth and expansion. Phosphate rock is a popular material for the manufacturing of this fertiliser. A crucial use of this in the case of fertilising plants is that it strengthens the roots of the plant.
Benefits of Having Plants in Your Home
Some examples of the uses of fertilising plants are:
- Nitrogen fertilisers for greener lawns
- Organic fertilisers for soil fertility and texture
- Using it in home plants (including potted plants) to take the place of losing nutrients
Advantages & Disadvantages:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Efficient to carry around, transport, and use | They’re not always cost-effective due to their man-made nature (in factories) |
| Increase in the number of crops and yields | Sometimes excessive use of fertilisers isn’t good for growth and soil fertility, as well as the roots and tissues for fertilising plants |
| Easy to dissolve in soil due to its consistency and soluble nature | Long-term use could lead to disturbances in the pH level of soil |
| They’re reliable and easily available in the market due to increased demand and agricultural production | Toxic for humans and plants due to excessive chemical material. Potential problems are respiratory issues and skin irritation |
| The quick growth of plants is helpful for the growing population, this reaches economic goals due to the high demands of fertilising plants | Harmful to the environment due to soil pollution, and groundwater pollution thus affecting the ecosystem |
Fertilisers are so important for plants because they promote healthier crops by avoiding pesticides and herbicides. They increase the depth of the roots and the water intake and volume. Phosphorus is responsible for this, and it also allows for better seed growth. Nitrogen helps with greenery, and potassium helps with plants’ stalks and straws
Why fertilisers?
The 10-10-10 rule is an effective way to observe the nutrients and chemicals being provided for fertilising plants. This means that there’s 10% of Nitrogen (N), 10% Phosphorus (P), and 10% Potassium (K). Each type of soil has its ingredients for nutritional purposes. Laborious activities like farming, construction, traffic, etc can negatively impact the soil by changing its chemical structure, which is why fertilisers are required to keep the plants intact.
For the plants to be the healthiest they’ve ever been, the N-P-K formula is essential.
But the 10-10-10 rule is just an example, as there are cases where certain fertilisers use 20% each too. Depending on the soil and its type and requirements, fertilisers which aren’t equally split in terms of N-P-K work too. For example, using a fertiliser with a higher percentage of Nitrogen (N) will promote more greenery in the fertilised plants.
A fertiliser can be in solid/granular form or even water. The latter helps with fertilising plants at a faster rate, but they also must be applied to the plant more often. Whereas the granules, which are to be dissolved in water, are slower in doing the job but are better for long-term use.
The aforementioned solid type of fertiliser must be used with water, and not in dry soil. Also, if the fertiliser touches the plant leaves it can negatively impact them causing them to break down and burn. The temperature and weather is also a crucial factor for fertilising plants. For example, windy or rainy days lead to ineffectiveness and misplacement of fertiliser, which makes it a total waste for the plant and its soil.
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Timing is important:
The time and season of fertilising plants are of utmost importance to promote higher growth in plants. Those like vegetables and lawns are best fitted with granulated fertilisers, in seasons like early spring. Remember not to use fertiliser during the rains, as this will be a waste of time, money and effort. Lawns should be fertilised once again though, during the fall season as well.
On the other hand, annual plants such as flowers, should be fed more often with fertilisers. A higher percentage of phosphorus is more effective for these plants, with a water-based fertiliser.
For trees and shrubs, the fall season is good to fertilise them. Granule-based fertilisers should be used, both in the spring and fall seasons.
Some traditional farming and agricultural methods, to date, use other methods of fertilising plants, especially farm manure and compost. Compost is highly effective to make at home with generic waste materials, thus providing a more cost-effective and realistic way to enrich the soil.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):-
1. When should I fertilize my plants?
A. Fertilize your plants during their active growing season, typically in spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season, as plants are not actively growing and won’t benefit from the nutrients.
2. How often should I fertilize my plants?
A. The frequency of fertilizing depends on the type of plant and the type of fertilizer you’re using. Generally, most plants benefit from fertilization every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. However, always refer to the specific instructions on the fertilizer package or consult with a gardening expert for personalized advice.
3. What type of fertilizer should I use?
A. There are various types of fertilizers available, including granular, liquid, and slow-release fertilizers. Choose a fertilizer that matches the needs of your plants and consider factors like the plant’s growth stage, soil type, and nutrient deficiencies. Balanced fertilizers with equal parts nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are suitable for general use.
4. How much fertilizer should I apply?
A. The amount of fertilizer to apply depends on the type of plant, its size, and the concentration of nutrients in the fertilizer. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage plants and harm the environment. When in doubt, it’s better to apply less fertilizer than too much.
5. Should I fertilize newly planted or young plants?
A. Newly planted or young plants may benefit from fertilization to promote healthy growth. However, use caution and apply a diluted fertilizer solution to avoid overwhelming the delicate roots. Wait until the plants are established before applying full-strength fertilizer, usually after a few weeks or months.
6. Can I use homemade or organic fertilizers?
A. Yes, homemade or organic fertilizers can be effective and environmentally friendly options for feeding plants. Common organic fertilizers include compost, manure, fish emulsion, and seaweed extracts. These natural alternatives provide nutrients to plants while improving soil health and microbial activity.
7. What are signs of over-fertilization or nutrient deficiencies?
A. Over-fertilization can cause leaf burn, stunted growth, or even plant death. On the other hand, nutrient deficiencies manifest through symptoms like yellowing leaves, poor flowering or fruiting, and weak stems. Regularly monitor your plants for signs of stress or nutrient imbalances, and adjust your fertilization regimen accordingly.