Fertilisation and nutrients: feeding the crop correctly
Plant nutrient needs, fertiliser types and responsible application
Plants need nutrients to grow just like animals need feed. Fertilisation is about supplying the nutrients that the soil cannot itself deliver in sufficient quantity so that the crop gets good yield and good quality. But fertilisation must hit the mark: too little gives low yield and too much costs money and can burden the environment.
§Plant nutrients
Nutrients are divided based on the amounts the plant needs. Macronutrients are taken up in large quantities while micronutrients are only needed in small quantities – but they are just as necessary.
- 01Nitrogen (N) — the most important growth nutrient, part of protein and provides green leaf mass.
- 02Phosphorus (P) — important for root development energy metabolism and kernel/seed formation.
- 03Potassium (K) — strengthens plant water retention and resilience.
- 04Sulphur, calcium and magnesium — secondary macronutrients with each their own function.
- 05Micronutrients such as boron, manganese, copper and zinc — needed in small amounts.
§Commercial fertilizer and manure
Commercial fertilizer is industrially produced fertilizer with a known and uniform content of nutrients, which is easy to dose precisely. Manure — slurry, liquid manure and solid manure — is a byproduct from animal husbandry and is a valuable nutrient source that also supplies the soil with organic matter. The content in manure varies more, so it is an advantage to have it analyzed so you know the actual nutritional value.
§Peanuts (peanuts)
To fertilize correctly you must know both the soil's content and the crop's needs. Regular soil tests show, among other things, the pH value (lime status) and the content of phosphorus and potassium, and they form the basis for a field plan, where you plan the fertilization field by field. Liming regulates the soil's acidity so the nutrients are available to the plants.
§Environmental considerations and regulations
Fertilisation is regulated because especially nitrogen and phosphorus can leach into the aquatic environment and cause oxygen depletion and algal growth. The farmer must work according to a fertilisation plan and keep accounts of how much nitrogen is used. Concepts such as manure requirements (how much animal manure may be applied per area) application periods and requirements for catch crops are part of this regulation.
The specific limits and deadlines are set in the fertilization legislation and updated continuously. As a farmer you must keep informed of the applicable rules from authorities and advisors and document your fertilization correctly.