RECOMMENDED SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Introduction

The ability of soils to supply nutrients to plants in adequate amounts and proportions is usually not sufficient to produce high crop yields
on most soils. The capacity factor of most soils is usually low or has been made low by continuous cultivation (removal or crops,
fixation, leaching and erosion). NPK are the soil nutrients most commonly present in limiting amounts and which could be supplied in
the form of fertilizer.

Maintenance of soil fertility necessitates the proper integration of soil management practices such as: (1) fertilization, and (2) integrated
nutrient management, which includes: (a) organic matter maintenance (b) crop rotation; (c) cover cropping; (d) proper tillage; (e) cropping
pattern/system; and (f) fertilization of organic fertilizers. An integrated and timely application of all these practices to the field is
instrumental in maintaining soil fertility and hence, increasing crop yield.

Fertilization – The continuous removal of plant nutrients with cropping and other losses results in infertile soil if nutrient replenishment
through fertilizer application is not done. Knowing the nutrients needed by the crop, the amount, kind, and for of fertilizer to be applied is
important for better crop growth. The general recommendations in the use of fertilizers for crop production are:

1. Know the nutrients needed by the crop and the amount the soil can supply to produce a given yield level. This can be done
by referring to the various soil testing laboratories or results of fertilizer trials. The soil should also be analyzed prior to planting to ascertain
its fertility status, whether additional fertilizer is needed or not

2 Choose the right kind and form of fertilizer to apply. Choice should be based upon (a) the nutrient contents of fertilizers available,
(b) the nutrients required by the crop and soil, (c) the comparative costs of the different fertilizers, and (d) availability of fertilizer. The
fertilizer form is also important since some are more available than the others.

3. Know the amount of fertilizer sources to be applied. The proper use of fertilizers requires the ability to compute and calibrate the
fertilizer need of a given crop in a unit area. One way of expressing fertilizer rate is by kilograms nitrogen kilograms phosphoric acid
(P2O5), and kilograms water-soluble potassium (K2O) per hectare. Or these could be expressed as number of bags of fertilizers per
hectare. For farmers, it is advisable to use the latter, but for extension personnel, the former is preferable to facilitate communication.

4. Know the right time of fertilizer application. This means from the time of planting and during the crop growth period Efficiency of
fertilizer use by the crop is largely dependent or its growth period. In rice for example, application of fertilizer after the panicle initiation
period may result in partial fertilizer utilization.

5. Know the proper fertilizer placement. Fertilizers should be applied to the soil properly. Some fertilizers are more effectively used
when applied basally. Still, the depth of placement is important to consider with the different fertilizer forms available.

Fertilizer and Fertilizer Materials

Fertilizers, variety of seeds, water, and human efforts are the four pillars of modern agriculture. These pillars interact with the soil below
and are indebted to the sun above which makes all living organisms possible. In our country, fertilizers are usually imported, mined, or
manufactured commercial products and contain one or more elements which are essential for plant growth. These elements are the
same for all plants and are also essential for the growth and development of animals and humans

For a material to quality as a fertilizer, it should contain the nutrients in chemical form which are readily or potentially usable by the plants.
In addition, a fertilizer should not contain or produce any substance which is harmful or damaging to the soil, plant, human being, and
the environment as well. It could be of different types usually a substance, solid or liquid, inorganic or organic, natural or synthetic, single
or a combination of materials which when applied to the soil provide the essential elements to improve plant nutrition, growth, and crop
productivity.
Vital as it is, the government, through the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), in coordination with the private sector, specifically
the Fertilizer Industry Association of the Philippines, is tasked with assuring the agricultural sector of adequate supplies of fertilizer and
pesticides at reasonable prices. Although fertilizer importations are made exempted from the value-added tax, the market price of fertilizer
is dependent on the following tactors: (a) supply and demand of fertilizers; (b) foreign exchange rate; and (c) time of year of the fertilizer
use on season. Cognizant of the role that fertilizer plays in increasing crop productivity; the DA's Gintong Ani Program increases food
production through balanced/proper use of fertilizer giving emphasis on the use of organic fertilizers as source of soil nutrient.

The FPA, being the only institution mandated to regulate and control all aspects of the fertilizer and pesticide industries, classified fertilizer
and fertilizer materials accordingly. The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) is responsible for assuring the agricultural sector of
adequate supply of fertilizer and pesticide at reasonable prices, rationalizing the manufacture and marketing of fertilizer, protecting the
public from risks inherent in the use of pesticides, and educating the agricultural sector in the use of these inputs.

Fertilizer – any substance, solid or liquid, inorganic or organic, natural or synthetic, single or a combination of materials that is applied
to the soil or on the plant to provide one or more of the essential nutrients to improve plant nutrition, growth, yield or quality, or for
promoting a chemical change that enhances plant nutrition and growth.

Kinds of Fertilizer

A. Organic Fertilizer

Organic fertilizers are produced from animal manure and crop residues. Organic fertilizers have low nutrient composition and are bulky,
but improve the physical, chemical, and microbiological status of soils. The animal manure and crop residues as materials for organic
fertilizers, have to undergo decomposition through biological, chemical, and/or any other process as long as the original materials are
no longer recognizable, free from plant or animal pathogens, soil-like in texture, contain not less than 20% organic matter (o.m.) oven-
dry basis, and can supply nutrients to plants.

Organic fertilizers – those which are derived from plants and/or animals such as:
− Animal manures − Crop residues
− Compost − Green manures

Properties of Organic Fertilizer

• Bulkiness • Little danger of over supplying to crops

• Limited supply • Contains matter important in improving soil structure
• Low nutrient content • Can be a source of plant disease and spread a parasites
• Slow nutrient availability • Supplies some of the minor elements which are not usually
• Contains many seeds of weeds present in commercial fertilizer.

Farm manures – These are mixtures of animal excreta and soiled beddings that accumulate in stables or barns.

Manure %N % P2O5 % K2O % MC

Horse 0.55 0.30 0.40 75
Cow 0.40 0.40 0.10 85
Pig 0.55 0.50 0.40 80
Goat 0.66 0.70 0.48 63
Hen 1.00 0.80 0.40 55
Carabao 0.50 0.40 0.15 90

B. Inorganic Fertilizers (Synthetic or Chemical Fertilizer)

This is a substance that supplies one or more nutrient elements, which are produced through chemical processes. They usually contain
high amount of nutrients and dissolve in water. Chemical-based fertilizers, through the years, are undeniably responsible for the large
increases in the yields of crops particularly during the advent of “Green Revolution.”
Inorganic fertilizers – which are synthesized or are processed from mineral deposits which may contain one or more combination of the
three primary elements, N, P, or K; it has definite chemical composition; man made.

Properties of Inorganic Fertilizers

• high nutrient analysis • good supply
• high solubility • not bulky

Most of the commercial fertilizers in the market today are inorganic fertilizers, which are usually synthesized and often called chemical or
mineral fertilizers. This carry either pure nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, or a mixture of two or more nutrients. Chemical fertilizers
have high nutrient contents, the nutrient content in fertilizers is written and expressed in %N, %P2O5 and %K2O in that order.

Conventional units of expressing fertilizer nutrients = Stated in either pure form or oxide form
− Nitrogen is expressed as pure element N,
− P and K are in oxides, P2O5 and K2O

Fertilizer Grade (%N –%P2O5 – %K20) – refers to the minimum percentage of nitrogen (N), available phosphorous (P2O5), soluble
potash (K2O) stated in their order and other macronutrients and micronutrients that are present in appreciable amounts

Commonly available chemical fertilizers and their grades in the Philippines are:

1. Single Element Fertilizer –carries only one element (either N, or P2O5 or K2O)

Urea 46–0–0
Ammonium sulfate (AmmoSul) 21–0–0
Ordinary Superphosphate (OSP) 0–20–0
Muriate of potash (MOP) 0–0–60

Ammonium sulfate, although it contains both Nitrogen and Sulfur. It is not considered as compound fertilizer because it only contain
one which in the three major/primary fertilizer element and that is N.

2. Compound fertilizer –it carries two elements fertilizer (may carry two of either N, or P2O5 or K2O)

Monoammonium phosphate 11–48–0

Ammonium phosphate 16–20–0
Di-ammonium phosphate 18–46–0
Topdress 17–0–17 (non-traditional)

3. Complete fertilizers - containing all three, contains all the three primary fertilizer elements (carries all N, or P2O5 or K2O)

Complete fertilizer 14-14-14 2-12-12

19-19-19 6-9-15
15-15-15
Nitrogen Fertilizer
− Ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) – hygroscopic and nearly 100% soluble, contains sulfur (~24%), recommended for S-deficient soils.
− Urea (45/46-0-0) – highest N content among the solid N-fertilizers (NH2)2CO. Hygroscopic and 100% soluble
− Anhydrous ammonia – with 82% N has the highest amount of N among all fertilizers. It is contained in pressure tanks and is usually
custom-applied by injecting into the soil. Ammonia gas is basic, pungent and colorless.

Phosphorus Fertilizer
− Ordinary superphosphate (OSP) – contains 20% P2O5. Pelleted as grayish granules and has a faint acid odor. About 85% of the
P is water soluble and it contains traces of other nutrient elements.
− Triple superphosphate (TSP)- monocalcium phosphate monohydrate

Potassium Fertilizer
− Muriate of potash (MOP) or potassium chloride (KCl) – highly soluble and contains traces of other elements.
 Fertilizer Terms

Conventional Grades – includes all inorganic fertilizers in solid or liquid forms which are highly soluble, proven effective for specified
crops by field experiments for at least two years, and which have full registration with FPA

New Grades – includes locally formulated or imported fertilizers with no previous registration with FPA.

Specialty Grades – includes finished products recommended to overcome a specific problem or supply the nutrient need of a specific
ornamental, indoor plant, lawn grasses, or for any purpose other than agricultural food, feed, fiber, or other industrial crops

Traditional Inorganic Fertilizers – includes all inorganic fertilizers in solid or liquid form which are water-soluble, fully registered for at
least 10 years with FPA, and available in the market and widely used in the country.

Mixed Fertilizer – It contains several elements and the source of elements cannot be identified; A chemical or mechanical combination
of two or more fertilizers

Foliar Fertilizer – fertilizer nutrients soluble in water which may be applied directly to the aerial portion of plants. It is the most effective
means of fertilizer application when problem of soil fixation exists. The most important use of foliar sprays has been in the application of
micronutrients.

Soil Conditioner or Soil Amendment – organic or inorganic material, natural or synthetic, that is applied to the soil to modify certain
soil physical properties, such as structure, moisture retaining capacity, shrinking and swelling capacity or resistance to crusting, and to
improve soil chemical or biological conditions. Examples are polyelectrolytes such as complex vinyl and acrylic, gypsum, diatomaceous
earth, vermiculite, perlite, and lime

Fortified Organic Fertilizer – any decomposed organic product of plant or animal origin is enriched/spiked with microbial inoculants,
plant growth substances and/or chemical ingredients to increase its nutrient content to a minimum total N.P.K. of 8%

Microbial Inoculants or Biological Fertilizers – biologically active products containing optimum population of one or a combination of
active strains of bacteria, actinomycetes, algae, and fungi that are useful in different biological activities, such as N- fixation,
decomposition of organic residues and solubilization of some essential nutrients such as phosphorus from the soil.

Guaranteed analysis – a statement assuring the nutrient contents and microbial contents expressed in terms of the minimum percentage
as claimed in the manufacturer’s label.

Plant Growth Regulator – any organic or inorganic compound, natural or synthetic, which in low concentration promotes or modifies
physiological response of the plants.

Methods of Fertilizer Application

Aside from the proper kinds and amounts of fertilizers, equal importance must be given to their application. Fertilizers must be properly
applied to get maximum returns from the fertilizer investment. Generally, proper application involves placing the right kind and amount of
fertilizers where they will be readily available to the seedling or growing plants at the time these are needed and in such a manner that
plant injury will not occur. Proper fertilizer application requires knowledge of certain basic principles involving soil type and nature, the
crop, and the fertilizer materials. Fertilizers may be applied by broadcast, side-dress, band or localized ring, foliar applied with the seed,
wrapping in mudballs, and application in irrigation water (fertigation) which are used to serve specific purposes

For Solid Fertilizer

a. Broadcast application. In broadcast method, the fertilizer is applied uniformly over the surface of the land. It may or may not-be
harrowed, plowed, or disked into the soil. Broadcasting may be done by hand, by small equipment such as cyclone spreader, or by
the use of large equipment such as bulk spreading from truck, tractor and trailer, helicopter or airplane. The broadcast method of
application is ideal for application of fertilizers to rice, onions, pastures, garlic, and lawns.

b. Topdressing When fertilizer is broadcast over the growing plant or is applied after emergence, the term "topdress" is used and
generally applies to nitrogenous fertilizers. Topdressed is broadcast application on the surface or spread across an established field.
c. Side-dressing. This is a method of placing fertilizer to or between the rows of crops such as vegetables and corn, or placed around
the plants or trees. Fertilizer is applied between rows of young plants to provide a boost during periods of rapid growth and nutrient
uptake On row crops, sidedressing may be made simultaneously with cultivation. The purpose of sidedressing is to ensure availability
of plant food, particularly nitrogen in the form of nitrate, during the critical growth period when plants are feeding on nutrients rapidly.

d. Band, row, or localized placement. In this method, fertilizer is applied in bands to one or both sides of the seed or plant near where
developing roots will easily reach it; either to the side and below the seed rows, slightly below the seeds, or in between rows. Fertilizer
is laid in as a narrow band or strip alongside the row, 2.5 cm to the side and 5 cm below the seed or transplant. With crops planted
in rows and in hills and cultivated by hand, band placement is simulated by dropping a pinch of the desired amount of fertilizer in the
row or planting hole beside the seed and covered with soil. This method is used for corn and other wide row crops. It also minimizes
fixation of phosphorus and potassium. Band application is also known as starter application.

e. Basal. Basal application fertilizers are applied near the base of the sown crop, usually one day before or after sowing. The fertilizer
is incorporated into the soil at the time of plowing or soil cultivation. This fertilizer application method is suitable for bulky slow-release
fertilizers like organic matter, green manure, animal manure, and compost. Basal application is a practical way of replenishing the
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil after these nutrients are exhausted by the previous crops.

For Liquid Fertilizer

a. Foliar application. This involves dissolving the fertilizer materials in water and then applying it as spray to the plant This involves
dissolving the fertilizer materials in water and then applying it as spray to the plant. Farm crops cannot be supplied with the
quantity of macronutrients required for economic crop production by foliar application alone. However, foliar sprays are an
effective method in supplying the micronutrients to a plant if and when required. Urea could be supplied in this manner.

b. Soil injection. This is a direct soil application of a liquid fertilizer particularly the anhydrous ammonia.

c. Fertigation. Applied with fertilizer dissolved in irrigation water. Some solid fertilizer is also applied in this manner.

Other Fertilizer Application

• In-the-row – applied along the bottom to furrow

• Ring – applied around the base of the plant or tree
• Hole – dropped in holes around the trees
• Spot – dropped in small amount on the side of each hill or plant.

Time and Rate of Fertilizer Application

To obtain the maximum benefit from the fertilizers, these should be applied at different stages of development of the plant which require
the most nutrient. In general, such stages are: (a) the early vegetative stage; (b) the maximum tillering stage (in the case of field
crops such as rice), or the onset of flowering for fruit trees and plantation crops; and (c) panicle initiation (such as that in rice), or the
onset of fruiting for fruit trees and plantation crops. However, this generalized timing of fertilizer application must be evaluated with the
existing climate of the region, the type of soil present, and the specific crop grown. The rate of fertilizer application on the other hand,
usually depends on the crop requirement and on the soil fertility. Determining the appropriate or optimum fertilizer rate is important to
avoid unnecessary usage.

Considerations in Choosing the Method of Fertilizer Application

− Relative mobility of nutrients in the soil

− Type of crop and its rooting pattern
− Soil texture
− Season of the year
− Kind of fertilizer
Time of Application

Nitrogen. As in the case of upland soils and crops, the time of application of nitrogen is dependent upon the texture of the soil, the
growing period of the crop and its physiological stage. Coarse textured soils demand split applications of nitrogen due to losses caused
by high percolation rates.

Phosphorus. Time of application is not as critical for phosphorus because flooding increases the availability of phosphorus. In general,
most phosphorus applications should be made as basal treatment.

Potassium. Basal application is most suitable. Split application appears to be beneficial only on certain highly leachable soils

Crop factors

a. Nutrient removal of the crop. If the nutrient removal by a given crop is high, fertilizer applications are usually increased to compensate
for this loss.

b. Absorbing ability of the crops for nutrients. Root systems vary in rapidity and extent of development. Since roots are the principal
organs through which material are absorbed, understanding of the characteristics rooting habits and relative activity should be helpful in
developing fertilization practices.

c. Economic value of the crop

Climatic factors

a. Rainfall. In areas where there is more rainfall, a higher rate of fertilization is required to compensate for losses.

b. Cropping season. Crops have greater response to fertilizer during the dry season than during the wet season, hence higher rate of
fertilizer is required