© Sam obare 1

1.SOIL FERTILITY II
(INORGANIC FERTILIZERS AND
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS)

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Classification of essential elements
 They include, macroelements/
nutrients and microelements/
nutrients.
A. MACRO-ELEMENTS/
MAJOR ELEMENTS
 They are required in large
amounts e.g. carbon, hydrogen,
oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus,
potassium, sulphur, calcium
and magnesium.
 The macro-elements are further
classified into:
1. Fertilizer elements/ primary
macro nutrients- Nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium
2. Liming elements- calcium,
magnesium and sulphur.
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Role of macroelements and deficiency Role of nitrogen.

symptoms a) It is used in protein synthesis/
1. Nitrogen formation.
 It is absorbed in the following c) It forms part of chlorophyll
molecule and makes the plant
forms: succulent with a deep green
a) Nitrate ions (NH3-) colour.
b) Ammonium ions (NH4+) d) It encourages vegetative growth
which is necessary in crops where
Sources of nitrogen leaves are harvested e.g. kales,
a) Nitrogenous fertilizer. cabbages and pasture grasses.
b) Fixation by lightning. e) It regulates the availability of
phosphorus and potassium in
c) Fixation by bacteria (Rhizobium) plants.
d) Manures. f) It increases the size of grains in
cereals.

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Symptoms of nitrogen deficiency Effects of too much nitrogen

1. Chlorosis of leaves- (yellowing 1. Lodging/ weak stems/
of leaves appears first on oversucculency of stems
lower leaves) 2. Scorching/ burning of leaves.
2. Leaves turn brown and fall 3. Delayed maturity.
prematurely.
4. Excessive foliage/ vegetative
3. Stunted growth- (plants growth.
become dwarfed with roots
being extremely short). 5. Blossom end rot disease in
tomatoes.
4. Formation of purple
pigments. 6. Failure to form tubers in root
crops.
5. Premature ripening of crops.

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2. Phosphorus Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency.

 It is converted into phosphates, the a) Purpling of leaves.
absorbable form. b) Stunted growth.
Role of phosphorus in plants. c) Poor bark, root, flower, seed and
a) It encourages root formation, fruit development.
development and establishment. d) Lateral buds remain dormant.
b) It is essential for flowering, fruit and e) Slender stalks
seed formation.
Effects of excess phosphorus
c) It hastens ripening of fruits.
a) It leads to unavailability of iron
d) It is important in metabolic processes (because it is converted into non
e.g. respiration, protein and fat absorbable form).
formation and carbohydrate synthesis.
e) It is part of nucleoproteins required
during cell division.
f) It strengthens plant stems, thus
preventing lodging.
g) Increases disease resistance.
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3. Potassium- it is absorbed in Symptoms of potassium deficiency

form of potassium ions. a) Leaf curling/ rolling.
Role of potassium in plants. b) Leaf chlorosis/ yellowing of
a) It is important in leaves.
carbohydrate formation and c) Premature leaf fall.
translocation.
d) The edges of leaves are
b) It is necessary in neutralizing scorched while the central
organic acids in plants. parts remain green.
c) It assists in the uptake of e) Small mottles/ patches.
nitrates from the soil.
f) Stunted growth.
d) It strengthens plant stalks
thus imparting resistance to
fungal and bacterial attack
and prevents lodging.
e) It is a component of
chlorophyll molecule.
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4. Magnesium- it is absorbed in Symptoms of magnesium deficiency

form of magnesium ions. a) Intervenial chlorosis of leaves-
Role of magnesium in plants. parts between veins become
 Important in chlorophyll
yellow.
formation b) Leaf chlorosis.
 Promotes the formation of fats c) Formation of purple pigments.
and oils in crops eg soya beans,
sunflower, ground nuts.
 Aids in the absorption and
translocation of phosphorous
 Enhances the nitrogen fixing
power of the legumes
 Activates the synthesis and
translocation of carbohydrates
and proteins in plants.
 Activates enzymes in crops

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5. Sulphur Symptoms of sulphur deficiency

 It is absorbed in the form of a) Stunted growth
sulphate ions (SO42-) b) Leaf chlorosis followed by
Role of sulphur in plants. production of anthocyanin
a) It is necessary in the c) Stems become thin.
formation of protein and d) Reduced nodulation in
plant hormones. legumes.
b) It is necessary and in the
activation of certain
coenzymes.
c) It influences plant
physiological processes e.g.
protein synthesis, chlorophyll
formation, carbohydrate
metabolism and nitrogen
fixation.

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6. Calcium- It is absorbed in the
form of Calcium ions (Ca2+)
Roles/functions of calcium in
plants
a) Calcium acetate strengthens
plant cell wall.
b) It is necessary in protein
synthesis.
c) It promotes soil aggregate
formation hence improving
soil structure, aeration, water
retention capacity and water
infiltration.
d) Calcium compounds when
added to acidic soils they
lower acidity/ raise soil pH.
e) Increases cation exchange
capacity.
f) Makes phosphorus and
potassium available for plant
uptake.
g) Controls blossom end rot in
tomatoes.
Symptoms of calcium deficiency
a) Stunted growth.
b) Die back at the plant tips.
c) Leaves roll up.
d) Chlorosis along margin of
younger leaves.
e) Blossom-end rot disease in
tomatoes.
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Ways through which nutrients are lost B. MICRO-NUTRIENTS/ TRACE/ MINOR

ELEMENTS
from the soil
 They are required in small quantities/
1. Use by micro organisms. amounts.
Examples include iron, manganese, copper,
2. Absorbed by plants. 
zinc, boron, molybdenum and chlorine.
3. Leaching. Role of micronutrients in plants.
a) Copper, iron and molybdenum activate
4. Soil erosion. enzymes.
5. Volatilization. b) Copper is used in utilization of iron and
respiration.
6. Fixation-are converted into non- c) Iron is necessary for protein synthesis.
absorbable form. d) Molybdenum and manganese are
important in nitrogen fixation.
e) Zinc takes part in formation of plant
growth hormones.

© Sam obare 5-May-22

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f) Boron: Deficiency symptoms of micronutrients

i. Helps in calcium utilization
ii. Necessary in sugar, nitrogen
and phosphorus translocation.
iii. Needed in water absorption.
iv. Facilitates nodule formation in
legumes.
v. Aids in fruit development.
vi. Assists/ helps in development
of meristematic tissues.
a) Lack of copper leads to leaves and
stems that grow longer than
normal and young leaves almost
without chlorophyll.
b) Lack of iron leads to chlorosis
c) Lack of molybdenum leads to leaf
curling and leaf scorch
d) Lack of zinc leads to white bud
formation and young leaves almost
without chlorophyll.
 INORGANIC FERTILIZERS
12

 These are artificially  On the basis of nutrient contained

processed compounds which
are added into the soil to
improve its fertility. They
contain one or more
macronutrients.
Classification of inorganic
fertilizers
 They are classified in the
following basis:
1. Nutrient contained.
2. Mode of application.
3. Time of application.
4. Effects on soil pH.
the fertilizer can either be straight
fertilizer or compound fertilizer.
1. Straight fertilizer- it contains
one of the primary macro-
nutrients. The nutrients may be
Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) or
potassium (K).
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Examples of straight fertilizers
A. Nitrogenous fertilizers- they
contain nitrogen as the only
primary macronutrient.
 Examples include:
i) Calcium Ammonium Nitrate
(CAN)- it has greyish granules.
ii) Ammonium Sulphate Nitrate
(ASN)- it is brown, orange or
yellowish orange in colour.
iii) Sulphate of Ammonia (SA)- it
has white crystalline appearance
like sugar.
iv) Urea- it has white granular
appearance.
B. Phosphatic fertilizers- they
contain phosphorus as the
only primary macro-nutrient.
 Examples of phosphatic
fertilizers include:
i) Single Superphosphate (SSP)-
the granules have white
creamy colour.
ii) Double Superphosphate
(DSP) and Triple
Superphosphate (TSP)- They
have greyish granules but
smaller than those of CAN
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C. Potassic fertilizers: contain
potassium as the only primary
macro nutrient.
 Examples of potassic fertilizers
include:
i) Potassium chloride/ Muriate of
potash (KCl)- it occurs in form
of creamish or light coloured
granules.
ii) Potassium Sulphate/ Sulphate of
potash (K2SO4)
2. Compound fertilizer/ complex/
mixed fertilizer- it contains two or
three primary macro-nutrients.
Types of compound fertilizer.
a) Incomplete compound
fertilizer- it contains only
two of the primary macro-
nutrients.
 Examples include:
i) Diammoniun Phosphate
(DAP)- It has fertilizer grade
of 18-46-0 hence contains
nitrogen and phosphorus. It is
applied at planting time.
ii) Nitrophos- 20-20-0
a) Complete compound fertilizer-
it contains three primary
macro-nutrients e.g. 17-17-17,
25-5-5
© Sam obare 5-May-22
 Properties straight fertilizers
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A. NITOGENOUS FERTILIZERS 3) They are easily leached to lower

Effects of nitrogenous fertilizer on soil pH. horizons beyond the reach of most
crops. It should therefore be applied
1. It neutralizes soil acidity.
in an already established crop.
2. It raises/ increases soil pH.
4) Most of them are corrosive i.e. they
3. It has liming effect. corrode the epithelial cells lining the
Properties of nitrogenous fertilizer palms thus they should not be
handled with bare hands or stored in
1) They are highly soluble in soil water.
easily corroded ontainers/ containers
It should therefore be applied in an
made of iron or tin.
already established crop.
2) They have a short residual effect (i.e.
stay in the soil for a short while.)
hence applied frequently.

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© Sam obare
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5) They have a scorching/ burning
effect on plants. Therefore they
should not come into contact
with plant leaves plant especially
the foliage (except foliar
fertilizer).
6) They are highly volatile. Under
hot conditions they change into
gaseous form and escape into the
atmosphere. Thus they should be
applied on moist soils to prevent
volatilization.
7) They are hygroscopic i.e. absorb
moisture from the atmosphere. The
granules stick together forming
lumps. Thus they should be stored
under dry conditions.
Precautions taken when applying and
storing nitrogenous fertilizers.
1. Apply on established crop for them
to be absorbed before they are
leached.
2. Apply frequently and in splits
since they have a short residual
effect.
3. Do not bring it into contact with
any part of the plant since they
have a scorching effect.
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4) Apply on moist soils since they easily
volatilize.
5) Store under dry conditions to avoid
caking/ because they are highly
hygroscopic.
6) Store in plastic bags but not metallic
containers since they corrode metals.
B. PHOSPHATIC FERTILIZERS.
1) They are sparingly/ slightly soluble in
water.
2) It can easily be fixed (phosphorus
fixation) hence lost from the soil i.e.
they are converted into dicalcium
forms which combine with ions of
aluminium and form compounds that
are not available to plants.
 Phosphatic fertilizer should be
placed in the rooting zone of the
plant so as to help the plant utilize
most of the phosphorus before it
becomes fixed.
3. They have long residual effect.
 The reconversion into absorbable
forms is very gradual hence they
benefit subsequent crops in the
second, 3rd and 4th year after
application.
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4. They are not easily leached hence are Disadvantages of using inorganic
applied early at planting time. fertilizers.
5. They have a slight scorching effect and 1. Some have scorching effects.
have to be mixed thoroughly with the soil 2. They are easily leached.
to minimize the scorching
3. Some inhibit/ hinder microbial
C. POTASSIC FERTILIZERS activities.
1) They have moderate scorching effect. 4. Some change/ alter soil pH.
2) They have moderate solubility in water. 5. Some are corrosive to users.
3) Have longer residual effect than
nitrogenous fertilizers.
Advantages of using inorganic fertilizers.
1. They release nutrients faster.
2. Have more nutrients per unit area.
3. They are less bulky.
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METHODS OF FERTILIZER
APPLICATION
1) Broadcasting- it involves random
scattering of fertilizer on the
ground for plant use. It is
recommended for nitrogenous
fertilizer and shallowly dug into
the soil to minimize
volatilization.
2) Drip- The fertilizer is dissolved
and applied to individual plants
through perforated pipes of
bottles.
3) Placement method- it involves
application of fertilizer in the
planting holes or drills. It is
recommended for phosphatic
fertilizers and should be
thoroughly mixed with soil before
pacing the seed.
4) Foliar application- Application of
fertilizer solution onto the foliage
of the crop. The fertilizer will be
directly absorbed by the leaves. It
is recommended:
a) During prolonged dry season.
b) When top dressing closely spaced
crops.
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5) Side dressing- this is the placement of Factors to consider before applying

nitrogenous fertilizer at the side of fertilizers.
the crop being top dressed. It is can 1. Method of application.
be achieved through;
2. Time of application.
a) Band application- placement of
fertilizer along the rows of growing 3. Cost and quantity required.
crops. 4. Availability and amount of soil
b) Ring application- placement of moisture.
fertilizer around an individual crop. 5. Soil pH.
Factors that determine the amount of
fertilizer top-dressed/ applied
1. Type of crop.
2. Soil nutrient status.
3. Stage of crop growth.
4. Expected yield.
© Sam obare
5-May-22
 Determination of fertilizer rates.
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 The amount of fertilizer applied in Calculations involving fertilizer application.

the field is determined by the
amount of plant nutrients
available.
 The amount of nutrients in the soil
can be determined through:
1. Soil testing.
2. Observing deficiency symptoms.
a) Fertilizer grade or analysis- It indicates
the amount of each nutrient contained
in a fertilizer.
 It is calculated by determining the
percentage of the three macro-nutrient
contained in the fertilizer.
Percentage of
𝑁𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡
nutrient= 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔𝑕𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑟 x 100

3. Leaf analysis.

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 The fertilizer grade is usually b) Fertilizer ratio- this is the

calculated in terms of amount of relative proportion of the three
three primary macro-nutrients primary macro-nutrients (N,P,K)
N,P,K. in a fertilizer e.g. 10-10-10 grade
has a 1:1:1 ration of N: P2O5:
 It is usually indicated on the
K2O.
fertilizer bag or container e.g. a
fertilizer of grade 10-15-10 contains;
a) 10 % of nitrogen (N)
b) 15% of phosphorus ( P2O5 )
c) 10 % of potassium (K2O).

© Sam obare 5-May-22

 Calculating the amount of fertilizer/ nutrient
required per unit area e.g. per hectare.
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 The amount of fertilizer to apply b) Calculate the amount of

per hectare depends on the nitrogen, phosphorus and
amount of nutrients needed and potassium in a 50 kg bag
the fertilizer grade available.  Amount of nitrogen=15/100 x50
Example 1. kg=7.5 kg
The fertilizer has a grade 15-10-5.  Amount of
a) What do the figures 15, 10 1nd 5 phosphorus=10/100x50=5 kg
represent?  Amount of potasssium =5/100
 15 stands for the % amount of
x50=2.5 kg
nitrogen (N) b) Calculate the amount of filler
 10 stands for the % amount of
material/ carrier in the
phosphorus (P2O5) fertilizer.
 5 stands for the % amount of
 The total amount of primary
potassium (K2O) macro nutrients=
7.5+5+2.5=15kg.
 The filler material/ carrier=
50kg-15kg=35kg
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Example 2
 How much phosphorus (P2O5) is
there in a 500kg bag of single
superphosphate (SSP)? SSP
contains 18% P2O5.
Solution
 In 100kg of SSP=18kg P2O5.
500kg of SSP=?
500x18/100 =90 kgs.
Example 3
 How much nitrogen (N) is there in
a 500kg bag of calcium ammonium
nitrate (CAN). CAN contains 21%
N.
Solution
In 100kg of CAN=21kgN
500kg of CAN=?
500x21/100 =105 kgs.

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Example 4
 How much potassium (K2O) is
there in a 500kg bag of potassium
chloride (KCl). KCl contains 50%
K2O.
Solution
 In 100kg of Kcl=50kg K2O
500kg of Kcl=?
500x50/100 =250 kgs
Example 5
 A farmer was advised to apply
apply 60kg N per hectare while top
dressing his maize field. How much
Sulphate of Ammonia (20%N)
would he apply?
Solution
 100kg of SA= 20 kg N
? = 60kg N
= (60/20 x100)kg of SA
= 300 kg of SA.

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Example 6  I bag =50 kg

 Calculate the 50 kg SA fertilizer ? = 300 kg
bags that would be applied in one = (300/50 x1) bags
hectare of land that requires 60 kg
of nitrogen per hectare. SA =6 bags.
contains 20% N.
Solution
 100kg of SA= 20 kg N
? = 60kg N
= (60/20 x100)kg of SA
= 300 kg of SA.

© Sam obare 5-May-22

 Study question
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Suppose a soil is deficient in all three  Calculate the amount of Sulphate

primary macro-nutrients and in the of Ammonia (20%N),
field test it is found that the following Superphosphate (20% P2 O5 ) and
should be applied: 40 kg N, 50 kgP2 O5 Potassium chloride (50%
and 20 kg K 2 O. K 2 O) required per hectare.

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 The procedure is repeated in different

SOIL SAMPLING parts of the field (15-20 spots)
 This is the process of taking small depending on sampling methods.
quantity of soil from the field to act as  Soil from all the spots are thoroughly
a representative sample of the soil in a mixed, dried and crushed.
particular field.
 A sub-sample from the mixture
 Soil is sampled in order to be tested for
(composite sample) is taken and sent
soil nutrients, soil pH and soil moisture. to the lab for testing.
Procedure of soil sampling  The composite sample/ subsample
 Vegetation is cleared and vertical cut should have the following
made to a depth of 15 cm for crop land information:
and 5cm for pasture land. i. Name of the farmer.
 A slice is taken from the vertical cut ii. Address of the farmer.
using a spade or soil auger.
iii. Field number.
 The soil is put in a clean polythene bag
or any suitable container. iv. Date of sampling.
v. Tests to be made.

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 Methods of soil sampling.
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1. Traverse/Diagonal method- 2. Zigzag method/random method.

 Here four corners of the field are  In this method, sampling is done
determined and sampling is done randomly.
diagonally. Advantage.
 The samples are quite a representative
of the whole field

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Areas to avoid when taking soil Precautions observed when carrying

samples out soil sampling.
i. Dead furrow. 1. Avoid picking soil samples from
ii. Terrace stands. undesirable sites.
iii. Old fence lines. 2. Avoid contaminating the soil
samples with inorganic fertilizer
iv. Old manure heaps. residues/ cigarette ash.
v. Swampy areas. 3. Avoid mixing the top soil with
vi. Near boundaries. sub soil.
vii. Between slopes. 4. Dry the samples thoroughly.
viii. Bottom land
ix. Under trees.
x. Anthills.
xi. Foot paths

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SOIL TESTING. SOIL pH

 This is the process of analyzing the
sampled soil to know the pH, soil
moisture and nutrients available in
the soil.
Importance of soil testing.
1. Helps to know the pH value of
the soil hence the type of crop
to grow.
2. Helps the farmer to know the
nutrients available in the soil.
3. Helps the farmer to estimate the
increase in yield of the crop after
adding fertilizer.
4. Helps to know the soil moisture
of the soil.
5. Helps to know the type of soil.
 It refers to hydrogen ion
concentration in a soil solution/soil
reaction.
 It is also a measure of acidity or
alkalinity of soil solution.
 Soil acidity is caused by hydrogen
ions (H+) while soil alkalinity is
measured by hydroxyl ions (OH-)
Methods of determining/ testing soil
pH.
1. Use of pH meter
2. Use of universal indicator
solution/ dyes.
3. Use of litmus paper.

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Importance of soil pH to crops.  Soil acidity can be increased/ soil

1. It influences the effect of micro- pH can be lowered by :
organisms/ microbial activities in i. Addition of acidic fertilizers.
the soil. ii. Application of sulphur
2. Determines the availability of  Soil acidity can be lowered/ soil
certain nutrients in the soil. pH can be raised by:
3. Determines the presence of 1. Application of lime.
certain pests and diseases in the 2. Application of basic fertilizer.
soil.
4. Determines the type of crop to
grow/ type of weeds found e.g
tea requires acidic soil/ low pH.
5. Determines the type of fertilizers
to grow.

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SOIL LIMING 4. Improves nodulation in the soil.

 Refers to application of
agricultural lime to acidic soils to
amend them.
 Lime contains liming elements-
calcium, magnesium and sulphur.
Importance of liming.
1. Reduces /lowers soil
acidity/modifies soil pH.
2. It improves soil structure/
drainage.
3. Increases the calcium content of
soil
5. Facilitates the availability and
absorption of nitrogen and
phosphorus.
6. Encourages multiplication of
micro-organisms in the soil.
7. It reduces the effect of toxic
elements e.g. aluminium from
acidic soil.

© Sam obare 5-May-22