How can you customize fertilizers for your crops and soil?

1 Know your crops

The first step is to know what kind of crops you are growing and what nutrients they need. Different crops have different growth stages, nutrient uptake patterns, and responses to fertilization. For example, corn needs more nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium, while tomatoes need more potassium than nitrogen and phosphorus. You can find out the nutrient requirements of your crops by consulting crop guides, soil tests, or extension agents. Knowing your crops will help you choose the right type and amount of fertilizer for each stage of growth.

2 Know your soil

The second step is to know the condition and composition of your soil. Soil is a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and microorganisms. It affects how fertilizers are absorbed, stored, and released by the plants. You can test your soil for its pH, texture, organic matter, and nutrient levels. Soil pH affects the availability of nutrients, especially micronutrients like iron and zinc. Soil texture affects the water-holding capacity and drainage of the soil. Soil organic matter affects the soil structure and fertility. Soil nutrient levels indicate the existing supply and demand of nutrients in the soil. Knowing your soil will help you adjust the pH, texture, and nutrient balance of your soil with fertilizers.

3 Choose your fertilizer

The third step is to choose the right fertilizer for your crops and soil. Fertilizers can be classified into organic and inorganic, liquid and solid, and complete and incomplete. Organic fertilizers are derived from plant or animal sources, such as manure, compost, or bone meal. They are usually slow-releasing and improve the soil structure and biological activity. Inorganic fertilizers are synthesized from chemical sources, such as urea, ammonium nitrate, or potassium chloride. They are usually fast-acting and provide precise amounts of nutrients. Liquid fertilizers are dissolved or suspended in water and applied through irrigation or foliar spraying. They are easily absorbed by the plants and can be adjusted quickly. Solid fertilizers are granular or powdered and applied on the soil surface or incorporated into the soil. They are more stable and economical than liquid fertilizers. Complete fertilizers contain all the three major nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). They are labeled with the N-P-K ratio, such as 10-10-10 or 20-5-10. Incomplete fertilizers contain only one or two of the major nutrients, such as 46-0-0 or 0-20-0. They are used to supplement specific nutrient deficiencies or preferences. Choosing the right fertilizer will help you provide the optimal amount and ratio of nutrients for your crops.

4 Mix your fertilizer

The fourth step is to mix your fertilizer according to your crops and soil needs. You can use a fertilizer calculator or a fertilizer chart to determine how much of each fertilizer you need to apply. You can also use a fertilizer mixer or a blender to blend different fertilizers together to create your own custom formula. For example, if you want to make a 15-10-10 fertilizer, you can mix 3 parts of 46-0-0, 2 parts of 0-20-0, and 2 parts of 0-0-50. You can also add micronutrients, such as boron, copper, or manganese, to your fertilizer mix if your soil test shows a deficiency. Mixing your fertilizer will help you achieve the desired nutrient concentration and composition for your crops.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?