Plants require nutrients to thrive, grow and produce good yields, which involves providing them with fertilizers. But do you know that fertilizing is not as straightforward as you may think? This is because one ought to have a clear knowledge on when,what and how to fertilize your garden, or you might end up destroying your crops.
Below are the 11 most common fertilizing mistakes you need to avoid:
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Applying Too Much Fertilizer
Applying too much fertilizer is a common mistake that can have serious consequences in your farm.
Over-fertilization can lead to crop damage, decreased yields, and increased purchase costs. It can also pollute the environment and contaminate groundwater.
To avoid these problems, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and only apply the recommended amount of fertilizer. If you are unsure about how much to use, ask a professional for advice.
Not able to differentiate between organic and processed fertilizers
When purchasing a fertilizer it’s important to have a clear understanding of the type that is required in your garden.
Processed ones are commonly referred to as synthetic or chemical fertilizers. They are made from natural ingredients and at the same time refined to concentrated solid thereby delivering nutrients to the crops quickly.
Whereas organic fertilizers are made from compost from plants and animal wastes. These types of fertilizers release nutrients quite slowly but effectively.
Not Testing Your Soil First
One of the most common fertilizing mistakes is not testing your soil first.
If you don’t know what your soil needs, you could be wasting money on fertilizers that your plants don’t need. Even worse, you could be damaging your plants with too much of a certain nutrient.
Get your soil tested by a professional and make sure you are using the right fertilizer for your plants.
Choosing the Wrong Fertilizer
One of the most common mistakes farmers make is using the wrong fertilizer. There are many different types of fertilizer, and each one is designed for a specific type of plant. Using the wrong fertilizer can actually damage your crops, so it’s important to be aware of the different types and to choose the right one for your needs.
Applying Fertilizer to Dry Soil
Applying fertilizer to dry soil is one of the most common fertilizing mistakes among most novice gardeners. When applied on dry soil, the fertilizer will not be able to penetrate the soil and reach the roots of your plants. As a result, your plants will not be able to get the nutrients they need and they may even die.
To avoid this, always make sure to water your plants before applying fertilizer. This will help fertilizer to seep into the soil and reach the roots of your plants.
Not Using Enough Organic Matter
Organic matter is essential for healthy soil, and it helps to hold nutrients and moisture in the soil.
If you’re not using enough organic matter, your soil will be less productive and your plants will be more susceptible to drought and pests. Use compost, manure, and other organic materials to improve the health of your soil.
Failure to Fertilize Seedlings
Fertilizing your seedlings is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a successful growing season. However, it’s also one of the easiest things to forget. If you don’t fertilize your seedlings, they will be weaker when transplanting.
To avoid this mistake, make sure to fertilize your seedlings when they still in the nursery bed. Use a high-quality fertilizer that is specifically designed for seedlings. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and water the seedlings well after fertilizing.
Not Following the Recommended Application Rates
One of the most common mistakes farmers make is not following the recommended application rates. Farmers often think that if a little is good, then a lot must be better. This is not the case. Applying too much fertilizer can actually harm your crops and cause environmental damage.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying fertilizer, and to only use the amount that is recommended for your specific crop and soil type. By doing so, you’ll be able to achieve the best results without harming your plants or the environment.
Applying Fertilizer to Wet Leaves
Applying fertilizer to wet leaves is a mistake that can lead to leaf burn. If the leaves are wet, the fertilizer will just sit on top of them and not be absorbed into the plant. Wait until the leaves are dry before applying fertilizer, or water the leaves after you apply the fertilizer so it can be absorbed.
Fertilizing at the Wrong Time
One of the most common fertilizing mistakes is applying fertilizer at the wrong time. Fertilizer should be applied when the plants are actively growing, and not when they are dormant. Applying fertilizer to dormant plants can actually do more harm than good.
Thinking All Plants Need the Same Nutrients
Just because two plants are the same species doesn’t mean they have the same nutrient needs. In fact, different varieties of the same plant can have completely different nutritional requirements.
For instance, some plants require more nitrogen than other crops. If you applied the same amount of nitrogen fertilizer to all your plants, some would get too much and some would get too little.
To make sure your plants are getting the correct nutrients they need, do some research on the specific varieties you’re growing.