Fertilizers Used in Farming

Using fertilizers in crop production is a common practice to help increase and enhance soil nutrients, provide essential elements for plants that are growing in depleted soils and may lack sufficient nutrients to will make them into healthy high-yielding crops. Most fertilizers used in agricultural crop production contain macronutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, as well as micronutrients such as iron, manganese, and zinc, that are necessary for plants to grow and develop properly.

Common Types of Fertilizers Used in Farming

The most common types of fertilizers used in crop production are generally potassium-based (K), nitrogen-based (N), phosphorus-based (P), or compound fertilizers (containing an NPK ratio). Some common types include:

Potassium-based Fertilizers:

  • Potassium nitrate (KNO3)
  • Potassium sulfate (K2SO4)
  • Potassium chloride (KCl)

Nitrogen-based Fertilizers:

  • Ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4)
  • Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3)
  • Urea (CO(NH2)2)

Phosphorus-based Fertilizers:

  • Monoammonium phosphate (MAP) (NH4H2PO4)
  • Superphosphate (Ca(H2PO4)2)
  • Triple superphosphate (Ca(H2PO4)2.H20)

Compound Fertilizers:

  • NPK fertilizers – containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), and in a variety of ratios.
  • Diammonium phosphate (DAP) ((NH4)2HPO4), which contains both nitrogen and phosphorus.

The Benefits and Importance of Using Fertilizers

Fertilizers offer many benefits and play a vital role in both the agriculture and horticulture industries. Some of the important benefits of farm fertilizers include:

  • Increase of Nutrient Availability
  • Improvements in Crop Yields
  • Enhancement in Plant Health & Resilience
  • Maintaining a Nutrient Balance
  • Replenished Soil Fertility
  • Efficient Resource Utilization
  • Agricultural Sustainability

Proper and responsible fertilizer use includes considering factors such as soil testing, several environmental considerations, and overall nutrient requirements to maximize the benefits fertilizers have to offer, while minimizing any potential drawbacks.

On-Farm Fertilizer Application Options

There are various methods when it comes to the application options for fertilizers. Application methods can depend on a specific crop, general or familiar farming practices, and soil conditions. Some common application options for on-farm fertilizers include:

  • Broadcasting – spreading fertilizer uniformly over soil surfaces mechanically. This is suitable for granular or powdered fertilizer, incorporated through tillage or rainfall, and is commonly used for large-scale field crops.
  • Banding – placing fertilizer in narrow bands or rows close to plant roots or seeds. It is incorporated during planting or as a side-dressing later in plant growth and is commonly used for row crops such as corn.
  • Foliar Application – dissolving or suspending fertilizer in a water solution and spraying it directly onto plant leaves. This allows direct nutrient absorption and is commonly applied in horticultural crops.
  • Drip Irrigation – fertilizer that is water-soluble can be injected into irrigation systems and used to deliver nutrients directly to plant roots through drip lines. It is commonly applied in drip-irrigated crops, greenhouses, and orchards.
  • Seed Treatment – a fertilizer or nutrient coating is applied directly onto seeds before the planting process. This provides an early nutrition boost and is commonly applied for crops such as corn, cotton, and soybeans.
  • Side-Dressing – applying fertilizer onto soil alongside developing plants, commonly applied in shallow trenches or furrows. It is generally used with row crops and vegetables.
  • Controlled-Release – fertilizer that gradually releases nutrients over a specific period of time. This method can be applied using broadcasting, banding, or be incorporated into potting mixes for greenhouse and nursery operations.

How to Safely Use Fertilizers on the Farm

When it comes to safely using fertilizer, it is important to follow best practices and the guidelines provided with commercial products.

  1. Reading and following all instructions
  2. Conducting proper soil tests to determine nutrient needs
  3. Using protective gear to minimize risk exposure
  4. Properly storing fertilizer in cool, dry, and secure locations
  5. Ensuring proper calibration of equipment
  6. Avoiding excessive amounts of fertilizer application
  7. Only applying fertilizer when weather conditions are favorable and when crops can best utilize the nutrients.
  8. Considering the environmental impact of fertilizers
  9. Ensuring the cleanliness of all equipment before and after use
  10. Properly disposing unused fertilizer according to local regulations

On-Farm Fertilizer Rates:

When it comes to farm fertilizer rates, it is important to know that nutrient requirements from soil tests are often prescribed in lbs/ac or kg/ha. To determine your needed fertilizer rate, you can multiply the rate of the anticipated nutrient by 100 and divide that number by the percentage of the nutrient in the fertilizer. In general, it is recommended to use one pound of mixed fertilizer or nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of farmland. To make this easier, we have provided the Canadian government link to their fertilizer application calculator:

Farm Fertilizer Rate Calculator Canada

Rules and Regulations for On-Farm Use of Fertilizers

Canada:

When it comes to the rules and regulations for on-farm use of fertilizers in Canada, they are generally overseen by multiple governmental agencies - at both the provincial and federal level, so it’s important to know what the specific rules and regulations are are in your area, and where to find this critical information to help prevent unintended consequences from fertilizer misuse:

  • Fertilizers Act and Fertilizer Regulations
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency
  • Product Registration
  • Labeling Requirements
  • Nutrient Content Claims
  • Inspection and Sampling
  • Restricted and Prohibited Substances
  • Provincial Regulations

United States of America:

When it comes to the rules and regulations for on-farm fertilizers in the United States of America, the regulations are overseen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), so growers must by familiar with the following guidelines:

  • Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
  • Federal Fertilizer Act
  • State Regulations
  • Labeling Requirements
  • Nutrient Management Plans
  • Environmental Regulations
  • Best Management Practices

References:

  • Brady, N.C., & Weil, R.R. (2016). Elements of the Nature and Properties of Soils. Pearson.
  • Jones, J.B. Jr. (2003). Agronomic Handbook: Management of Crops, Soils, and Their Fertility. CRC Press.
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) - Fertilizers. Retrieved from https://www.inspection.gc.ca/fertilizers/eng/1299827850237/1299827925636  
  • Fertilizers Act and Fertilizers Regulations. Retrieved from https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/F-10/index.html