"I applied a lot of fertilizer, but the crops are sparse and weak. What's wrong?" During the critical growth period of crops, many farmers face the dilemma of poor fertilization results. Fertilizer application is a core aspect of agricultural production. How should we choose between the three common methods: broadcasting, furrow application, and hole application?
I. Why is Broadcasting Ineffective, or Even Harmful?
Broadcasting, which involves evenly spreading fertilizer on the soil surface, is a traditional and labor-saving method. However, its disadvantages are obvious: nutrients exposed to air are easily volatilized (such as nitrogen fertilizer), easily washed away by rainwater, and difficult for crop roots to effectively absorb, resulting in extremely low fertilizer utilization, often less than 30%. When fertilizer is spread on the surface, crop roots only grow on the surface and are unwilling to penetrate deeper, making the crops less drought-resistant and less resistant to lodging. It can also induce weed growth, competing with crops for nutrients and water. Excessive broadcasting of chemical fertilizers can also damage soil structure, causing compaction, which in turn hinders crop root development.
Precautions: After evenly spreading the fertilizer on the surface, till or water the soil. Use it as base fertilizer before land preparation or for large-scale topdressing of quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer (ensure sufficient irrigation water is available afterward to carry it into the root zone). This method is suitable for densely planted crops such as rice and wheat, or for quickly covering the field with organic or compound fertilizers. Never apply fertilizer to mature plants on the surface under drought or no irrigation conditions; otherwise, it's a waste of money.
II. What are the advantages of "furrow application" and "hole application"? (Concentrated deep application principle)
Both methods belong to "concentrated deep application," a golden rule for improving fertilizer efficiency.
Furrow application: Dig furrows between crop rows or along the ridges (depth depends on the crop, generally 15-20 cm or more), apply the fertilizer, and cover with soil. Suitable for base fertilizer or topdressing.
Hole application: Dig holes near the crop roots, apply fertilizer, and cover with soil. Commonly used for fruit trees, large melons, or as hole fertilizer at planting.
These two methods deliver fertilizer precisely to the root system, achieving a utilization rate of over 60%, guiding roots to grow deep and form a strong root system, significantly enhancing the crop's drought and lodging resistance. They also reduce nutrient loss and soil pollution.
Applicable Scenarios: For furrow application, furrow digging requires some manual labor or machinery. Maintain a certain distance (10-15 cm) from the roots to avoid direct root damage. For hole application, the holes must be dug large and deep enough. The fertilizer must be thoroughly mixed with the soil before covering; otherwise, it is very easy to create a "fertilizer pit" and burn the roots.
Conclusions and Direct Recommendations
Poor crop growth is often due to fertilizer volatilization and loss during broadcasting, resulting in low utilization rates. Please change your habits and adopt scientific fertilization methods: apply base fertilizer by deep tilling, and change topdressing to furrow or hole application, concentrating the fertilizer around the crop roots. This can significantly improve fertilizer efficiency, promote deep root growth, enhance stress resistance, and ultimately achieve increased yield and income, cost savings, and environmental protection.
