Fertilizer Applications
Factors that Affect the Type of
Fertilizer Application
• Rooting characteristics of the
plants.
• Crop’s demand for nutrients
at various points of
development.
• Physical and chemical
characteristics of soil.
Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement
University of California, Davis
• Physical and chemical
characteristics of fertilizer.
• Availability of soil moisture.
• Types of irrigation methods to
be used.
345.T1
Fertilizer Applications
Pre-plant Applications
• Broadcast
– Drop spreader.
– Pull type spreader.
– Self-propelled
spreader.
– Liquid spreader.
Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement
University of California, Davis
• Injection
– Drop pipes for liquids,
or tubes for dry
fertilizers.
– All fertilizers which can
be broadcasted, can also
be injected.
345.T2
Fertilizer Applications
At-planting Application
• Placement with seed.
– The fertilizer is placed in the soil at the same
time as the seed/transplant.
• Band Placement.
– The fertilizer is placed to the side of and/or
below the seed.
Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement
University of California, Davis
345.T3
Fertilizer Applications
Post-emergence Application
• Side dressing
• Water run
– Fertilizer is applied to the
side of the crop rows.
• Top dressing
– The addition of fertilizers
via irrigation water.
• Foliar applications
– Spreading fertilizers on
the soil surface after crop
emergence.
Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement
University of California, Davis
– Spraying fertilizers directly
onto the leaf surface.
345.T4