-1–
GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
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AgriSETA
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Acknowledgements
Developed by
Lifestyle College
With special thanks to:
Tasha Tollman
Rick Smit from Dynamic Solution Synergies
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Contents Page
DESCRIPTION
Study Session Overview
The Unit Standard : Applying Fertilizers Manually
Introduction
Lesson 1 : N.P.K.
Lesson 2 : Understanding Fertilizers
Lesson 3 : Applying Fertilizers
Lesson 4 : Cleaning and Storage of Fertilizers
References
AgriSETA
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Study Session Overview
Purpose
The purpose of this study session is to equip you with the skills and
knowledge necessary to:

Understand the role that fertilizers play in providing health and growth
in plants.

Distribute fertilizers to trees and shrubs manually.

Operate a fertilizer distributor to apply fertilizer to lawn areas.

Utilize fertilizing practices for the maintenance of planted containers
and landscapes.
This study session forms part of the General Certificate in Horticulture, NQF
level 1 and is aligned with the Unit Standard: Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental
Plants and Landscapes, which carries 3 credits.
Who is it for?
This study session and unit standard form the knowledge base for people
working with plants within the ornamental horticulture or landscaping industry
and gives the learner the skills and knowledge necessary to:
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes

Recognise the various types of fertilizers that are utilized in plant
production and landscapes and the benefits to the plants.

Demonstrate an understanding the role of the 3 macro elements in
synthetic general fertilizers.

Describe how the life span of the macro elements are affected when
introduced to the soil.

Apply fertilizers to various horticultural and landscape situations.

Clean and care of fertilizer applicators and storage of unused fertilizers.
What's in it for you?
The skills acquired in this study session will equip you with the skills and
knowledge needed to be able to apply fertilizer evenly either by hand or by
fertilizer distributor. These skills and knowledge form the basis of your
horticultural studies and help you to:

Explain the benefits that fertilizers provide in plant growth.

Describe the two fertilizer mediums.

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each fertilizer medium.

Describe the role that nitrogen plays in plant growth.

Describe the role that phosphorous plays in plant growth.

Describe the role that potassium plays in plant growth.

Explain the percentage content of macro elements, as listed on the
fertilizer packaging.

Explain why it is necessary to renew the nutrients in the soil.

Describe the ideal conditions for the application of fertilizers.

Describe the use of fertilizers for base dressing and top dressing.

Demonstrate the precise application of small quantities of fertilizer to plant
bags and containers.
AgriSETA
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes

Demonstrate the broadcasting of fertilizer to small grassed areas by hand.

Demonstrate the application of fertilizer to grassed areas using a fertilizer
distributor.

Demonstrate the application of fertilizer to trees, shrubs and herbaceous
plants by hand.

Explain the two methods by which liquid fertilizer can be applied to plants
and the advantages of these methods.

Explain the reasons for cleaning the fertilizer application equipment.

Demonstrate the procedures for the cleaning, drying and storage of
fertilizer application equipment.

Describe the essential elements of maintaining a fertilizer store.

Give reasons why different types of fertilizer should not be mixed or stored
together.

Explain the reasons for storing fertilizers in their original packaging.

Demonstrate the procedures for the packing of fertilizers.
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
What about assessment?
If you can:

Apply fertilizer to various horticultural and landscape situations.

Care for, clean, dry and store fertilizer application equipment.

Answer all the knowledge questions in the summative assessment.
You will receive credits for a competent rating on your assessments.
These credits contribute 1 unit standard and 3 credits towards the General
Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture, at NQF Level 1.
The laid down policies and procedures with regard to assessment,
moderation, RPL and appeals govern this assessment.
You will be rated "Competent" or "Not Yet Competent" against
the assessment criteria.
AgriSETA
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Unit Standard
Title
Number
Level
Credits
Field
Sub field
Issue date
Learning
assumed to
be in place
Apply fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and Landscapes
119695
1
3
Agriculture and Nature Conservation
Horticulture
2006-02-09
Demonstrate knowledge of communication and Numeracy at Abet
level 3.
Specific Outcomes
1. Recognise the various types
of fertilizers that are utilized
in plant production and
landscapes and the benefits
to the plants.
Assessment Criteria
1.1.
1.2.
1.3.
2.1.
2.2.
2. Demonstrate an
2.3.
understanding the role of the
3 macro elements in synthetic 2.4.
general fertilizers.
AgriSETA
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
Explain the benefits that fertilizers
provide in plant growth.
Describe the two fertilizer mediums.
Explain the advantages and
disadvantages of each fertilizer
medium.
Describe the role that nitrogen plays
in plant growth.
Describe the role that phosphorous
plays in plant growth.
Describe the role that potassium
plays in plant growth.
Explain the percentage content of
macro elements, as listed on
fertilizer packaging.
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Specific Outcomes
3. Describe how the life span of
the macro elements are
affected when introduced to
the soil.
Assessment Criteria
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
4.1.
4.2.
4. Apply fertilizer to various
horticultural and landscape
situations.
4.3.
4.4.
4.5.
5.1.
5.2.
5. Clean and care of fertilizer
applicators and storage of
unused fertilizers.
5.3.
5.4.
5.5.
5.6.
AgriSETA
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
Explain the necessity of renewing
nutrients in the soil.
Describe the ideal conditions for the
application of fertilizers.
Describe the use of fertilizers for
base dressing and top dressing.
Demonstrate the precise application
of small quantities of fertilizer to
plant bags and containers.
Demonstrate the application of
fertilizer to grassed areas by hand.
Demonstrate the application of
fertilizer to grassed areas, using a
fertilizer distributor.
Demonstrate the application of
fertilizer to trees, shrubs and
herbaceous plants.
Explain the two methods by which
liquid fertilizer can be applied to
plants and the advantages of these
two methods.
Explain the reasons for cleaning the
fertilizer application equipment.
Demonstrate the procedures for the
cleaning, drying and storage of
fertilizer application equipment.
Describe the essential elements of
maintaining a fertilizer store.
Give reasons why different types of
fertilizer should not be mixed or
stored together.
Explain the reasons for storing
fertilizers in their original packaging.
Demonstrate the procedures for the
packing of fertilizers.
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Embedded Knowledge
Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each
specific outcome and must be assessed in its own right, through oral and
written evidence. Observation cannot be the only assessment.
Critical Cross Field Outcomes

Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible
decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made – specific
outcome 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or
community. Specific outcome embedded in the learning for this level of
learner.

Organise and manage oneself and one’s activities responsibly and
effectively. Specific outcome 4 and 5.

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. Specific
outcome 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills
in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. Specific outcome
embedded in the learning for this level of learner.

Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing
responsibility toward the environment and health of others. Specific
outcome 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by
recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
Specific outcome 1, 2, 3 and 4.
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Unit Standard Accreditation and Moderation
Options
1. Internal moderation.
2. External moderation.
3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA,
according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification the
agreed ETQA procedures.
4. Internal assessment.
5. External assessment with the relevant registered/accredited industry
body/ETQA.
6. An Assessor accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the Learner’s
competency.
7. Formative and summative assessment of qualifying Learners against this
unit standard should be in alignment with the requirements of the NSB.
8. Practical assessment activities will be used that are appropriate to the
contents in which the qualifying Learners are working.
9. Assessment will include self and peer assessment, practical and oral
assessment, observations, questions and answers, etc.
10. Direct observation is required in simulated or actual work conditions.
11. Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication, using
verbal and/or writing skills.
12. Assessment is to be structured to include formative and summative
component, as well as the submission of a Portfolio of Evidence.
13. The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes, critical cross
field outcomes and embedded knowledge are assessed.
14. Specific outcomes must be assessed in their own right, through oral and
practical evidence and cannot be assessed by observation only.
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in their own right, through
oral and practical evidence and cannot be assessed by observation only.
15. Special outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed
in relation to each other.
16. If qualifying Learners are able to explain the essential embedded
knowledge, but are unable to perform the specific outcomes, then they
should not be assessed as competent.
17. If qualifying Learners are able to perform specific outcomes, but are
unable to explain the essential embedded knowledge, they should not be
assessed as competent.
18. Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found,
both in performance and in essential embedded knowledge.
19. Assessment activities must be fair, so that all Learners have equal
opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
20. This unit standard can be assessed together with any other relevant
registered unit standard.
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Who does what?
You are expected to actively take part in the lessons by:

Asking questions.

Planning and preparing for your training and assessment.

Completing the assessment tasks that you are given.

Telling your trainer when you need help or don’t understand.
Your learning will be supported in the following ways:

Your trainer will provide you with all the necessary training material.

Your trainer will manage the learning process during the training.

The assessor will plan and prepare you for assessment, assess your
competence and provide feedback to you and arrange any follow up
assessments that may be necessary.
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Introduction
Soil is the “home” of plants and it is from the soil that the plant’s roots get:

The water needed by the plant to grow.

The space and air between soil particles for the roots to grow.

A medium for the roots to anchor in.

Nutrients.
What are nutrients?
Nutrients are important elements needed for plant growth. Just like we need
vitamins and minerals to keep us strong and healthy and help us to grow,
plants need nutrients to keep them strong and healthy and help them to grow.
If the plant’s roots find soil that provides the plant with plenty of nutrients, the
plant will grow strong and healthy. Without certain nutrients plants can
become weak and die.
Where do nutrients come from?
Nutrients are found naturally in soils and growing mediums. These nutrients
are released into the soil when minerals found in rock particles and rotting
plant and animal materials break down.
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Plants get the nutrients that they need when the nutrients in the soil get
dissolved into water which is then taken up by the plants.
Because the nutrients naturally found in soils and growing mediums are being
used by the plants all the time or because the quantity of nutrients is not
enough for the needs of the plants, we need to add these nutrients into the
soil by means of applying fertilizers manually.
Let’s begin our learning by taking a look at what nutrients are needed by
plants.
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Lesson 1 : N.P.K.
Specific outcomes of this lesson :
Recognise the various types of fertilizers that are used in plant
production and landscapes and the benefits to the plants.
Describe how the life span of the macro elements are affected when
introduced to the soil.
After you have worked through Lesson 1, you should be able to:

Describe the role that nitrogen plays in plant growth.

Describe the role that phosphorous plays in plant growth.

Describe the role that potassium plays in plant growth.

Describe how the life span of the macro elements is affected when introduced to
the soil.
Introduction
Just like people, plants need energy to grow strong and health. Plants get
this energy by making their own food and by taking up nutrients, found in the
soil, that are dissolved into the water.
Plants need three nutrients in large doses, so we call these nutrients macroelements.
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Let’s take a look at what these macro-elements are and how the plant uses
them!
Macro Nutrients
N = Nitrogen
P = Phosphorous
K = Potassium
Plants need phosphorous,
Plants need nitrogen, which which moves slowly into the
moves quickly into the soil
soil especially in areas
to:
which do not have a high
rainfall to:
Potassium in its various
forms is neither fast or slow
acting and move at a
steady pace into the soil.
Plants need potassium to:

Help the plant to grow
new leaves.

Help the plants to
develop flowers, and
fruit.

Encourage the stems
of plants to grow.

Help the plants to
grow strong and fight
diseases.

Make chlorophyll
which gives leaves
their bright green
colour.

Help the plant make
food.

Help the plants to
form roots and
develop a healthy root
system.
As you can see Nitrogen
controls how fast a plant
will grow. But be careful too
much nitrogen can cause
severe burn to the plant,
especially if you do not
water the nitrogen into the
soil.
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 1
Draw a colour picture that shows:

How a plant will look that has been fertilized with nitrogen.

How a plant will look that has not got enough nitrogen.
And then in your own words, write down what role nitrogen plays in
plant growth?
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 2
Draw a colour picture that shows:

How a plant will look that has been fertilized with phosphorous.

How a plant will look that has not got enough phosphorous.
And then in your own words, write down what role phosphorous plays
in plant growth?
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 3
Draw a colour picture that shows:

How a plant will look that has been fertilized with potassium.

How a plant will look that has not got enough potassium.
And then in your own words, write down what role potassium plays in
plant growth?
AgriSETA
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 4
Using the pictures you have drawn, explain to the other groups, why
plants need N.P.K.
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 5
How is the life span of the macro elements affected when they are
introduced into the soil?
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Lesson Checkpoint
Now that you have worked through this lesson, please check that you
are able to do all the specific outcomes and meet the assessment
criteria:

I can describe the role that nitrogen plays in plant growth.

I can describe the role that phosphorous plays in plant growth.

I can describe the role that potassium plays in plant growth.

I can explain how the life span of the macro elements is affected when
introduced into the soil.
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Notes:
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Lesson 2 : Understanding Fertilizers
Specific outcomes of this lesson :
Recognise the various types of fertilizers that are utilized in plant
production and landscapes and the benefits to the plants.
Describe how the life span of the macro elements are affected when
introduced to the soil.
After you have worked through Lesson 2, you should be able to:

Explain the necessity of renewing nutrients in the soil.

Explain the benefits that fertilizers provide in plant growth.

Describe the two fertilizer mediums.

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each fertilizer medium.
Why do we need to add Nutrients into the Soil?
Because the nutrients naturally found in soils and growing mediums are being
used by the plants all the time or because the quantity of nutrients is not
enough for the needs of the plants, we need to add these nutrients into the
soil. When we want to give plants nutrients, we need to manually add
fertilizers into the soil.
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
When we are growing plants commercially (to sell them to other people),
fertilizers help us to speed up the growing, flowering and fruiting process
which allows the product to be sold earlier.
Fertilizing of container grown plants is especially important because the roots
of these plants are limited to the container in which they are growing. These
plants cannot get to the nutrients in the ground, and if we do not add nutrients
into their containers, these plants will have a shortage of nutrients. A fertilizer
programme for container grown plants is usually started by adding fertilizers
into the growing medium and then continued during plant growth.
These fertilizers that we add manually into the soil give the plants the
nutrients they need and help:

The plants leaves, stems and roots to grow.

The plant to make flowers and fruit.

The plant to fight diseases.

The plant make food.

Help the plant to grow.
To replace these nutrients you can use either:

Organic fertilizers.

Inorganic fertilizers.
Let’s take a look at these two fertilizer mediums in detail.
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 6
In your own words explain:
 Why it is necessary to renew nutrients in the soil.
 How fertilizers benefit plant growth.
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
What are organic fertilizers?
Most organic fertilizers come from dead animal or animal waste or by
products and plant matter, for example:

Dried blood

Hoof and horn.

Bone dust.

Guano.

Fishmeal.

Blood and bone.

Animal manure.

Leaf mould.

Seaweed

Certain liquid fertilizers e.g. Nitrosol, Seagro

Compost
So as you can see organic matter is anything which was once part of a living
plant or animal. Many insects and soil organisms change fresh or rotting plant
material into organic fertilizer, which is in a form that can be taken up by the
plant e.g. compost or leaf mould. If the soil is too wet, dry or cold the nitrogen
will not be released, as the soil organisms will be inactive.
Soils became poor in nutrients when the organic matter level drops.
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 7
Look, touch and smell the different organic fertilizers on the table.
Now see if you as a group can guess which of these organic fertilizers
are:











Dried blood
Hoof and horn.
Bone dust.
Guano.
Fishmeal.
Blood and bone.
Animal manure.
Leaf mould.
Seaweed
Certain liquids e.g. Nitrosol, Seagro
Compost
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Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
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Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
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Did you notice how all these fertilizers smell like nature, seaweed, manure,
etc?
What are the advantages of using organic fertilizers?
Organic fertilizers:

Improve the soil texture, making clay soil lighter and adding body to sandy
soils.

Increase the soils ability to hold water. This makes it possible to water
less frequently.

Are environmentally friendly and applying too much organic fertilizers
cannot harm the plants in most cases. Remember to always check with
your supervisor because certain manures, for example kraal manure when
placed up against the stem of a plant may burn the plant.

Increases beneficial soil organism level within the soil, which in turn breaks
down nutrients into plant accessible form.
What are the disadvantages of using organic
fertilizers?
Organic fertilizers:

Are expensive to buy.

Take longer to release their nutrients than inorganic fertilizers, because
soil organisms need to convert organic products such as hoof and horn
into a form that can be used by the plants and this takes time and so
organic fertilizers are released slowly into the soil.
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GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
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Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
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What are inorganic fertilizers?
Inorganic or chemical fertilizers are generally made by man and can be found
in either:

Granules
Many inorganic or chemical fertilizers are granular, for example 2:3:2.
Granular fertilizers need to be dissolved in water before the nutrients can
be taken up and used by the plant. Too much fertilizer can be deadly for
plants or cause plant burn, so stick to the instructions on the product
labels.

Liquids
Liquid fertilizers can be applied either through drenching or through foliar
feeding. These fertilizers normally come in a concentrated form and need
to be diluted in water. Since the nutrients are already dissolved in the
water, they can immediately be taken up and used by the plant. These
fertilizers are mostly used in the home environment on indoor plants and
are generally sprayed onto the leaves of the plant making the nutrients
directly available to the leaves where they can be used immediately.
Examples of liquid fertilizers are Trelmix and Multifeed.

Powders or solid tablets
These fertilizers are released over a period of time and are therefore
available to the plant for a longer period than other inorganic or chemical
fertilizers, which would leach out of the soil. Example Shake & Grow.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 8
Look, touch and smell the different inorganic fertilizers on the table.
Now see if you as a group can guess which of these inorganic
fertilizers are:




Powder.
Granular
Solid Tablets.
Liquid.
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Did you notice that all these fertilizers smell like chemicals?
What are the advantages of using inorganic
fertilizers?
Inorganic fertilizers:

Provide nutrients to plants quickly and in larger quantities than can be
provided at one time in any other way.

Are easy to use.

Are easy to store and spread.

Are cheap to transport.
What are the disadvantages of using inorganic
fertilizers?

Cannot improve the soil texture.

Cannot improve the soils ability to hold water.

Easy to give plants too much, which can kill the plant or cause plant burn.

Over-use can lead to the ground water becoming polluted.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 9
Describe to your team:

The two types of fertilizer mediums.

The advantages and disadvantages of each fertilizer medium.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 10
Dividing into two groups:

Group 1 you will try to convince group 2 that it is better to use
organic fertilizers.

Group 2 you will try to convince group 1 that it is better to use
inorganic fertilizers.
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Lesson Checkpoint
Now that you have worked through this lesson, please check that you
are able to do all the specific outcomes and meet the assessment
criteria:

I can explain the need to renew the nutrients in the soil.

I can explain the benefits that fertilizers provide in plant growth.

I can describe the two fertilizer mediums.

I can explain the advantages and disadvantages of each fertilizer
medium.
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Notes:
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Lesson 3 : Applying Fertilizer
Specific outcomes of this lesson :
Describe how the life span of the macro elements are affected when
introduced to the soil.
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the 3 macro elements in
synthetic general fertilizers.
Apply fertilizer to various horticultural and landscape situations.
After you have worked through Lesson 3, you should be able to:

Describe the ideal conditions for the application of fertilizers.

Describe the use of fertilizers for base dressing and top dressing.

Explain the percentage content of macro elements, as listed on fertilizer
packaging.

Demonstrate the precise application of small quantities of fertilizer to plant bags
and containers.

Demonstrate the application of fertilizer to small grassed areas by hand.

Demonstrate the application of fertilizer to grassed areas using a fertilizer
distributor.

Demonstrate the application of fertilizer to trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.

Explain the two methods by which liquid fertilizer can be applied to plants and the
advantages of these methods.
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Introduction
Fertilizers can be added to the soil in different ways, depending on how they
are formulated and what they contain.
Fertilizers can be added to the soil:

As a base dressing, forked or raked into the top layer of the soil before
sowing or planting.

As a top dressing scattered around established plants

As a liquid feed watered around the roots

Or as a liquid foliar feed sprayed onto the leaves of plants.
How you apply fertilizers will depend on:

What plants you want to fertilize and

What type of fertilizer you will be using.
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When should you apply fertilizers?
Fertilizing plants takes place either:
1. At planting time.
2. As part of a regular feeding programme, for example, annuals will need
more regular fertilizing than trees and shrubs to reach their full growth.
In theory an ideal feeding regime would be:

Annuals every 10 to 14 days.

Grasses/lawn every 6 to 8 weeks.

Shrubs and perennials every 8 to 10 weeks.

Trees at least once a year.
To decide on what feeding program to follow you need to think
about:

What standard you want to obtain.

The strength of the fertilizer that you are using.

The quality and effectiveness of the fertilizer that you are using.
3. When you can see that your plants have a nutrient deficiency.
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These are the golden rules that you will follow when applying fertilizer, no
matter what you are fertilizing or what type of fertilizer you are using are:

Never apply fertilizer in the heat of the day. The cool morning or
evening is the best time to fertilise.

Never apply fertilizer to plants that are dry, always water before and
after applying fertilizer.

Do not apply fertilizer in pouring rain or you will be wasting your time
and money because the fertilizer you have applied will wash down
beyond the root zone and be out of reach for your plants.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 11
What are the ideal conditions for applying fertilizer?
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Applying Fertilizer as Base Dressing
Base dressing is applied at or before planting or transplanting of plants.
This method of applying fertilizer is most beneficial when establishing plants
since the fertilizer is added to the root zone of the plant and this makes the
fertilizer more quickly available to the roots of the plant.
When applying fertilizer as a base dressing you need to:

Before fertilizing, water the area that is to be fertilized.

Read the packaging label to see how much fertilizer should be added.

Mix the fertilizer thoroughly with the soil and/or compost that will go in
the planting hole. Make sure that the fertilizer does not come into
direct contact with the roots of the plant as this can cause plant burn.

After adding fertilizer, water.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 12
Apply organic fertilizer as a base dressing to garden shrubs.
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Applying fertilizers as Top Dressing
Top dressing is generally applied to established plants. This method of
fertilizing is used when plants need additional nutrients or as part of a regular
feeding program.

Too much fertilizer can be deadly for plants or cause plant burn, so stick to
the instructions on the product.

Always rake or cultivate the soil when applying a granular fertilizer.

Granular fertilizers are normally broadcasted by hand or by a fertilizer
spreader.

The advantage of a fertilizer spreader is that it applies the fertilizer evenly
over the area and reduces the risk of contact with the skin.

To ensure proper coverage adjust your settings on the fertilizer spreader.

Two types of fertilizer spreaders are available:

Drop spreader.

Broadcast spreader that throws the fertilizer out onto the area.
If broadcasting by hand, measure the amount of fertilizer on a paved area,
never on grass as this can lead to burn, and practice covering the paved area
with the recommended weight of fertilizer. Always measure a square meter
area and practice applying the fertilizer over the square meter area.
In granular fertilizer the nutrient elements are coated on the outside of the
granular carrier, which doesn’t affect the chemical nature of the fertilizer.
When water comes into contact with the fertilizer the nutrients are released.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 13
Describe the use of fertilizers for base and top dressing.
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Reading the Packaging:

The three figures on the fertilizer bag stand for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus
(P) and Potassium (K), which are the three main plant nutrients required
by a plant and are always listed in this order i.e.

2
:
3
:
2
N
:
P
:
K
The figure in the bracket shows the approximate sum of the percentages
of N, P and K present. Example: 2:3:2 (22) contains 22% plant nutrients
made up in the portions of two parts nitrogen, three parts phosphorus and
two parts potassium.

SR or TR after the figure means slow release or time release; this tells us
that small amounts of elements are released over an extended period of
time.

The higher the Nitrogen (N) figure the more likely it is to cause burn to the
plant.
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How to calculate:
2+3+2=7 x 22
22% plant food made up in portions of:
2 divided by 7 x 22 = 6.3% Nitrogen (N)
3 divided by 7 x 22 = 9.4% Phosphorus (P)
2 divided by 7 x 22 = 6.3% Potassium (K)
22% nutrient elements NPK
78% granular carrier which is an inert body.
The fertilizer container or bag always gives you the percentages, so you don’t
need to know how to make these calculations for yourself.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 14
Looking at the five different bags of fertilizer, write down:

The name of the fertilizer

The three nutrients in each bag:

The percentage of each nutrient:

The percentage fertilizer per bag:
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 15
Explain the percentage content of macro-elements as listed on the
fertilizer packaging you have been given
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Applying fertilizers to plant bags and
containers
When applying fertilizer to plant bags and containers, you need to:

Put some fertilizers into a small bucket because it is easier to carry
small quantities of the fertilizers around.

Water the plant. Remember fertilizer should never be applied to dry
plants.

Measure the fertilizer in a measuring spoon.

Sprinkle this fertilizer around the inside rim of the plant bag or
container, never apply fertilizer close to the stem of the plant as this
can burn the plant stem.

Water the plant again. Remember the fertilizer nutrients can only be
taken up by the plant once the nutrients have been dissolved in the
water. If left dry the nutrients could burn the plant and the plant will not
be able to take up the nutrients.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 16
Apply fertilizer to plant bags or containers.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 17
Broadcast fertilizer to small grassed areas by hand.
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Apply fertilizer to grassed areas using a distributor
Most home fertilizer distributors are designed to spread granular fertilizer and
can often not spread the powder fertilizers.
When applying fertilizer to grassed areas using a distributor, you need to:

Water the lawn.

Ask your supervisor to set the distributor on the correct setting for:
o The type of fertilizer you are using.
o The type of lawn.

Test the spreader on a paved area to check that the application rate is
even.

Walk behind the spreader pushing it in lines, making sure that you
don’t overlap or miss out certain areas.

Try not to spill fertilizer on the lawn or fill the spreader on the lawn area
when it needs refilling.

Water the lawn after application.

Replace unused fertilizer back into the bag and clean the spreader
properly before storing.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 18
Apply fertilizer to grassed areas using a distributor.
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Applying fertilizer to trees, shrubs and herbaceous
plants
When applying fertilizer to trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, you need to:

Water the plants if the soil is not already wet or moist.

Place some fertilizer into an easily carried container or bucket.

Read the fertilizer label to see how much fertilizer to use per square
meter.

Using your hand, scatter the fertilizer evenly over the required area. If
you haven’t done this before it is a good idea to first measure the
amount needed per square meter and then to practice scattering the
fertilizer on a measured square meter of paving, so that you don’t add
too much fertilizer and burn the plants while you are practicing.

Scatter the fertilizer amongst the plants, trying not to throw the fertilizer
up against the stem of the plants or on the leaves of plants.

Water after fertilizing and rinse off any fertilizer that falls onto the plants
leaves.

If the fertilizer is cultivated or raked into the soil this will give you
quicker results.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 19
Apply fertilizer to trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants
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Applying liquid fertilizers
Liquid fertilizers are easy to use, cannot burn the plants if you follow the
dosage and instructions, nutrients are immediately available and can be taken
up by the plant because the fertilizer is in liquid form.
Liquid fertilizers can be applied in two ways, either through drenching or foliar
feeding. Liquid fertilizers are important and are used in various stages of
plant propagation where the young plants are very sensitive to fertilizer burn.

Drenching
Drenching means that the fertilizer is mixed with water in a watering can
and then watered onto the soil around the plant roots. This allows the
nutrients to be taken up by the plant’s root system. In the home
environment drenching is normally used for pot plants. Do not try to
dissolve granular fertilizers like 2:3:2 or LAN, because they will not easily
dissolve in the water. Remember stick to the instructions on the fertilizer
container and you can’t go wrong, the advantage of using liquid fertilizer is
that it cannot burn the leaves of plants, stimulates the growth of plants by
giving the plants nutrients in a form that is easy for the plants to take up
and is easy to handle and apply. This method of applying fertilizer is
especially useful to help seedlings recover from transplanting.
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
Foliar feeding
Foliar means leaf and so this term means fertilizing through the leaves.
When you are foliar feeding, the fertilizer is mixed with water in a spray
tank and then sprayed directly onto the leaves of the plant, where it can be
easily taken up through the plants leaves. It is important to always water
the plants before application of any fertilizer. A mix nozzle can be used to
apply liquid fertilizers. Liquid fertilizers are quick acting and are often used
to correct a lack of essential nutrients. These fertilizers are most
frequently used when a small amount of fertilizer is needed.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 20
Fertilizer a plant by using the liquid fertilizer drenching method.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 21
Foliar feed a plant.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 22
In your own words:

Name the two methods by which liquid fertilizer can be applied
to plants.

Name the advantages for using both of these methods.
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Lesson Checkpoint
Now that you have worked through this lesson, please check that you
are able to do all the specific outcomes and meet the assessment
criteria:

I can describe the ideal conditions for the application of fertilizers.

I can describe the use of fertilizers for base dressing and top dressing.

I can explain the percentage content of macro elements, as listed on
fertilizer packaging.

I can demonstrate the precise application of small quantities of fertilizer
to plant bags and containers.

I can demonstrate the broadcasting of fertilizer to small grassed areas.

I can demonstrate the application of fertilizer to grassed areas using a
fertilizer distributor.

I can demonstrate the application of fertilizer to trees, shrubs and
herbaceous plants by hand.

I can explain the two methods by which liquid fertilizer can be applied to
plants and the advantages of these methods.
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NOTES:
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Lesson 4 : Cleaning and Storage of
Fertilizers
Specific outcomes of this lesson :
Clean and care of fertilizer applicators and storage of unused
fertilizers.
After you have worked through Lesson 4, you should be able to:

Explain the reasons for cleaning the fertilizer application equipment.

Demonstrate the procedures for the cleaning, drying and storage of fertilizer
application equipment.

Describe the essential elements of maintaining a fertilizer store.

Give reasons why different types of fertilizers should not be mixed or stored
together.

Explain the reasons for storing fertilizers in their original packaging.

Demonstrate the procedures for the packing of fertilizers.
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Introduction
As you have seen when you apply fertilizer by hand you could use a variety of
fertilizer equipments, such as:

Dry spreaders.

Distributors.

Spray equipment.

Watering cans.

Buckets.
Lets take a look at how to clean this equipment.
Cleaning Fertilizer Equipment
Fertilizing equipment needs to be thoroughly cleaned, because:

Fertilizers have corrosive properties; this means that the chemicals in
the fertilizers will cause damage to equipment if they are left in contact
with the equipment.

Fertilizers often harden and stick to equipment when left to dry on the
equipment making it far more difficult to clean later on.

Since different fertilizers are often used in the fertilizer equipment, if the
equipment is not cleaned thoroughly you will get a mixing of these
different chemicals. This can cause a chemical reaction and can
damage and pollute the next crop being fertilized.
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Clean out fertilizer equipment with plenty of running water from an outside tap
and get rid of any excess mixture down the drain or into a hole dug in the
garden. Never pour into or spray near fishponds or streams
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 23
In your own words, write down why you need to clean the fertilizer
application equipment?
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Storing Fertilizer
Always store fertilizers in tightly closed containers in a locked cupboard or
locked room in a frost free, dark, cool and well aired place. Fertilizers need to
be kept dry. Wetting of fertilizers often leads to them becoming hard and
difficult to use. Fertilizers should therefore ideally be stored off the ground on
pallets.
Never decant chemicals into unmarked containers, always keep chemicals in
their original packing.
Do not keep chemicals for more than two years and throw away any
chemicals that do not have a readable label or which have expired. To
dispose of unwanted chemicals and containers safely:

Never get rid of any excess mixture down the drain or into or spray
near fishponds or streams. Get rid of excess mixture by digging a hole
in the garden. If you need to dispose of a concentrate see that is it
securely lidded, wrapped up in newspaper and put in the dustbin or
hand it in to the office of your local waste disposal site.
Always wear gloves when handling concentrates, do not make up more than
you think you will need to use and never exceed the recommended dose.
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Different fertilizers should not be mixed together or stored on top of each
other because the chemicals used in fertilizers can easily change when they
are mixed together, this can be very dangerous, since the changed chemical
in the fertilizer:

May not work well or can even harm the plants.

Can explode and cause a fire.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 24
In your own words, describe the essential elements of maintaining a
fertilizer store.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 25
Explain why different types of fertilizers should not be mixed or
stored together?
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 26
Explain why fertilizers should be stored in their original packaging.
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Your Turn…
ACTIVITY 27
Working in teams, clean, dry and store the fertilizer application
equipment you have been given.
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Lesson Checkpoint
Now that you have worked through this lesson, please check that you
are able to do all the specific outcomes and meet the assessment
criteria:

I can explain why fertilizer application equipment needs to be cleaned.

I can demonstrate the procedures for the cleaning, drying and storage of
fertilizer application equipment.

I can describe the essential elements of maintaining a fertilizer store.

I can explain why different types of fertilizer should not be mixed or
stored together.

I can explain why fertilizers should be stored in their original packaging.

I can demonstrate the procedures for the packing of fertilizers.
AgriSETA
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
- 76 –
GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
Notes:
AgriSETA
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2
- 77 –
GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN ORNAMENTAL
HORTICULUTRE LEVEL 1
Workbook :
Apply Fertilizers to Ornamental Plants and
Landscapes
References

Reader’s Digest – Complete Guide to Gardening in South
Africa – Volume 1, Second Edition
AgriSETA
Issue date : June 2006 Version 2