HOW TO APPLY FERTILIZER EFFECTIVELY OF COMMON VEGETABLES

Before the seedlings are transplanted you should apply first  the mixture distributing them evenly to the plots.

The recommended amount  per 1 x 20 meter plot capacity based on per crop requirements:

Ampalaya, Squash, Patola, Upo – 40 kg Chicken Manure, 4 kg Complete fertilizer (14-14-14), 1 kg Urea, 30 gm Furadan. Sweet Pepper, Eggplant, Tomato – 40 kg Chicken Manure, 4 kg Complete fertilizer (14-14-14), I kg Urea, 250-300 gm Boron, 250-300 gm Calcium, 250-300 gm Magnesium, 30 gm Furadan. Water Melon, Musk Melon, Honeydew – 40 kg Chicken Manure, 3 kg Complete Fertilizer (14-14-14), 1 kg Urea, 250-300 gm Boron, 250-300 gm, 250-300 Calcium, 250-300 gm Magnesium, 1 kg Muriate of Potash, 30 gm Furadan. Baguio Beans, Aparagus, Snap Beans, String Beans, Pole Sitao, Bush Beans, Chicharo -  40 kg Chicken Manure, 2 kg Urea, 30 gm Furadan or any Nematicide Product. Cauliflower, Broccoli, Cabbage, Pechay, Chinese Cabbage, Upland Kangkong (water spinach), Radish, Lettuce, Carrots – 40 kg Chicken Manure. 4 kg Urea, 1 kg Complete (14-14-14). Cucumber – 40 kg Chicken Manure, 4 kg Complete Fertilizer (14-14-14), 1 kg Urea, 250-300 gm Boron, 250-300 gm Calcium, 250-300 Magnesium.

Procedures in Basal Application

Evenly spread the ingredient mixture to the plots. Cover the plots with soil taken from both sides of the plots excavating about 4 inches. Continue until you reach a minimum plot height of 8 – 10 inches . Cover the plot with plastic mulch. (Details was discussed under plastic mulch installation).

Types of Fertilizer

There are only two types of fertilizers, which includes the following…

1) Inorganic – Commercially made synthetic chemicals (e.g. Urea, complete, & incomplete fertilizers).

2) Organic –  Decayed plant and animal by-products (e.g. chicken manure, bat manure, hog manure, horse manure, plant compost, etc.).

Percent Grade of Inorganic Fertilizer

Fertilize Element Nitrogen Phosphorous Potassium

Urea                                  46                   0                   0

Ammonium Sulfate             21                   0                   0

Muriate of Potash                 0                  0                   60

Ammonium Phosphate        16                  20                  0

Ordinary Super Phosphate    0                  20                  0

Triple Super Phosphate         0                  21                  0

Di-Ammonium Sulfate           18                 46                  0

Complete Fertilizer               14                 14                  14

16                 16                  16

12                 12                  12

Nutrients Needed by Plants

There are sixteen elements that are essential for plant growth. A great majority of them are derived from the surrounding air and the soil.

The following elements are derived…

1)  From the air – carbon (C) as CO2 (Carbon dioxide);

2)    From the water – Hydrogen (H) and Oxygen (O) as H20 (water).

3)    From the soil – Fertilizer and animal manure; Nitrogen (N), leguminous plants obtain the nitrogen from the air with the help of bacteria living in the root nodules of legumes.

Legumes being the source of nitrogen living in symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria, they fix the nitrogen from the air (N) in the nodules of the plant roots.

Legumes supply the necessary energy, water and nutrients to the microorganisms and receive in return the nitrogen microorganisms produce.

Functions of Nutrient Elements to Plants

Primary elements

Nitrogen (N) – it is the motor of plant growth. It aids for leaves and branch development. Phosphorous (P) – plays a key role in the transfer of energy. It is also essential for photosynthesis and other chemico-physiological processes in the plant. Also for xylem, phloem, and root development. Potassium (K) – plays a vital part in carbohydrate and protein synthesis. It also aids for flower and fruit setting and improve sweetness of fruits.

Secondary elements

Magnesium (Mg) – hasten maturity, central constituent of chlorophyll, the green pigment of the leaves which functions as an acceptor of the energy supplied by the sun. Calcium (Ca) – prevents fruit cracking, essential for root growth and as a constituent of cell wall materials, and reduce soil acidity. Sulphur (S) – an essential constituent of protein and also involved in the formation of chlorophyll. It’s also important in plant growth as phosphorous and magnesium.

Micronutrients or trace elements

Boron (B) Iron (Fe) Manganese (Mn) Zinc (Zn) Copper (Cu) Molybdenum (Mo) Chlorine (Cl)

They are part of the key substances in plant growth and are comparable to vitamins in human nutrition. Being taken up in small amount, their range of optimal supply is very small. Their plant availability depends primarily on the condition of the soil.

Beneficial elements

Sodium (Na) – important for sugar beets. Silicon (Si) – important for cereals to strengthen cereal stems to resist lodging. Cobalt (Co) – important in the process of N-fixation of the legume plants. Calcium nitrate – fastens fruit ripening (Mango, banana, etc.). Ammonium Nitrate or any Ammonium forms – neutralizes soil alkalinity.

Methods of Fertilizer Application

1) Basal/Broadcast – Fertilizers are incorporated in the soil before planting or seeding.

2) Banding/Soft application – Fertilizer are applied in the spot or band.

3) Side Dressing – Application besides the rows of crops.

4) Top dressing – The fertilizers are applied in the field after planting.

5) Foliar spray – Fertilizers are applied by way of spraying.

6) Fertigation – Application of fertilizer pass through the pipes mixed with water.

7) Drenching – Manual application of dissolved fertilizer in water at the base of the plant. This is usually done late in the afternoon.

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Cris Ramasasa, Freelance writer, writes about home gardening and Internet marketing tips. You can get a copy of his latest ebook “How to get started in Flower Gardening”and  “Vegetable Gardening made Easy” and lots of tips, Free articles, and bonuses at: www.crisramasasa.com