How to improve the utilization rate of chemical fertilizers

Chemical fertilizers are fast-acting fertilizers that show effects quickly after application. However, in the actual application process, due to factors such as fertilization methods, timing of application, and soil conditions, the absorption and utilization rate of fertilizers is often low, which affects the normal growth of vegetables. The following aspects should be addressed: 
Fertilization methods 
There are many ways to apply fertilizers in the process of facility vegetable production, such as surface spreading, furrow application, hole application, flushing, drip irrigation, and foliar spraying. Different fertilizers should be applied in different ways. For example, compound fertilizers are less water-soluble than fully water-soluble fertilizers. If they are flushed with water, a lot of fertilizer will be lost and the utilization rate will be low. Therefore, it is recommended to apply compound fertilizers in furrows, which can maximize the effect of the fertilizer. It is not recommended to spread them on the surface for the sake of convenience, as this will waste fertilizer. 
Fertilization time 
Different crops and different growth stages have different nutritional requirements. Fertilization should be adjusted according to the specific crop and its growth stage. For instance, most vegetables require more nitrogen in the early growth stage and more potassium during the fruit setting stage. If fertilization is not tailored to the growth stage, the crop's flowering and fruit setting may be affected due to unbalanced nutrition. Calcium is an element with low mobility and slow transport, so it should be supplemented in advance. If calcium deficiency symptoms appear in the plant or the deficiency is severe, the effect of calcium fertilizer application will be minimal.

Fertilization environment 
Soil moisture has a significant impact on fertilizers, not only influencing their physical and chemical properties but also affecting the concentration of fertilizers applied and the rate of fertilizer release. For instance, when the soil is too dry, boron is not easily absorbed, and when it is overly waterlogged, iron is not easily absorbed. 
In addition, most vegetable farmers use the method of flooding when watering, which leads to high soil moisture and nutrient leaching as nutrients are carried away with the water. When the amount of water is insufficient, fertilizers cannot dissolve or the concentration of soil solution becomes too high, which can harm vegetable plants and reduce the utilization rate of fertilizers. 
Temperature can affect the degree to which roots and leaves absorb fertilizers and also influence the physical and chemical properties of fertilizers. When the temperature is low, the absorption of calcium and magnesium by roots is poor, and when the temperature is too high, fertilizing can easily cause fertilizer damage. Therefore, it is necessary to control the fertilizing environment well when applying fertilizers.