The closer the fertilizer is to the roots, the better? Wrong!
Misconception 1: Saving effort by only applying base fertilizer and not top dressing
Many farmers think that if they apply sufficient base fertilizer before sowing, they can rest easy afterwards. This is like asking someone to eat three days' worth of food in one meal; can it be digested? Different growth stages of crops require different types and amounts of nutrients. Especially in sandy soil, which has poor water and nutrient retention, if no top dressing is applied for more than two months during the growth period, the crops will definitely suffer from nutrient deficiency in the later stage and lose vigor. Remember, base fertilizer is for "laying the foundation", while top dressing is for "supplementing nutrition". Only by combining the two can we ensure that the crops are "well-fed" from beginning to end.
Misconception Two: Believing that "expensive means good"
Buying fertilizers is not like buying clothes; you can't judge them merely by their price. Some inexpensive compound fertilizers may have unclear labeling of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content, or extremely low content of certain elements. If you use them as if they were high-content fertilizers, the result will be that you've spent money but your land hasn't received sufficient nutrients. The key is to look at the input-output ratio. For the same piece of land, if you use the right fertilizers, the yield will be high and the quality good. Even if the unit price is a bit higher, the overall cost will actually be lower. When buying fertilizers, be sure to clearly check the nutrient content labels on the packaging bags.
Misconception 3: Excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer leads to plants "growing tall but not bearing fruit"
Urea and ammonium bicarbonate, these nitrogen fertilizers, show quick results, making the leaves grow rapidly and looking pleasing. However, if you only apply nitrogen fertilizers all the time, it will cause problems. This is like feeding a child only rice and no vegetables, resulting in an unbalanced diet. Plants need nitrogen in the early stage to grow tall (nutritional growth), but in the middle and later stages, they require more phosphorus and potassium for flowering, fruiting, and strengthening the stems (reproductive growth). Excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer can cause crops to be late in maturing, grow only leaves and branches without bearing fruit, or have poor-tasting fruits. It is necessary to apply nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in combination according to the growth stage of the crops, and supplement trace elements when necessary.
Myth Four: The faster the fertilizer dissolves, the better?
Thinking that a fertilizer that dissolves quickly is a good fertilizer? Not necessarily! The absorption of nutrients by crops is a gradual process. If too much fertilizer is dissolved at once, the root system cannot absorb it all, and the nutrients will be wasted as they are carried away by the water, wasting money and polluting the environment. That's why many slow-release fertilizers and controlled-release fertilizers are popular now. They can release nutrients slowly and continuously, better meeting the "food requirements" of crops. However, it should be noted that these types of fertilizers are generally suitable for use as base fertilizers and are not suitable for use as top dressings that require quick results.
Myth 5: Add fertilizer when you notice a lack of nutrients. It's too late!
Waiting until the leaves turn yellow and the plants become weak before applying fertilizer is like eating only when you are extremely hungry. It has already damaged your health. After the fertilizer is applied, it takes a certain period for it to be absorbed and utilized by the crops (about 3-5 days in paddy fields and 5-7 days in dry land). Scientific fertilization emphasizes "advance dosage". You should formulate a fertilization plan in advance based on the variety of crops you are growing and their growth cycle. For example, the best time for fruit trees to fertilize is before the leaves fall after the harvest, supplementing "postpartum fertilizer" to build up strength for the next year's flowering and fruiting, rather than fertilizing only when you see the flowers in spring.
The "three-step" method for scientific fertilization: Remember it and it will work.
1. Observe the crops: Different crops and different growth stages require different "food". First, figure out what you are growing and which stage it is currently in.
2. Examine the land: Sandy soil needs to be fertilized in smaller amounts more frequently, while clay soil can receive a larger amount of base fertilizer at once. If possible, it's best to conduct a soil test to determine what nutrients are lacking and add them accordingly.
3. Consider the weather: Fertilizing when the soil is too dry can cause "root burn". After fertilization, if it rains heavily, nutrients are likely to be lost. It's best to apply fertilizer after a rain or before watering, and cover the soil promptly.
