There are different types of fertilizers for plants. Fertilizers are necessary for the proper development of plants, providing them with essential nutrients. However, there are many types of fertilizers, and today we will focus on their differences and application.
What types of plant fertilizers are there?
Plant fertilizers are a key factor in achieving healthy and productive plant growth. There are different types of fertilizers that differ in their composition and method of application. Here is an overview of some fertilizers and their applications:
1. Mineral fertilizers for plants: These fertilizers are obtained from natural mineral sources. They are rich in macro and microelements necessary for plant growth. Mineral fertilizers are usually applied before sowing or planting plants, mixing them with the soil. Their advantage is that they provide plants with quick and direct access to nutrients.
2. Organic fertilizers for plants: Organic fertilizers are natural materials, such as compost, manure or animal excrement. They are rich in nutrients and microorganisms that improve soil fertility. Organic fertilizers are most often applied directly to the soil before sowing or planting plants. Their advantage is that they improve the soil structure in the long term and enable the long-term release of nutrients.
3. Foliar fertilizers for plants: These fertilizers are applied by spraying on the leaves of the plants. They are quickly absorbed through the leaf surface and provide plants with the necessary nutrients. Foliar fertilizers are often used to compensate for the rapid lack of nutrients and to feed plants during the growing season. Their advantage is that they enable the direct entry of nutrients into the plants and act quickly.
4. Microbiological fertilizers for plants: These fertilizers contain beneficial microorganisms that establish a symbiotic relationship with plants. They help break down organic matter in the soil and release nutrients that plants can absorb. Microbiological fertilizers are most often applied directly to the soil through watering or irrigation. Their advantage is that they improve soil fertility and strengthen plant resistance to diseases.
It is important to choose the right fertilizer for your plants, taking into account specific needs and goals. Consult with experts or fertilizer manufacturers
Why are foliar and microbiological fertilizers important?
Foliar fertilizers are liquid fertilizers that are applied to the leaves of plants. Thanks to their liquid form, they are quickly absorbed through the leaves and allow plants to use nutrients directly. This type of fertilizer is very effective because it provides an immediate source of nutrients for plants. Also, foliar fertilizers can be used as a plant protection agent, as they can be combined with insecticides or fungicides and applied to plant leaves for effective control of pests and diseases.
On the other hand, microbiological fertilizers are an advanced formula based on living microorganisms. These fertilizers contain beneficial bacteria, fungi or microalgae that are naturally present in the soil and help improve plant health. Microbiological fertilizers help improve soil structure, increasing its ability to retain water and nutrients. Also, these fertilizers improve the plants’ resistance to stressful conditions, such as drought or pest attacks.
How are plant fertilizers applied?
When it comes to application, foliar fertilizers are applied to plant leaves using sprinklers or sprayers. It is important to spray the foliar fertilizer in the early morning or late evening when the temperature is lower, in order to avoid potential damage to the leaves from sunlight.
On the other hand, microbiological fertilizers are most often applied directly to the soil. They can be added when sowing or planting plants, or they can be applied during the growing season through watering or irrigation. Microorganisms from these fertilizers will settle in the soil and establish a symbiotic relationship with the plants, providing them with nutrients and strengthening their resistance to diseases.
In addition to foliar and microbiological fertilizers, there are also mineral and animal fertilizers of organic origin. Mineral fertilizers are obtained from natural mineral sources and are rich in macro and microelements necessary for plant growth. They are usually applied before sowing or planting plants, mixing them with the soil.
Animal fertilizers of organic origin come from animal droppings, compost or manure. These fertilizers are rich in nutrients and microorganisms that improve soil fertility. They are most often applied directly to the soil before sowing or planting plants.
Can organic fertilizers of animal origin be applied over the plant (foliar)?
In recent years, a number of products have appeared on the fertilizer market, which are classified as organic fertilizers of animal origin and which can be solid or liquid. Solid organic fertilizers of animal origin are applied over land, while liquid organic fertilizers are most often recommended for application over plants, especially in vegetable and fruit production. Liquid organic fertilizers, depending on the raw materials for their production, can contain various compounds, namely: proteins, amino acids, urea, hormones and other metabolically active substances. These substances can have multiple harmful effects on human health, if they are applied through the plant, especially on leafy vegetables, vegetables that are not thermally processed before consumption (lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, spring onions, young cabbage, etc.), as on some fruit species (strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, etc.). Metabolically active substances of animal origin are similar to metabolically active substances in the human body, so they can cause metabolic and physiological changes, especially in children and adolescents. For these reasons, any application of organic fertilizers of animal origin through the plant should be excluded when growing the aforementioned crops. On the other hand, the application of organic fertilizers, of animal as well as plant origin, over the soil is completely safe and has numerous positive effects, primarily on the properties of the soil, and thus, indirectly, on the cultivated crops.
Can microbiological fertilizers be applied over the plant (foliar)?
In recent years, certain microbiological fertilizers have been intensively advertised in our country for application through plants for many plant species. As for the application of these fertilizers, the problem is very similar to the application of organic fertilizers of animal origin, with the same or more severe consequences for human health. The harmfulness of their action is reduced to the possible appearance of toxic products of microorganisms (mycotoxins), as well as the settlement of pathogenic microorganisms on edible plant parts, due to the presence of a nutrient medium. So, the answer to this question would be: these fertilizers should not be applied over the plant, but their positive effects should, as with the previous fertilizers, be ensured by their application over the soil.
How to choose an adequate fertilizer for plants?
Choosing the right fertilizer for your plants will depend on your specific needs and goals. Foliar fertilizers provide a quick effect and can be used for plant nutrition and protection. Microbiological fertilizers improve the soil and strengthen the resistance of plants. Mineral fertilizers provide nutrients, while organic fertilizers enrich the soil and help maintain its fertility.
Always consult with experts or fertilizer manufacturers to choose the best option for your plants and achieve the best results in their growth and development.
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Source: Agromedia by www.agromedia.rs.
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