Applying fertilisers



Do you need information on applying fertilisers? Well, let's start by focussing our attention on the different methods available. In fact, there are five common methods used:

  • by hand

  • non-motorised spreaders

  • motorised spreaders

  • watering

  • injection

Each application method is suited to a particular planted area. You need to choose the right method for the right planted area.

Photo of hand fertilising using a bucket
by hand		 Photo of a small fertiliser spreader in use
non-motorised spreaders		 Photo of motorised spreader
motorised spreaders

Suitable for:
Small areas, particularly hard to get at places like under foliage, using solid fertilisers such as granules, pellets or powdered varieties.

Suitable for:
Small lawned areas, using granulated or powdered fertilisers.

Suitable for:
Large area application, for example, school ovals or vegetable and fruit production, using solid fertilisers such as granulated or powdered varieties.
Photo of watering in fertiliser using a watering can
watering		   Photo of injection system components
injection

Suitable for:
Containerised plants and small garden areas, using watering cans or hose sprayers for soluble fertilisers.

  

Suitable for:
Large nursery, orchard, vegetable or flower production areas, usually integrated into an irrigation system using soluble fertilisers.

Here's some advice on applying fertilisers:

  • calibrate your spreader (I suggest you ask your supervisor to show you how to do this)

  • spread the fertiliser evenly

  • make sure you have the right flow rate (some fertilisers clog while others flow too quickly)

  • learn how to adjust the spreader so you can apply different rates, depending on the fertiliser (I suggest you ask your supervisor to show you how to do this)

  • uneven spread will mean uneven growth

  • always dismantle and clean equipment after use

  • lubricate moving parts

  • make sure spreaders are made from non-corroding materials

  • always wear protective clothing (for example, overalls, boots, goggles for the eyes, rubber gloves for the hands, dust mask to stop inhaling toxic fumes, hat, sunscreen).

Always check with your supervisor before using any fertiliser to make sure you are using it correctly and that you have understood the manufacturer's instructions carefully regarding how much fertiliser needs to be used and at what application rate. For example 'Blood and Bone', an organic fertiliser, is great for building up poor sandy soils and should be applied at a rate of between 50-100 grams per square metre.

It may sound simple but the consequences of not following instructions exactly when applying fertilisers to planted areas can cause either nutrient toxicity or nutrient deficiency.

It's important to remember that fertilisers are:

  • expensive to use and should be used wisely, and in the right quantity

  • harmful to the environment and need to be used carefully.

Remember, when using fertilisers, make sure you are wearing the appropriate safety gear! If you are in doubt, ask your supervisor.

  
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