Fertilizer application is a critical part of crop cultivation, and one common method is spreading—where fertilizer is distributed over the soil surface using manual labor or machinery. This technique is simple, fast, and requires less physical effort, making it widely used in many agricultural settings. However, despite its convenience, spreading has several disadvantages that can negatively affect crop growth and resource efficiency.
One major drawback is the inefficiency of nutrient absorption. When fertilizer is spread across the field, it often takes time for the nutrients to reach the plant roots, especially if there is no immediate irrigation or rainfall. As a result, a significant portion of the nutrients can be lost through leaching, volatilization, or runoff. Studies have shown that the utilization rate of urea applied via banding or furrow methods can reach up to 27%, whereas when spread on the surface, the rate drops to as low as 14%. This means that a large amount of fertilizer goes unused, leading to higher costs and environmental concerns.
Another issue with surface spreading is the risk of foliar burn. If fertilizer is accidentally applied directly onto the leaves, especially under high temperatures or strong sunlight, it can cause damage. This may lead to leaf scorching, stunted growth, or even seedling death, which can severely impact crop yield and quality.
To improve efficiency, it's better to apply fertilizer closer to the root zone. By placing the fertilizer near the roots, plants can absorb nutrients more effectively, increasing the overall utilization rate. Additionally, when fertilizer is mixed into the soil, it has a smaller contact area with the soil particles, reducing the chances of nutrient fixation and extending the availability of essential elements over time.
Therefore, when top-dressing crops, farmers should avoid simply spreading fertilizer on the surface. Instead, they should consider methods like furrowing, banding, or direct soil incorporation. These techniques not only enhance nutrient uptake but also reduce waste, lower input costs, and ultimately contribute to higher productivity and sustainable farming practices.
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