Highly Effective Base Fertilization Techniques

In agriculture, one of the crucial factors determining the success or failure of a crop is fertilizer, as the proverb says: “First water – Second fertilizer – Third labor – Fourth seeds”. 

One of the most important fertilization techniques is base fertilization. Please read the following article to learn about effective base fertilization techniques!

1. What is base fertilization? 

Essentially, basal fertilization involves applying fertilizer to the soil before planting (for short-term crops) or during the dormant period when the plant needs to recover (for perennial crops). 

While organic fertilizers and phosphate fertilizers offer many benefits for plants and soil, the nutrients in these types of fertilizers need time to decompose into easily absorbable nutrients, so applying them as a base fertilizer is the most suitable method. 

Additionally, applying fertilizer to treat seeds before sowing is also considered base fertilization.

2. Why is base fertilization important?

Here are the reasons why the role of mulch is extremely important to farming:

– Improving soil properties: Thanks to base fertilization, the soil becomes more fertile and rich. Nutrients in the fertilizer, such as phosphorus and potassium, will be adequately supplied to the plants. In addition, the organic components in the fertilizer will help the soil maintain appropriate moisture and aeration, neither too dry nor too wet.  

– Regulating soil pH: Fertilizers such as organic and phosphorus fertilizers help regulate soil acidity by neutralizing acids present in the soil. 

– Creating favorable conditions for plant growth and development: When applying base fertilizer, plants will absorb nutrients right from the start. This provides the best conditions for growth and development, reducing the risk of pests and diseases.  

– Eliminating weeds and pathogens in the soil: Before applying base fertilizer, the process of tilling, digging, and fertilizer decomposition will help eliminate weed seeds and pathogens in the soil.

3. How to apply base fertilizer effectively

To achieve the best results from base fertilization, farmers should note the following points:

3.1. Use appropriate base fertilizers.

With the wide variety of fertilizers on the market, which type of fertilizer is most effective for base fertilization? Viet Nga Fertilizer will help answer this question for you.

Depending on the soil type, crop, and economic conditions, farmers can consider choosing the appropriate base fertilization method:

– Applying organic fertilizer as a base dressing: The two most common types of organic fertilizer are well-rotted manure and microbial organic fertilizer. If the soil needs increased aeration and nutrients, and enhanced activity of beneficial microorganisms in the soil, farmers should apply organic fertilizer as a base dressing.  

– Apply lime and fertilizers to regulate soil pH: For areas with acidic soil, low pH, or soils used for growing perennial fruit trees, applying lime helps adjust the soil pH to a neutral level, creating favorable conditions for plant growth.

3.2. Apply fertilizer in the correct dosage and at the right time.

– For short-term crops, base fertilization is usually done before plowing or before the final harrowing before sowing. When applying fertilizer, it should be spread along the rows of the plants intended to be planted later.

– For perennial crops, base fertilizer is usually applied in three main stages: before planting, during the slow growth stage, and after harvest (when the plant needs to recover). When applying fertilizer, farmers should dig deep holes, put the fertilizer in, and then cover it with soil.  

Ngoài phân hữu cơ thì Bà con có thể sử dụng thêm phân hóa học có hàm lượng đạm thấp, lân cao như: DAP 18-46, NPK 16-16-8,…

Base fertilization is generally a fairly simple technique, yet it yields many positive results for both the soil and the crops. With the information provided by Viet Nga Fertilizer in the article above, we hope that farmers will successfully apply base fertilization techniques to achieve maximum crop yield and superior agricultural product quality.