08/08/2023
*FERTILIZER APPLICATION:*
Tips by Ibrahim Hassan Magazu
*Best method is dig-and-bury method, otherwise called Localized placement (using the normal fertilizer granules).
-You need to plant fertilizer the way u plant maize or beans seeds.
-Plant your fertilizer at every plant or stand, or between every 2 plants or every 4 plants depending on your spacing.
*Another good method is Urea Deep placement (when u have Urea briquettes), this is much more applicable to Rice.
-You just have to insert one briquette per 2 or 4 stands (under the soil) depending on your spacing and depending on the size of the briquette.
*Generally we have to avoid top soil application method or broadcasting method.
**Reasons why we have to avoid Top soil application or broadcasting methods* :
1- Research by IRRI and IFDC proved that You are bound to lose almost ⅔(60 -70%) of your Nitrogen to the atmosphere.
2- Urea Deep Placement or Dig-and-bury method attracts a decrease in Nitrogen loss by 40℅.
3- You can also gain at least 25% in the quantity of fertilizers to be used.
4-Field studies by various farmers and researchers shows that rain and wind storm usually wash away a good quantity of fertilizers applied on the top soil.
*Pls take good care of your most expensive Agric Input ie(fertilizer).
*You may wish to chat me for more guidance.
Ibrahim Hassan Magazu is an Agricultural Extension worker. Always ready and willing to serve both the resource-poor farmers and the large scale farmers.
