Soil Fertility and Nutrient management (1+1)

Basic principles of fertilizer application

1.  Nitrogen fertilizers must be applied in split doses so that the N loses through leaching and washing could be reduced as nitrogen being readily soluble and highly mobile. 
2.  Except in acidic and highly alkaline soils, the PO4 must be applied in one dose as basal placement but in acidic soils RP, bone meal or basic slag may be applied at least a fortnight before sowing or crop planting whereas in alkaline soils spraying of PO4 has given better results. 
3.  The potassic fertilizers should be applied in a single dose but split application along with N as top dressing has given better response in heavy soil types. 
4.  Sandy soils need split application of N and K 
5.  A combination of organic manures and fertilizers is always beneficial for achieving highest nutrient recovery and best fertilizer use efficiency. 
6.  Mixed or complex fertilizers should be applied as basal before sowing or planting. 
7.  Soil amendments and soil conditioners should always be applied at least one month before sowing or planting of crops through broadcasting or proper mixing in to the soil.