Applying fertilizers in drought conditions

Drought is a challenge that farmers and gardeners face more and more often. In such conditions, it is important not only to save the harvest but also to optimize the costs of fertilizers. How do you properly apply fertilizers in drought conditions to provide plants with all the necessary nutrients, and at the same time minimize losses? Let's consider the key principles and recommendations.

Understanding the problem: how drought affects fertilizer uptake

Drought significantly reduces the efficiency of fertilizer application. Due to the lack of moisture, plant roots cannot fully absorb nutrients, which leads to a decrease in yield. In addition, fertilizers can accumulate in the soil, creating a potential environmental hazard.

Choosing the right fertilizers

1. Water-soluble fertilizers. In drought conditions, it is best to use water-soluble fertilizers. They penetrate the soil faster and become available to plants even with a limited amount of moisture.

2. Complex fertilizers. Choose complex fertilizers that contain the main macro- and microelements. This will help provide plants with all the nutrients they need, especially when access to water is limited.

3. Organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can improve soil structure, and help retain moisture. They act longer than mineral fertilizers and maintain soil fertility.

Fertilizer application technique

1. Local input. In drought conditions, it is more effective to apply local fertilizers, directly in the root zone of plants. This makes it possible to reduce fertilizers' losses and ensure maximum assimilation.

2. Drip irrigation. Drip irrigation in combination with fertilizers (fertilization) is an ideal solution. This allows you to deliver nutrients to plant roots with minimal water loss accurately.

3. Mulching. Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil and lower the surface temperature. This creates favorable conditions for the assimilation of fertilizers and plant growth.

Frequency and doses of application

1. Smaller but more frequent doses. In drought conditions fertilizers are more often but in smaller d is recommended. This will ensure constant access of plants to nutrients without oversaturation of the soil.

2. Soil analysis. Regular soil analysis will help determine the optimal doses of fertilizers, and avoid their excessive application. This is especially important in drought conditions when the effectiveness of fertilizers decreases.

Advice on specific crops

1. Vegetable crops. For vegetable crops in drought conditions, ensuring an optimal balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is important. Nitrogen promotes the growth of leaves, phosphorus - the development of roots, and potassium - the general stability of plants.

2. Fruit trees. Fruit trees require high potassium fertilizers to improve fruit set and stress tolerance. Mulching around the trunks will help conserve moisture.

3. Cereal crops. For grain crops, the balance between nitrogen, and phosphorus is important. In drought conditions, preference should be given to slow-acting fertilizers, which gradually provide plants with the necessary elements.

By following these recommendations, you will be able to provide optimal conditions for the growth of your plants, even in the most difficult climatic conditions.