Why Correct Fertilizer Use Matters for Your Crops

Many farmers buy fertilizer without knowing whether it suits their crop or growth stage. The result is high cost without the expected yield. Here are the basics.

Main Fertilizer Types

Basal (Planting) Fertilizers

Applied at planting. Rich in phosphorus (P) to establish strong roots. Examples: DAP, TSP, planting NPKs like 10-26-26.

Top-dressing Fertilizers

Applied once the crop is established. Rich in nitrogen (N) for leaf and stem growth. Examples: UREA, CAN, SA.

Foliar Fertilizers

Sprayed on leaves to deliver micronutrients quickly — especially during flowering and fruiting.

Common Mistakes

• Using UREA at planting — it scorches seed and seedlings.
• Applying fertilizer to dry soil — without moisture it doesn't dissolve and is wasted.
• Overdosing — burns crops and damages soil; measure to save money.
• Direct seed–fertilizer contact — keep about 5 cm separation.

Our Advice

Before the season, bring us your crop and farm size details — we will prepare a complete season-long fertilizer program, from basal to top-dressing. This service is free.

See all our fertilizers here.