How can fertilizer be applied effectively when soils differ in nutrient-holding capacity, nutrients, and acidity or alkalinity?

Applying different fertilizers and adopting different fertilization methods according to the properties of the soil is called soil-specific fertilization, so how can fertilizer be applied effectively to soils that differ in nutrient-holding capacity, nutrients, and acidity or alkalinity?

The most basic and effective methods are:

1. The nutrient-holding capacity and nutrient-supplying characteristics of the soil have a great influence on the effect of fertilization. Wherever the soil is relatively clayey, has a relatively high organic matter content and a relatively strong nutrient-holding capacity, even if more fertilizer is applied at one time, the nutrients will not be lost. Conversely, if the soil is sandy and has a relatively low organic matter content, its nutrient-holding capacity is correspondingly weaker; when fertilizing such soil, the amount used each time should not be too much, and the principle of small amounts applied many times should be adopted to avoid nutrient loss and waste. However, the nutrient-supplying characteristics of soils also differ: some have long-lasting and steady fertility, and such soil is “can be full but cannot go hungry”, so more fertilizer can be applied at one time and the number of applications can be fewer; early-developing fields that have early vigor but insufficient later vigor should receive attention to fertilization in the later stage of the crop; late-developing fields that have later vigor but insufficient early vigor should receive attention to fertilization in the early stage.

2. The amounts of the various nutrients in the soil are the main basis for deciding which fertilizer to apply and how much to apply. The nutrient status of the soil is not only related to the soil parent material, but also directly or indirectly related to the previous crop. Generally speaking, if the previous crop was a legume crop or green manure, the soil will have relatively more nitrogen, and more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied; if the previous crop was a grass-family crop such as rice or wheat, then the nutrients in the soil will have been consumed relatively heavily, and more nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied, especially nitrogen fertilizer.

3. The acidity or alkalinity of the soil will affect the effect of fertilization, and the chemical fertilizers applied will affect the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Acidic soil should be given alkaline fertilizers, such as ammonia water, ammonium bicarbonate, calcium magnesium phosphate, etc., and alkaline soil should be given acidic fertilizers, such as superphosphate, ammonium sulfate, etc. In this way, the soil can be prevented from becoming too acidic or too alkaline, and it is also beneficial to the crops' absorption and use of nutrients.