Implementing plant nutrition program

TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
BONDOC PENINSULA TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE

WEBSCRIP Agricultural Crops Production NC III
T
UNIT 3 IMPLEMENT PLANT NUTRITION PROGRAM
Objectives At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

Introduction 1. Prepare for implementation of the plant nutrition program.
2. Monitor soil pH
LESSON 1 3. Determine nutritional problems in plants
4. Prepare to use fertilizers
5. Prepare application equipment
6. Apply specific products at appropriate rates
This unit covers the process of implementing a plant nutrition program in the horticultural or
agricultural industry and defines the standard required to: recognize a range of common
causes of nutrient deficiency; prepare fertilizers and other products for application to plants;
apply fertilizers and other products; clean up and maintain tools and equipment; record work
activities according to enterprise guidelines.
PREPARE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLANT NUTRITION PROGRAM
In this lesson, the content provide information about:
 Importance of soil;
 Components of soil;
 Site plan services ; and
 Control OHS hazard and risk
The management goal for a healthy agricultural soil is to supply the nutrients needed
for optimal plant growth in the right quantity and at the right time while minimizing
nutrient losses to the surrounding environment.

TOPIC 1 SOIL
Healthy soils are the foundation for profitable, productive, and environmentally sound
agricultural systems.

 Soil is a critical resource—the way in which it is managed can improve or
degrade the quality of that resource.

 Soil is a complex ecosystem where living microorganisms and plant roots bind
mineral particles and organic matter together into a dynamic structure that
regulates water, air, and nutrients.

Sub Topic 1. Components of soil

Soil Composition
 Soil is a mix of varying amounts of inorganic matter, organic matter, water, and air.
 Plants obtain inorganic elements from the soil, which serves as a natural medium for
land plants. Soil is the outer, loose layer that covers the surface of Earth. Soil quality,

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a major determinant, along with climate, of plant distribution and growth, depends
not only on the chemical composition of the soil, but also the topography (regional
surface features) and the presence of living organisms.
Soil consists of these major components:

Figure 1https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-biology/chapter/the-soil/

Components of soil: The four major components of soil are shown: inorganic minerals,
organic matter, water, and air.

 inorganic mineral matter, about 40 to 45 percent of the soil volumeorganic matter,
about 5 percent of the soil volume

 water, about 25 percent of the soil volume
 air, about 25 percent of the soil volume

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-biology/chapter/the-soil/
Sub-topic 2. Soil sampling

Soil testing is an essential component of soil resource management. Each sample collected
must be a true representative of the area being sampled. Utility of the results obtained from
the laboratory analysis depends on the sampling precision.

Points to be considered

1. Collect the soil sample during fallow period.
2. In the standing crop, collect samples between rows.
3. Sampling at several locations in a zig-zag pattern ensures homogeneity.

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4. Fields, which are similar in appearance, production and past-management practices,
can be grouped into a single sampling unit.

5. Collect separate samples from fields that differ in colour, slope, drainage, past
management practices like liming, gypsum application, fertilization, cropping
system etc.

6. Avoid sampling in dead furrows, wet spots, areas near main bund, trees, manure
heaps and irrigation channels.

7. For shallow rooted crops, collect samples up to 15 cm depth. For deep rooted crops,
collect samples up to 30 cm depth. For tree crops, collect profile samples.

8. Always collect the soil sample in presence of the farm owner who knows the farm
better

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_U9Z3fy0Ig&t=42s

{Video Presentation on How to take soil sample}

TOPIC 2 PLANT NUTRITION PROGRAM

Sub Topic 1.Site plan services

Water: Supply and Sources
 Determine the amount of water needed based on crops grown, weather conditions,
time of year and the environment control system.
 Adapt low usage irrigation systems to extend a limited water supply such as zoning
and low flow wells.
 Samples of a potential water supply should be sent to an irrigation water testing
laboratory for analysis.

Water Supply
Water is a major factor in successful production of greenhouse plants. An adequate water
supply is needed for irrigation, pesticide application, evaporative cooling (if applicable),
growing media preparation and clean-up.
Plants require an adequate supply of moisture for optimum growth which is affected by
many variables. The amount of water needed depends on the area to be watered, crops
grown, weather conditions time of year and the environment control system. The following
factors can increase or decrease the amount of water needed:

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 Solar radiation
 Shading
 Air movement
 Type and size of the plants
 Type of irrigation system
 Leaching
 Extending a limited water supply
Water Sources
 Characteristics of irrigation water that define its quality vary with the source of the

water.
 A sample of a potential water supply should be sent to an irrigation water testing

laboratory for analysis.
 The main sources for irrigation water are groundwater from wells, surface water,

drainage ponds, rain and municipal water.
 Drilled wells are a clean source of water for many greenhouse operations however,

the water yield from drilled wells is usually limited.
 Groundwater is found in aquifers that are located below the earth surface.
 Surface water includes streams, rivers, lakes and ponds which are dependent on

runoff from adjacent land or from ground water springs.
 Drainage ponds are usually a combination of rain water and run-off. Drainage ponds

commonly contain fertilizers or other agricultural chemicals.
 Rain water can be collected from greenhouses or building roofs without contacting

the ground and held in a concrete cistern, fiberglass or polyethylene tank, water silo
or other holding tank.
 Once rainwater is collected, it can be distributed to the greenhouses through the
normal irrigation system.
 Municipal water includes water supplied by city, county or municipality. Either,
ground, rain, and/or surface water may be used.
https://ag.umass.edu/greenhouse-floriculture/greenhouse-best-management-practices-bmp-
manual/water-supply-sources
Electricity in agriculture

The impact of electric power on modern agriculture has been at least as significant as
that of either steam or gasoline, because electricity in its nature is far more versatile than
the earlier power sources. Although there had long been scientific interest on the effects

electricity had on plant growth, especially after the development of electric lamps, it was the
development of the electric motor that really gained the interest of the farming community.
Some authorities saw its value to farmers as early as 1870.
Modern applications

Modern applications of electricity in farming range from the comparatively simple to
some as complex as those in the manufacturing industries. They include conditioning and
storage of grain and grass; preparation and rationing of animal feed; and provision of a
controlled environment in stock-rearing houses for intensive pig and poultry rearing and in

greenhouses for horticultural crops. Electricity plays an equally important part in the dairy
farm for feed rationing, milking, and milk cooling; all these applications are automatically
controlled. Computers have increasingly been employed to aid in farm management and to
directly control automated equipment.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/agriculture/Electricity-in-agriculture

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Managing Water: Irrigation and Drainage
Irrigation
A farm pond and overhead sprinkler system
There are several different types of irrigation systems, depending on water source, size of
the system, and water application method. Three main water sources exist:

 surface water,
 groundwater, and
 recycled wastewater.
Irrigation systems run from small on-farm arrangements—using a local water supply—to
vast regional schemes that involve thousands of farms and are controlled by governmental
authorities. Water application methods include conventional flood, or furrow, irrigation—
which depends on gravity flow—and pumped water for sprinkler and drip irrigation systems.

https://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Building-Soils-for-Better-Crops-3rd-
Edition/Text-Version/Managing-Water-Irrigation-and-Drainage/Irrigation

Irrigation and drainage

 Irrigation and drainage, artificial application of water to land and artificial removal of excess
water from land, respectively. Some land requires irrigation or drainage before it is possible
to use it for any agricultural production; other land profits from either practice to increase
production. Some land, of course, does not need either. Although either practice may be,
and both often are, used for nonagricultural purposes to improve the environment, this
article is limited to their application to agriculture.
Irrigation and drainage improvements are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Often both
may be required together to assure sustained, high-level production of crops.

Figure 2irrigation canalIrrigation canal in a farm field.© Jim Parkin/Fotolia

https://www.britannica.com/technology/irrigation

Sources of Agricultural Greenhouse Gases
The conversation about climate change largely revolves around greenhouse gases.
Agriculture is both a source and sink for greenhouse gases (GHG). A source is a net
contribution to the atmosphere, while a sink is a net withdrawal of greenhouse gases. In the
United States, agriculture is a relatively small contributor, with approximately 8% of the total
greenhouse gas emissions, as seen in Figure 3.

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Most agricultural emissions originate from soil management, enteric fermentation (microbial
action in the digestive system), energy use, and manure management (Figure 4). The
primary greenhouse gases related to agriculture are (in descending order of magnitude)
methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide.
Fact sheet: Contribution of Greenhouse Gases: Animal Agriculture in Perspective (look
below the preview box and title for a download link)

Figure 3: U.S. greenhouse gas inventory with electricity distributed to economic
sectors (EPA, 2013)

Figure 4: U.S. agricultural greenhouse gas sources (Adapted from Archibeque, S. et
al., 2012)

Animal Agriculture’s Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Within animal production, the largest emissions are from beef followed by dairy, and largely
dominated by the methane produced in during cattle digestion (Figure 5).

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Figure 5: Greenhouse gas emissions from livestock in 2008 (USDA, 2011)

 Excess nitrogen in agriculture systems can be converted to nitrous oxide
through the nitrification-denitrification process.

 As crops grow, photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
and stores it in the plants and soil life. Soil and plant respiration adds carbon
dioxide back to the atmosphere when microbes or plants breakdown
molecules to produce energy.

 Some carbon dioxide is stored in soils for long periods of time. The
processes that result in carbon accumulation are called carbon sinks or
carbon sequestration. Crop production and grazing management practices
influence the soil’s ability to be a net source or sink for greenhouse gases.

https://lpelc.org/sources-of-agricultural-greenhouse-gases/

Role of information technology in Agriculture
 IT can improve farm management and farming technologies by efficient farm

management.
 IT helps in better marketing exposure and pricing and reduction of agricultural risks

and enhanced incomes.

https://www.slideshare.net/chandanraupusa/role-of-information-technology-in-agriculture

Sub Topic 2.Control OHS hazard and risk

Farmworkers are exposed to numerous safeties, health, environmental, biological, and
respiratory hazards. These include hazards related to grain bins and silos, hazard
communication of chemicals, noise, musculoskeletal injuries, heat, and others. Learn about
controls and solutions related to these and other hazards.

Animal-Acquired Infections and Related Hazards
Agricultural workers may be exposed to animals that can transmit diseases.

Zoonotic diseases, or zoonoses, are diseases that can be transmitted from vertebrate animals to
humans. Zoonoses are caused by bacteria, protozoa, fungi, viruses, parasites or prions, which
are often part of an animal's natural flora (i.e., microorganisms that live in and on the animal) but
are able to cause disease in humans. Infections can result from direct contact with animals or
their products such as manure or placenta.

OSHA maintains resources for employers and workers in operations that may expose them to
animals and animal-borne diseases, including:

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Safety and Health Topics web pages:

 Anthrax
 Avian Flu
 Hantavirus
 Plague
 Tularemia
 Zika

Grain Bins and Silos
While safety issues surrounding grain bins and silos are sometimes overlooked on farms, they
pose many dangers. Farmworkers are exposed to suffocation or engulfment hazards when
working with grain bins and silos, as well as grain dust
exposures and explosions. OSHA issued a Hazard
Alert and an illustrated hazard wallet card explaining the
dangers of working inside grain storage bins

Hazardous Equipment and Machinery
Farmworkers routinely use knives, hoes, and other cutting
tools; work on ladders; or use machinery in their shops.
However, these simple tools can be hazardous and have
the potential for causing severe injuries when used or
maintained improperly.

 All tools should be maintained in good condition and used according to the manufacturers'

instructions.
 Power tools must be properly grounded or double insulated and all guards or shields must

be in place.
 Farmworkers should wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and make sure

that clothing has no strings or loose ends that could be caught by machinery. Long hair

should be tied back to prevent entanglement.
 In addition, shops should be well lit and have clear walkways to eliminate slips, trips and

falls.

Heat
Heat-related illness. HEAT ILLNESS CAN BE DEADLY. Every
year, thousands of workers become sick from exposure to heat,
and some even die. These illnesses and deaths are preventable.

Workers exposed to hot and humid conditions are at a high risk of
heat illness, especially if they are doing heavy work tasks or using
bulky protective clothing and equipment. Prevention. Heat-related
illnesses, while potentially deadly, are easily preventable. When
working in hot conditions, remember "WATER, REST, SHADE."
Drink water every 15 minutes, even when not thirsty. Wear a hat
and light-colored clothing. Rest in the shade. Be sure to watch out
for fellow workers and know your location in case you need to call
for assistance. Get help right away if there are any signs of illness.

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Ladders and Falls
OSHA's Fall Protection topics page and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health's Fall Injuries Prevention in the Workplace site provide general information on different
types of fall protection. The following resources provide fall protection guidance for farm workers
and employers:

Musculoskeletal Injuries
Workers in agricultural operations for both crop and animal production typically use repetitive
motions in awkward positions and which can cause musculoskeletal injuries.

Ergonomic risk factors are found in jobs requiring repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertions of
the hands; frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of heavy objects; and prolonged
awkward postures. Vibration and cold may intensify these conditions.

Noise
Thousands of workers every year suffer from preventable hearing loss due to high workplace
noise levels, and research has shown that those who live and work on farms have had
significantly higher rates of hearing loss than the general population. In fact, farming is among
the occupations recognized as having the highest risks for hearing loss.

Employers can achieve noise reduction in several ways - usually related to the maintenance of
the equipment:

 Worn, loose, or unbalanced machine parts can increase decibel levels during operation.
Regular lubrication and parts replacement (bearings, mufflers, silencers, etc.,) reduce friction
and lower noise levels.

 Larger engines that can be operated at lower speeds reduce noise levels, and may even
conserve fuel.

 Vibration isolation pads may be installed under the legs of noisy equipment to reduce noise
generated by the equipment vibrating on a cement floor.

 Newer chainsaws and leaf blowers have flexible mountings to reduce vibration-induced
noise as well.

 Tractor and skid-steers can be purchased with sound reducing cabs and tightly fitted cab
doors and windows to reduce how much outside noise reaches the operator.

 Acoustical materials may be installed on walls and ceilings to enclose sound.

Noise and Hearing Conservation - OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Page on Occupational
Noise Exposure provides a comprehensive review of the hazards of noise, the means of
protection, as well as OSHA requirements.

Pesticide and Other Chemicals

Pesticide exposure. Pesticides pose risks of short- and long- term illness to farmworkers and
their families. Workers who mix, load or apply pesticides (known as pesticide handlers) can be
exposed to toxic pesticides due to spills and splashes, defective, missing or inadequate
protective equipment, direct spray, or drift.

Pesticides can present a hazard to applicators, to harvesters reentering a sprayed field, to family
members due to take-home contamination, and to rural residents via air, ground water and food.

Pesticide protection. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees pesticide use

through the Worker Protection Standard (WPS). The WPS is a regulation for agricultural

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pesticides which is aimed at reducing the risk of pesticide poisonings and injuries among
agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. The WPS protects employees on farms, forests,
nurseries, and greenhouses from occupational exposure to agricultural pesticides. The
regulation covers two types of workers:

 Pesticide handlers -- those who mix, load, or apply agricultural pesticides; clean or repair
pesticide application equipment; or assist with the application of pesticides in any way.

 Agricultural workers -- those who perform tasks related to the cultivation and harvesting of
plants on farms or in greenhouses, nurseries, or forests. Workers include anyone employed
for any type of compensation (including self-employed) doing tasks -- such as carrying
nursery stock, repotting plants, or watering -- related to the production of agricultural plants
on an agricultural establishment. Workers do not include office employees, truck drivers,
mechanics, and any others not engaged in handling, cultivation, or harvesting activities.

Hazard Communication. Chemicals must be properly labeled so farmworkers know the identity
and hazards of the chemicals they may be exposed to at work.

Respiratory Distress
Respiratory hazards. Respiratory hazards. Respiratory hazards in barns, manure pits, machinery
and silos range from acute to chronic air contaminants.

Changes to farming mechanisms have both improved working conditions and increased
exposure to respiratory hazards—mainly due to the increased density in animal confinement.

Respiratory protection. Control of aerosols might include the enclosure and ventilation of
tractors, applying moisture to friable material, and respirators.

Unsanitary Conditions

The lack of drinking water, sanitation facilities and/or handwashing facilities can lead to many
health effects. Farmworkers may suffer heat stroke and heat exhaustion from an insufficient
intake of potable water, urinary tract infections due to urine retention from inadequate availability
of toilets, agrichemical poisoning resulting from lack of handwashing facilities, and infectious and
other communicable diseases from microbial and parasitic exposures.

Vehicle Hazards
Proper operation of farm vehicles can reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities in agricultural
operations.

General vehicle safety
Vehicle operation

 Do not allow passengers to ride in the vehicle.
 Remove persons not involved in the activity from the site.
 Shut off vehicle for refueling.
 Park the vehicle whenever there is no driver inside, so that the motor is shut off, the brakes

are engaged, the transmission is in park-lock or in gear, the keys are removed, and the

attachments are disengaged.

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 All farm equipment traveling on any roadway should be equipped with an approved Slow
Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem. Emblems should be clean and in good shape.

 Use a standardized system of hand signals to communicate when noise and or distance
does not allow for verbal communication.

 Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS) should be installed on equipment where the
user runs the risk of being struck by falling debris.

 Never tow an implement that is improperly hitched.

Vehicle Storage

 Store away from structures housing livestock-to reduce the likelihood of fire.
 Do not store with fuel storage tanks.
 Do not store with debris.
 Ensure that electrical lines are high enough for vehicles to pass below.
 Ensure there is an easy exit from the storage structure.
 Ensure the storage structure is lockable.
 Ensure the floor surfaces are smooth and clean.
 Remove keys from all vehicles.
 Do not allow non-employees or children into storage structures.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

The National Safety Council has developed recommendations for using ATVs. The
recommendations include:

 ATVs with an engine size of 70cc to 90cc should be operated by people at least 12 years of

age.
 ATVs with an engine size of greater than 90cc should only be operated by people at least 16

years of age.
 Wear appropriate riding gear: DOT-, Snell ANSI-approved helmet, goggles, gloves, over-the-

ankle boots, long-sleeve shirt and long pants.
 Read owners' manuals carefully.
 ATVs are not made for multiple riders. Never carry anyone else on the ATV.
 Any added attachments affect the stability, operating and braking of the ATV.
 Just because an attachment is available doesn't mean that it can be used without increasing

your risk of being injured.
 Do not operate the ATV on streets, highways or paved roads.

Youth in Agriculture
OSHA's Youth in Agriculture eTool describes common agricultural hazards and offers potential
safety solutions that both employers and young workers can use to prevent accidents and avoid
injury on the job. In addition, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has
created the Childhood Agricultural Injury Prevention Initiative to identify and support the research
needed to prevent youth injuries on farms, as well as raise awareness of the issue.

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JOB SHEET The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division sets other restrictions, including child labor
No. 1 laws, for youth in agriculture.

https://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/agriculturaloperations/hazards_controls.html

SOIL SAMPLING

Job sheet no. 1

Title Soil sampling

Purpose To perform Soil sampling

Supplies/Materials Spade or auger (screw or tube or post hole type), Soil probe,
Procedure: Core sampler, Sampling bags, Plastic tray or bucket
1. Go to the workshop area. Inform your learning facilitator

that you are ready for this activity.
2. Wear PPE for this activity
3. Prepare all tools, materials, and equipment for soil

sampling
4. Move to the demo farm or respective work areas
5. Divide the field into different homogenous units based on

the visual observation and farmer’s experience.
6. Remove the surface litter at the sampling spot.
7. Drive the auger to a plough depth of 15 cm and draw the

soil sample.
8. Collect at least 10 to 15 samples from each sampling

unit and place in a bucket or tray.
9. If auger is not available, make a ‘V’ shaped cut to a

depth of 15 cm in the sampling spot using spade.
10. Remove thick slices of soil from top to bottom of exposed

face of the ‘V’ shaped cut and place in a clean container.
11. Mix the samples thoroughly and remove foreign

materials like roots, stones, pebbles and gravels.

Caution: Do not submit organic amendments or soilless
nursery media as "soils". They require different testing.
Soil-Sampling-Complete-Procedures-8-8-17.pdf

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Assessment Face-to-face feedback from learning facilitator
Method:

LESSON 2 MONITOR SOIL pH
TOPIC 1
This lesson will deliver you information pertaining to:
 Soil pH
 Soil pH Monitoring tools
 Identify plant nutrition using soil pH
 Soil pH management
 Types of products for changing soil pH
 Assess application method

SOIL pH

The soil pH is a distinctive mark of its acid or base content. The pH of a soil, as in all
the other aqueous systems, is affected by natural buffer systems. The determination
takes place either in a suspension (extraction procedure) of soil in a neutral salt
solution (0.01 N calcium chloride or potassium chloride) - lab measurement method.
Here, since the absorbed H + ions are replaced by the CaCl2-ions, the pH measured
in such a way is about 0.3-1.0 units below the pH, which is measured in purely
aqueous suspensions. However, not all the data in the literature are corrected
accordingly.

Sub Topic 1. Soil pH Monitoring tools

Soil pH Meter PCE-228S

The soil pH meter PCE-228S is used to measure the soil pH value. The pH and
temperature can be stored directly on the SD card. The special pH electrode of
the pH meter PCE-228S is manufactured so that it is possible to measure with
the pH meter in loosened soil. Temperature compensation is either manual or
automatic via the supplied temperature sensor.

https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/measuring-instruments/test-
meters/ph-meter-ph-tester-pce-instruments-ph-meter-pce-228s-
det_5860019.htm

Sub Topic 2. Identify plant nutrition using soil pH

Soil pH or soil reaction is an indication of the acidity or alkalinity of soil and is
measured in pH units. Soil pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the
hydrogen ion concentration. The pH scale goes from 0 to 14 with pH 7 as the
neutral point. As the amount of hydrogen ions in the soil increases the soil pH
decreases thus becoming more acidic. From pH 7 to 0 the soil is increasingly
more acidic and from pH 7 to 14 the soil is increasingly more alkaline or basic.

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TOPIC 2 Descriptive terms commonly associated with certain ranges in soil pH are:

 Extremely acid: < than 4.5; lemon=2.5; vinegar=3.0; stomach acid=2.0;
soda=2–4

 Very strongly acid: 4.5–5.0; beer=4.5–5.0; tomatoes=4.5
 Strongly acid: 5.1–5.5; carrots=5.0; asparagus=5.5; boric acid=5.2;

cabbage=5.3
 Moderately acid: 5.6–6.0; potatoes=5.6
 Slightly acid: 6.1–6.5; salmon=6.2; cow's milk=6.5
 Neutral: 6.6–7.3; saliva=6.6–7.3; blood=7.3; shrimp=7.0
 Slightly alkaline: 7.4–7.8; eggs=7.6–7.8
 Moderately alkaline: 7.9–8.4; sea water=8.2; sodium bicarbonate=8.4
 Strongly alkaline: 8.5–9.0; borax=9.0

 Very strongly alkaline: > than 9.1; milk of magnesia=10.5, ammonia=11.1;

lime=12

SOIL pH MANAGEMENT

Sub Topic 1. Types of products for changing soil pH

The standard measurement of alkalinity and acidity is known as pH. The pH scale ranges
from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, which is neither acid nor alkaline. Below 7 is acid and
above 7 is alkaline. A pH of 5.5 is 10 times more acidic than a pH of 6.5. Conversely, a pH
of 8.5 is 10 times more alkaline than a pH of 7.5. A soil test will determine pH
The soil pH is important because it affects the availability of nutrients in the soil. Many plant
nutrients are not readily available to plants in highly alkaline or acidic soils. These essential
nutrients are most available to most plants at a pH between 6 to 7.5.
If your soil is alkaline, you can lower your soil's pH or make it more acidic by using several
products. These include sphagnum peat, elemental sulfur, aluminum sulfate, iron sulfate,
acidifying nitrogen, and organic mulches.
The pH of highly acidic soils can be raised by incorporating limestone into the soil. Hydrated
lime works quicker, but over liming is more likely. The table below shows pounds of ground
limestone needed per 100 square feet to raise the pH to 6.5 in the top 6 inches of soil.

Soil pH Sandy loam Loam Clay loam

5.0 8 10 15

5.5 68 10

6.0 34 6

Wood ash will also raise the soil pH and make the soil more alkaline. Do not apply wood
ash, limestone, hydrated lime, or other liming materials to alkaline soils.
Modifying a soil's pH is usually a slow process and may require repeat treatments. It is often
most effective to use a combination of treatments. However, don't expect a quick fix or a
miracle cure.
https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/1994/4-6-1994/ph.html

Sub Topic 2. Assess application method
Soil pH is affected by land use and management.

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Measures that limit or correct acidification
 Liming to raise the pH of an acid soil
 Applying nitrogen and sulfur according to crop needs
 Apply N fertilizer in appropriate amounts, in a timely manner (relative to crop uptake)
and use of good irrigation management to minimize nitrate-N leaching
 Diversified crop rotations to interrupt acidifying effects from N fertilizer application
 Applying irrigation water, manure, and other organic materials that have a high
content of calcium or magnesium bicarbonates
 Use of continuous no-till, cover crops, applications of solid manure, and diverse
rotations with high-residue crops in order to increase organic matter content and
improve soil buffering capacity to limit changes in pH

https://www.cropnutrition.com/nutrient-management/soil-ph

EFFICIENCY FACTORS: TIMING, PLACEMENT AND FREQUENCY OF APPLICATION
TIMING
For crop rotations that include legumes like alfalfa or clovers, lime should be applied to allow
enough time for reaction with the soil before the legumes are planted. Ideally, lime should
be applied three to six months ahead of seeding the targeted crop. Applications as late as
just before planting, with good soil incorporation, can still be beneficial on strongly acidic
soils. Some reduction in soil acidity will still occur, although maximum pH increases are not
normally reached until about one year after application of typical agricultural limestone.

PLACEMENT
Placement is just as important as lime quality. Maximum contact with the soil is essential for
neutralization of soil acidity. Most common liming materials are only sparingly soluble in
water. For example, ammonium nitrate is about 84,000 times more soluble than pure
calcium carbonate. Even if lime is properly mixed into the plow layer, it will have little
reaction if the soil is dry. Moisture must be available for the lime-soil reaction to occur.
Perhaps the best way to incorporate lime or any other material with the plow layer is to use
two perpendicular passes of a combination disc, followed by a chisel plow. Deep plowing of
lime does not achieve desirable mixing in the upper 6 to 8 inches of soil. However, because
the plow or a heavy breaking disc inverts the lime, it can help to distribute the lime in the
upper portion of the subsoil. Choice of tillage equipment will depend on the depth at which
soil acidity neutralization is most needed.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWUh1np7IcA

Activity No. {Video Presentation on Calibration and operation of soil pH meter }
1 TRUE OR FALSE

Fill the blank before the number of T if true and F if false of the descriptive terms that
commonly associated with certain ranges in soil pH

_____1. Extremely acid: < than 4.5; lemon=2.5; vinegar=3.0; stomach acid=2.0; soda=2–4

_____2. Very strongly acid: >4.5–5.0; beer=4.5–5.0; tomatoes=4.5

JOB SHEET _____3. Strongly acid: 5.1–5.5; carrots=5.0; asparagus=5.5; boric acid=5.2; cabbage=5.3
NO. 2 _____4. Moderately acid:> 5.6–6.0; potatoes=5.6
_____5. Slightly acid: 6.1–6.5; salmon=6.2; cow's milk=6.5
_____6. Neutral: 6.6–7.3; saliva=6.6–7.3; blood=7.3; shrimp=7.0
_____7. Slightly alkaline:> 7.4–7.8; eggs=7.6–7.8
_____8. Moderately alkaline: 7.9–8.4; sea water=8.2; sodium bicarbonate=8.4
_____9. Strongly alkaline: 8.5–9.0; borax=9.0
_____10. Very strongly alkaline: > than 9.1; milk of magnesia=10.5, ammonia=11.1;
lime=12
MEASURING SOIL pH ( In-Field Quick Hand Test)

Job sheet no. 2

Title Measuring Soil pH ( In-Field Quick Hand Test)
To perform Measuring Soil pH
Purpose
Supplies/Materials Probe and plastic bucket for gathering and mixing soil samples,

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Roll of pH test strips, 1/8-cup (29.5-mL) measuring scoop,
Calibrated 120-mL shaking vial with lid, Squirt bottle, Distilled
water or rainwater, Pen, field notebook, sharpie, and zip-lock
bags

Procedure: 1. Go to the workshop area. Inform your learning facilitator
that you are ready for this activity.
Assessment
Method: 2. Wear PPE for this activity
3. Prepare all tools, materials, and equipment for measuring

soil pH
4. Ensure that all the conditions within the workstation

conforms with Safety and Health
5. Neutralize hands by rubbing wet soil across palms (discard

the soil).
6. Place a scoop of mixed soil in your palm, and saturate soil

with “clean” water (distilled water or rainwater).
7. Squeeze soil gently until a water slurry runs out of the cup of

the hand and onto the side.
8. Touch the end of a 1-inch-long piece of pH test strip directly

to slurry so that the tip is barely wet and solution can be
drawn up the strip at least 1/4" to 1/2" beyond the area
masked by soil
9. Compare the color approximately 1/3 of the way up the
colored portion of the strip to color chart on dispenser
10. Record soil pH and interpretations
11. Clean work area

Face-to-face feedback from learning facilitator

LESSON 3 DETERMINE NUTRITIONAL PROBLEMS IN PLANTS
TOPIC 1 In this lesson, the content provide information about:

 The deficiency symptoms of each nutrient element
 The causes of deficiencies
 Soil fertility
 Manage soil fertility
 Soil ameliorants
NUTRITIONAL PROBLEMS
Sub Topic 1. Nutrient deficiency and toxicity problems

Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms Toxicity Symptoms

Nitrogen Stunted growth and restricted growth Plants are stunted, deep

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(N) of lateral shoots. Plants express green in color, and

general chlorosis of the entire plant secondary shoot

to light green and yellowing of older development is poor.

leaves which proceeds to younger High N causes

leaves. Older leaves become vegetative bud formation

necrotic and defoliate early instead of reproductive

bud formation.

Ammonium toxicity can

cause roots to turn

brown, with necrotic root

tips; reduce plant

growth; necrotic lesions

occur on stem and

leaves; vascular

browning occurs in

stems and roots.

Phosphor Stunted growth. Purplish coloration Excess P in the plant
us (P) of older leaves in some plants. Dark can cause iron and zinc
green coloration with tips of leaves
dying. Delayed maturity, Poor fruit deficiencies.

and seed development.

Potassiu Leaf margins turn chlorotic and then High amounts of K can
m (K) necrotic. Tip and marginal burn cause calcium (Ca),
starting on mature leaves. Lower magnesium (Mg) and N
leaves turn yellow. Weak stalks and deficiencies.
plant lodge easily. Slow growth.

Magnesiu Interveinal chlorosis on older leaves High Mg can cause Ca
m (Mg) which proceeds to the younger deficiency.
leaves as the deficiency becomes
more severe. The chlorotic
interveinal yellow patches usually
occur toward the center of the leaf
with the margins being the last to
turn yellow. Curling of leaves
upward along margins.

Calcium Light green color on uneven High Ca can cause Mg
(Ca) chlorosis of young leaves. Brown or or Boron (B)
black scorching of new leaf tips and deficiencies.

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die-back of growing points. Growing
points of stems and roots cease to
develop. Poor root growth and roots
short and thickened.

Sulfur (S) Uniform chlorosis first appearing on
new leaves.

Iron (Fe) Interveinal chlorosis of new leaves
followed by complete chlorosis and
or bleaching of new leaves. Stunted
growth.

Zinc (Zn) Interveinal chlorosis of new leaves
with some green next to veins. Short
internodes and small
leaves. Resetting or whirling of
leaves.

Mangane Interveinal chlorosis of new leaves
se (Mn) with some green next to veins and
later with grey or tan necrotic spots
in chlorotic areas.

Copper Interveinal chlorosis of new leaves
(Cu) with tips and edges green, followed
by veinal chlorosis. Leaves at the
top of the plant wilt easily followed
by chlorotic and necrotic areas in the
leaves. Dieback of terminal shoots
in trees.

Boron (B) Death of terminal buds, causing Symptoms develop as a
yellow-tinted band
lateral buds to develop and around the leaf
producing a ‘witches broom’ effect. margins. The chlorotic
zone becomes necrotic
and gray, while the
major portion of the leaf
remains green.

Molybden Older leaves show interveinal
um (Mo) chlorotic blotches, become cupped

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and thickened. Chlorosis continues
upward to younger leaves as
deficiency progresses.

https://ipm.missouri.edu/IPCM/2016/7/Diagnosing_Nutrient_Deficiencies/
Minus-One Element Technique

Fhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWlJjceYhCc

{Video Presentation on Minus-One-Element-Techniques (MOET)}

Leaf Color Chart
 Tool that can help farmers visually assess N status of their crop
 Measures N content indirectly by measuring intensity of green color of sample
leaves

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ahTrJivIZI&pbjreload=10
{Video Presentation on Use of Leaf Color Chart (LCC)}

Sub Topic 2.Causes of Nutritional problems

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(Screenshot from https:/www.pinoyrice.com/resources/learning-modules/)

TOPIC 2 http://landresources.montana.edu/nm/documents/NM9.pdf
SOIL FERTILITY
Sub Topic 1. Manage soil fertility

Soil fertility is defined as the ability of a soil to
provide a physical, chemical, and biological
environment for plants that is health-sustaining. In
order for farmers to maintain soil fertility there are
six basic principles to achieve:

• Soil organic matter levels
• Biological activity
• Soil tilth
• Minimal or no erosion
• Proper soil pH
• A balance of nutrients
http://www.uvm.edu/~fruit/treefruit/tf_organicbasics/PracticalGuideOrganic/ManagingthePla
ntandSoilEcosystem-Darby.pdf

Sub Topic 2. Soil ameliorants

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Soil fertility is the ability of soil to sustain plant growth
and optimize crop yield. This can be enhanced
through organic and inorganic fertilizers to the soil.
Nuclear techniques provide data that enhances
soil fertility and crop production while minimizing
the environmental impact.

Management practices to improve soil
health

Reduce Inversion Tillage and Soil Traffic

Excessive tillage is harmful to soil health in a

number of ways. Tillage increases oxygen in

the soil, stimulating microbial activity, and results in the decomposition of organic

matter.

Common Primary Tillage Implements
 Moldboard Plow
 Disk Plow
 Chisel Plow

Soil Compaction
Soil compaction occurs when soil is exposed to excessive foot and equipment traffic
while the soil is wet and plastic. This traffic compresses the soil, reducing pore space
and increasing bulk density.

Increase Organic Matter Inputs
To maintain or increase soil organic matter levels,
inputs of organic matter must meet or exceed the
losses of organic matter due to decomposition.

Use Cover Crops
Cover crops contribute numerous benefits to soil
health. They keep the soil covered during the winter
and other periods of time when crops are not
growing, reducing the risk of erosion.

Reduce Pesticide Use and Provide Habitat for Forage radish, a tap-rooted cover
Beneficial Organisms crop (left), and cereal rye, a
Beneficial insects that contribute to biological
control or pest organisms can be harmed by the fibrous-rooted cover crop (right).
application of broad-spectrum insecticides.

Rotate Crops
Diverse crop rotations will help break up soilborne pest and disease life cycles,
improving crop health. Rotations can also assist in managing weed s.

Manage Nutrients
Carefully planning the timing, application method, and quantity of manure, compost,

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Activity No. and other fertilizers will allow you to meet crop nutrient demands and minimize nutrient
2 excesses.
DRAG AND DROP

Click and create a copy of respective shape above the
element symbol and drag for each represent figure

LESSON 4 Naming of nutrient deficiency
TOPIC 1
PREPARE TO USE FERTILIZERS

In this lesson, the content provide information about:
 Fertilizer and application methods
 Importance of fertilizer
 Types of fertilizer
 Fertilizer application methods
 Application and Storage of fertilizer
 Fertilizers application
 Storage of fertilizer

FERTILIZER AND APPLICATION METHODS

Sub Topic 1.Importance of fertilizer

Fertilizers are used daily by farmers and families to help
crops and gardens grow. Whether for a small garden of
flowers and plants, or a large farm with thousands of acres of
crops, a wide range of fertilizers have been developed to help
different crops grow in different soil and weather conditions.

Chemical ingredients help create fertilizers that promote plant
growth and are cost effective, too. Commercial and consumer
fertilizers are strictly regulated by both individual states and
the federal government to ensure that they are safe for the

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people who use them, people nearby, and the surrounding environment.

Uses and Benefits

Fertilizers play an important role in providing crops with the nutrients they need to grow and
be harvested for nutritious food.
Fertilizers help deliver enough food to feed the world’s population. But they can do even
more. A class of fertilizers called micronutrient fertilizers is engineered to enrich crops with
vital nutrients that help support human health. For example, micronutrients such as zinc are
important to human nutrition, especially children. According to a United Nations study, much
of the world’s grain crops are grown in soil without adequate zinc; offering micronutrient
fertilizers to grain crops enriches the grain with an important nutrient.

Safety Information

Fertilizers are essential to the security of the world’s food supply, and they must be used
properly. The manufacture, sale and transportation of fertilizers are heavily regulated. States
have difference regulations and statutes that address fertilizer use and production to protect
human health and the environment.
https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/fertilizers/

Sub Topic 2. Types of fertilizer
Plants need nutrients to grow which they absorb from the soil via the plant’s root system.
Unless the nutrients are replenished, the soil’s productive capacity declines with every

harvest.

Fertilizers provide the major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and important
secondary elements) that plants need.
Mineral Fertilizers
The European fertilizer industry transforms millions of tons of naturally occurring raw
materials such as air, natural gas and mined ores
into high quality plant nutrition products . Nitrogen-
based products make up by far the largest
fertilizer group, followed by fertilizers based on
phosphorus and potassium.

Nitrogen fertilizers
Nitrate-based fertilizers are the most commonly
used straight fertilizers in Europe.

Nitrogen fertilizers with inhibitors
Certain weather and soil conditions can lead to
nitrogen immobilization, denitrification,
volatilization or leaching, all reducing fertilizer
efficiency.

Phosphorus fertilizers
The most common phosphate fertilizers are single superphosphate (SSP), triple

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superphosphate (TSP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), di-ammonium phosphate (DSP)
and ammonium polyphosphate liquid.

Potassium fertilizers
Potassium is also available in a range of fertilizers which contain potassium only or two or
more nutrients and include Potassium chloride (KCl), Potassium sulphate (K2SO4) or
sulphate of potash (SOP), Potassium nitrate (KNO3), known as KN.

Calcium, magnesium and sulphur Fertilizers
Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S) are essential secondary plant nutrients.
They are not usually applied as straight fertilizers but in combination with the primary
nutrients N, P, and K.
Sulphur is often added to straight N fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate or urea.

Micronutrient fertilizers
Today, a large number of special fertilizers are available to supply plants with important
micronutrients such as iron, manganese, boron, zinc and copper.

Inhibitors
There are two major types of inhibitors today available for farmers in the EU.
Nitrification inhibitors are chemical compounds that delay the nitrification of ammonium by
suppressing the activity of nitrosomonas bacteria in the soil.

Organic fertilizers
Crop residues, animal manures and slurries are the principal organic fertilizers. Although
they have varying nutritional values, they are generally present on the farm and the nutrients
and the organic carbon they contain are recycled. Animal manures and slurries cover a wide
range of nutrient sources with different physical properties and nutrient contents.
Furthermore, their nutrient content vary regionally and depend on the type of livestock and
the farm management system.

Other types of Plant Nutrition
A wide range of so called fertilizing products can help farmers to adapt their fertilization
practices to their environmental and farm conditions: organic fertilizer, organo-mineral
fertilizer, mineral fertilizer incl. inhibitors, liming material, growing media, plant biostimulants
etc.
Tailor made solutions
All types of fertilizing products have their importance as well as their limits. Organic
fertilizers play a role in returning organic carbon to the soil, but their nutrients can be less
available or too available at a moment of the crop cycle where it is less needed by the plant.
https://www.fertilizerseurope.com/fertilizers-in-europe/types-of-fertilizer/

Sub Topic 3. Fertilizer application methods

It is very important to choose the right method of fertilizer application. Choice of method of
fertilizer and its application mainly depends on:

1. Kind of soil we are ploughing
2. Type of crop we are taking

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3. Nature of nutrient we are applying
4. Irrigation facility in the area i.e. the land is irrigated or rain fed.

Nutrients to be used by plant must be placed in such a manner that they can be dissolved
by the moisture in the soil. The rates and distance that plant food element can move within
the soil depend on the chemical nature of the material that furnishes the nutrients and
character of soil.

These are several methods of applying manures and fertilizers in vegetable crops. These
are discussed below one by one:

Soil application

Organic manures are mostly spread uniformly in the field and incorporated several days
before planting. Following are most important methods of application of fertilizers.

 Broadcasting on the soil surface before ploughing.
 Broadcasting on the soil surface after ploughing and mixing with the surface soil by

harrowing.
 Applying fertilizers in a band at the bottom of the plough furrow.
 Applying fertilizers in bands, 5 to 8 or more centimeters from the row and 5 to 8 or

more centimeters below the surface.
 A combination of broadcasting methods or plough furrow application with bands at

the side of the row to planting time.
 Applying fertilizer with a drill below the surface of the soil before crop is planted.

Foliar spray

 Nutrients are applied in the form of dilute solution on standing crop over the leaves of the
plants.

 Since there is the direct application of nutrient to the site of metabolism the nutrient use
efficiency is increased and quick response is observed by plants.

 This method is more fruitful (convenient, economic and quick responsive) when:
1. Small quantity of micronutrient is needed to apply.
2. It cannot be applied effectively through root or soil,
3. There is need to apply partial quantity of nitrogen in the form of urea.

Fertigation

In this method, fertilizers are applied to the standing crops with irrigation water. It is safe
when fertilizers are applied with drip irrigation. Application through sprinkler may cause
burning of foliage. Fertigation is useful method to supplement soil application.

Time of application

 Organic manures like farmyard manure, compost, leaf mould etc are incorporated in the soil

well in advance to sowing/planting of vegetable crops. Doing so, these manures get mixed

properly in the soil and start rotting, and nutrients are released when crop plants are in need

of them.

 Chemical fertilizers are applied as a basal dose and in the form of top dressing. The basal is

applied just one day before sowing or planting and mixed or drilled in the soil. Care is taken

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for the presence of sufficient soil moisture. Top dressing of fertilizer, particularly nitrogenous
fertilizers is done 15 to 21 days after sowing/planting. This is time when mostly plants get
established.
 The time of application of foliar feeding of nitrogen and micronutrients is when plants start
sowing deficiency symptoms.

Precautions in fertilizer use

 Go for soil testing. The amount of fertilizer(s) should be calculated based on soil test for
balanced use of nutrients. Secondary nutrients like sulphur should be used either alone or
through sulphur bearing fertilizers. In acid soils, calcium and magnesium should be
maintained at the optimum level. Micronutrient should be applied wherever necessary. In
acidic soils boron and molybdenum, and in alkaline soils, iron, zinc and manganese should
be made available. Phosphate rich calcareous soils may show zinc deficiency problems.

 Fertilizers should be selected on the basis of soil characteristic that is avoided acid fertilizers
in acid soils and basic fertilizers in alkaline soils. Improve soil structure through the addition
of organic manure and gypsum. Black and alluvial soils should be deep ploughed.

 Use of high yielding varieties, irrigation at an appropriate time and amounts, removal of
weeds, spacing and plant population etc. should be taken care of.

 When above mentioned precautions are taken cares off the continuous application of
fertilizers will not reduce soil fertility rather it will help in sustaining higher crop yields.

TOPIC 2 http://agropedia.iitk.ac.in/content/methods-fertilizer-application

APPLICATION AND STORAGE OF FERTILIZER

Sub Topic 1.Fertilizers application

HOW TO APPLY
GRANULAR FERTILIZERS
For the first fertilizer application of the
season, apply granular fertilizers by
broadcasting them either by hand or
with a spreader over a large area. Or,
side-dress the fertilizer alongside your
rows or plants or seeds. All dry
fertilizers should be worked or watered
into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil with hoe
or spade work after being applied to
help the fertilizer leach down toward the
plants’ root zones. If your plants are
already growing, cultivate gently so that you do not damage any roots.

During the growing season, lighter supplemental applications can be made to the top inch of
soil in crop rows and perennial beds and around the drip lines of trees or shrubs. (Read the
label to find out how often applications should be made.)

In general, applying granular fertilizers just before a good rain can be beneficial, as it aids in
working the fertilizer down into the soil where roots can access it.

HOW TO APPLY LIQUID FERTILIZERS
All water-soluble fertilizers are applied by dissolving the product in irrigation water and then
applying it to the leaves of the plant and the soil around the plant.

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Don’t apply liquid fertilizer at the exact same time that you plant. No matter how carefully
you remove plants from their containers and place them in the ground, some root hairs will
break. The fertilizer will reach the roots immediately and enter them at the broken points,
“burning” them and causing further die-back.

Many gardeners wait 2 to 3 weeks after planting before fertilizing with liquid solutions; by
then, the newly set-out plants should have recovered from any root damage.

It is important to water plants thoroughly with plain water before applying the liquid fertilizer
to avoid burning the roots if the soil is dry. Also, take care that the fertilizer is indeed diluted
based on instructions, or you could burn the leaves. If you have a watering system, you can
use an injector device to run the fertilizer through the system.

In the case of liquid sprays, it is best to apply them on dry days in either the early morning or
the early evening, when the leaves will have time to absorb the material. Avoid extremely
hot days when foliage is subject to burning.

https://www.almanac.com/content/how-apply-fertilizers-your-garden

Calculating fertilizer application rate

Fertilizer injectors (proportioners) take a concentrated fertilizer solution from the stock tank
and add it to the irrigation water. If we have an injector ratio of 1:100, this means 1 gallon of
fertilizer concentrate is added to 99 gallons of water. For a 1:100 injector, the fertilizer in the
stock tank is 100 times more concentrated than the water that the plants will receive. This
means that if a plant receives fertilizer at 200 ppm nitrogen, in the stock tank this will be
mixed at 20,000 ppm nitrogen.

Part 1 – Calculations using the fertilizer label

The bags of commercial fertilizer that we use contain a label which specifies how much to
use to achieve a given fertilizer concentration. On the table, simply find the column that
corresponds to your injector ratio; and the row that corresponds to your target fertilizer
concentration. this page

Question 1a: You wish to apply Peter’s 20-10-20 fertilizer at a rate of 150 ppm N. You have

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a 1:200 injector. How many ounces / gallon of fertilizer concentrate will you need for the
stock tank?

From the chart above find the row for 150 ppm N and the column for 1:200 – this shows us
that 20.25 ounces per gallon of fertilizer is needed in the stock tank.

Question 1b: Your stock tank holds 5 gallons. So how many ounces of 20-10-20 will you
need from question 1a to mix up 5 gallons of concentrated fertilizer?

Since 20.25 ounces per gallon of concentrate are required; and our stock tank holds 5
gallons we will need: 20.25 (oz/gal) × 5 gal = 101.25 oz

Question 1c: Given the ounces of fertilizer needed from question 1b. Convert the answer
from ounces to grams.

Equation 1

If you are using a scale to weigh in grams, the conversion factor is: 1 ounce = 28.3 grams

So we simply multiply our answer from 1b by 28.3 to get the answer: 101.25 oz. × 28.3
(g/oz.) = 2,865.4 g

The fertilizer table also lists the EC (salt reading) that should result from this fertilizer. We
can use this to calculate the EC of the water that will reach our plants. By checking this
water coming off the end of the hose we can make sure that our stock tank was mixed
correctly and our injector is functioning correctly. Remember that the tap water you are
using also has some level of salts dissolved in it (for example the salt reading from Cornell
water is 0.4 mmhos/cm). You can calculate what the final EC should be of the water hitting
your plants from the equation below.

Equation 2

final EC = EC of tap water + EC of fertilizer

Question 1d: What should be the EC of the water hitting your plants using the fertilizer mix described
in questions 1a-c?

You can see from the fertilizer label (above) that our fertilizer EC should be 0.98, so fill this into
equation 2:

final EC = 0.4 (EC of Cornell tapwater) + 0.98 (EC of fertilizer)

final EC = 1.38 mmhos/cm (note that: mmhos/cm = dS/m)

Part 2 – Calculations using the percentage of a nutrient in the fertilizer

Now let’s look at the case where we need to mix a fertilizer that does not have a table to give us the
mixing values. When we mix fertilizers we typically have a target in mind in terms of ppm (parts per
million) of a particular nutrient. However, fertilizers are usually weighed in ounces and then mixed in
stock tanks measured in gallons. Because we are converting from ppm (parts per million) to ounces
per gallon we need to use a conversion factor:

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1 ounce E / 100 gal water = 75 ppm

(where E is any soluble element)

In the fertilizers we use, any given element (such as nitrogen or calcium) is only 1 part of the fertilizer,
therefore we need to know the percentage it makes up of the fertilizer. In the case of N this is usually
quite easy as the fertilizer bag lists the percentage of N-P2O5-K2O (so we know that our bag of 20-
10-20 contains 20% nitrogen), for other fertilizers we may need to look up the values from a table, for
example: epsom salts (magnesium sulfate or MgSO4·7H2O) contains 9.9% Mg and 13% S). Note
that the percentage can be represented as a decimal fraction (df), ex: 9.9% 0.099 and 13% 0.13.
Once we have the decimal fraction we can easily calculate the ounces of fertilizer needed to achieve
a target ppm using the following equation:

Equation 4

oz fert per gal irrigation water = target ppm / (75 × 100 × df)

where df = the decimal fraction of the element of interest

Note: the equation calculates ounces per gallon of final irrigation water; to account for the injector we
must multiply by the correct proportion (ex: multiply by 100 for a 1:100 injector)

Question 2a: We wish to make up a solution of 30 ppm magnesium using Epsom salts
(MgSO4·7H2O); how many ounces per gallon of final irrigation water are required; and assuming we
are using a 1:200 injector; how many ounces are required per gallon of concentrate in the stock tank.

Using a lookup table we found that Epsom salts contains 9.9% magnesium, so the decimal fraction is
0.099, plug this and the target concentration (30 ppm) into equation 4 and solve:

oz fert per gal irrigation water
= 30 ppm / (75 × 100 × 0.099)
= 30 / (742.5)
= 0.04 ounces per gallon irrigation water

Now account for the 1:200 injector: 0.04 oz per gal × 200 (injector proportion) = 8 oz per gal stock
concentrate

Now let’s say we wanted to know how much sulfur was provided by adding 30 ppm magnesium with
Epsom salts, we can use a related equation to calculate this, but in this case use the df for sulfur,
because that is the nutrient of interest:

Equation 5

ppm = ounces fert per gal irrigation water × 75 × 100 × df

Question 2b: What ppm of sulfur was provided when Epsom salts was added at the rate of 30 ppm
magnesium?
ppm = 0.04 (oz Epsom salts per gallon) × 75 × 100 × 0.13 = 39 ppm S

Equation 4 can also be used with fertilizers that contain micronutrients (ex: iron chelate products,
etc.) you just have to get the correct percentage for the nutrient of interest and convert to the df
(decimal fraction).

Question 2c: We want to apply a 1-time soil drench of 20 ppm Iron (Fe). We will use an iron chelate

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product (Fe-EDDHA) that contains 6% Iron. How many ounces of the product are required per gallon
of irrigation water? How many ounces per gallon of stock concentrate if we are using a 1:200
injector?

To solve, use equation 4, noting that 6% iron 0.06 df

oz fert per gal irrigation water
= 20 ppm / (75 × 100 × 0.06)
= 20 / (450)
= 0.044 ounces per gallon irrigation water

Now account for the 1:200 injector:
0.044 oz per gal × 200 (injector proportion) = 8.9 oz per gal stock concentrate

Conversion Factors
1 ounce = 28.3 grams
1 gram = 0.035 ounces
to convert from ounces to grams multiply by 28.3
to convert from grams to ounces multiply by 0.035

The three numbers on the fertilizer bag are listed in terms of N-P2O5-K2O If we want to
know the amount of P and K, a conversion is needed

1 ounce of P2O5 = 0.44 ounces of P
1 ounce of P = 2.3 ounces of P2O5
to convert from P2O5 to P multiply by 0.44
For example: 10 ounces of P2O5 = 4.4 ounces of P
Similarly, 100 ppm of P2O5 = 44 ppm of P

1 ounce of K2O = 0.83 ounces of K
1 ounce of K = 1.2 ounces of K2O
to convert from K2O to K multiply by 0.83
For example: 10 ounces of K2O = 8.3 ounces of K
Similarly, 100 ppm of K2O = 83 ppm of K

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cidVKRNeEpI

{Video Presentation on How to calculate Fertilizer Rates}

Sub Topic 2. Storage of fertilizer

Checklist: Fertilizer Storage
Store fertilizers separate from other chemicals in dry conditions.

 Extra care needs to be given to concentrate stock solutions. Secondary containment
should be used. Provide pallets to keep large drums or bags off the floor. Shelves for
smaller containers should have a lip to keep the containers from sliding off easily.
Steel shelves are easier to clean than wood if a spill occurs. If you plan to store large
bulk tanks, provide a containment area large enough to confine 125 percent of the
contents of the largest bulk container.

 Keep the storage area locked and clearly labeled as a fertilizer storage area.
Preventing unauthorized use of fertilizers reduces the chance of accidental spills or
theft. Labels on the windows and doors of the building give firefighters information
about fertilizers and other products present during an emergency response to a fire
or a spill.

 Provide adequate road access for deliveries and use, and in making the storage
area secure, also make it accessible, to allow getting fertilizers and other chemicals
out in a hurry.

 Never store fertilizers inside a wellhouse or a facility containing an abandoned well.
Fertilizer Storage and Handling

 Greenhouse fertilizer storage areas contain concentrated nutrients that must be
stored and managed properly. Fertilizers can cause harm if they reach surface or
ground water. Excessive nitrate concentrations in drinking water can cause health
risks, especially in young children. Phosphorus can be transported to surface waters
and cause algae blooms and eutrophication; resulting in poor water quality. Storing
fertilizers separate from other chemicals in dry conditions can minimize these risks.
Extra care needs to be given to concentrate stock solutions. Secondary containment
should always be used.

 Untimely application of fertilizer leads to excessive release from the production
system to surface and/or ground water. Potential problems can be minimized
through adequate environmental awareness, employee training, and emergency
preparedness. Below are guidelines for properly storing and handling greenhouse
fertilizers.

Storage Location
Storage areas should not contain pesticides, or other greenhouse chemicals; storage

areas may contain general greenhouse supplies; there should be no food, drink, tobacco
products, or livestock feed present.
Provide adequate road access for deliveries and use, and in making the storage area
secure, also make it accessible, to allow getting fertilizers and other chemicals out in a
hurry.
Containers

Fertilizer should be stored in their original containers unless damaged; labels should
be visible and readable; food or beverage containers should never used for storage.
Partially-used Containers
Paper bags and boxes should be opened with a box cutter or scissors; open containers
should be resealed and returned to storage; all open paper bags should be sealed inside

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another, larger container, sealed and labeled.
Damaged Containers

Containers should be checked often for damage; when damaged containers are
noticed, contents should be repackaged and labeled or placed in suitable secondary
containment which can be sealed and labeled.
Containment

There should be no floor drain; the floor should provide containment in the event of a
spill; there should be secondary containment routinely used for most open containers;
damaged or leaking containers should be repaired and/or replaced as soon as possible; all
spilled material should be cleaned up upon discovery; and cleanup materials should be
discarded promptly and properly.
Fire Prevention and Suppression

Fire detection and alarm system should be present; oxidizers and flammable materials
should be stored separately; fire extinguisher should be immediately available; the fire
department should be notified at least annually of current inventory.
Inventory and Recordkeeping
Inventory should be actively maintained as chemicals are added or removed from storage;
containers should be dated when purchased; outdated materials should be removed on a
regular basis; inventory should be controlled to prevent the accumulation of excess material
that may become difficult to use
Lighting

Electrical lighting should allow view into all areas and cabinets within the storage area.
Monitoring

There should be monthly inspection of storage for 1) signs of container corrosion or
other damage - leaking or damaged containers should be repackaged as appropriate, 2)
faulty ventilation, electrical, and fire suppression systems – problems should be reported
and corrected.
Security

The storage room should be locked and access restricted to trained personnel.
Signage

There should be signs posted; warning signs should be used as needed; emergency
contact information should be posted.
Temperature Control

There should be active mechanical temperature control and no direct sources of heat
(sunny windows, steam pipes, furnaces, etc.).
Ventilation

Mechanical ventilation should be working and used.
Storage and Record Keeping

Fertilizer stock tanks should be labeled with fertilizer formulation and concentration;
records should be kept of fertilizer formulation, concentration, date, and location of
application; records should be kept of media nutrient analyses.
Containment of Concentrated Stock

Concentrated stock should be stored near the injector in high density polyethylene or
polypropylene containers with extra heavy duty walls; secondary containment should be
provided.
Disposal

Sufficient planning should be made to eliminate the need for disposal; empty fertilizer
containers should be discarded based on latest advice from environmental protection
authorities.

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Activity No. Precipitate and Residue Disposal
3 Fertilizer systems should be cleaned. Solids and rinse solution should be composted.

Spill Prevention and Preparedness
Opening fertilizer product containers, measuring amounts, and transferring fertilizer to the
delivery system involves some level of risk from spills. Secondary containment should be
used for fertilizer stock tanks routinely; spill clean-up materials should be used for liquids
(e.g., absorbent materials) and solids (e.g., shovel, dust pan, broom and empty and/or
buckets) should be available within the general area.
Delivery System

The fertigation equipment should be checked monthly for accuracy; containment
tanks, back flow preventors and any equipment that holds fertilizer in the dry or liquid form
should be inspected; stock tanks should be inspected weekly for deterioration and cracks;
the manufacturer recommendations should be followed when calibrating or working on
fertilizer injector equipment; stock solution tanks and the areas surrounding fertilizer
injectors and concentrated solutions should be kept clean and free of debris.
https://ag.umass.edu/greenhouse-floriculture/greenhouse-best-management-practices-bmp-
manual/fertilizer-storage-handling

FERTILIZER COMPUTATION

Activity Title Activity Sheet No. 3
Purpose
: Fertilizer computation
: To become skilled Fertilizer computation

Here is the information given to you:
• Crop: Tomatoes in 1 gallon pots, in Metro-Mix
• Use Peters Excel All Purpose 21-5-20 fertilizer at 150 ppm nitrogen with every watering

from a 20 gallon concentrate stock tank with a 1:200 injector
• Supplement with calcium nitrate at 100 ppm calcium (Note that calcium nitrate contains

19% Ca and 15.5% N).

Procedure :
1. On your blank sheets, copy all the questions and solve the given questions.

2. Calculate how many ounces of 21-5-20 you will need per 1 gallon of irrigation water (use
equation 4.

3. Now take into account your injector ratio and size of your stock tank, and calculate how
many ounces of 21-5-20 will be required for your 20 gallon stock tank.

4. Calculate how many ounces of calcium nitrate you will need per 1 gallon of irrigation
water (use equation 4).

5. Now taken into account your injector ratio and size of your stock tank; calculate how
many ounces of calcium nitrate will be required for the 20 gallon stock tank.

6. The calcium nitrate also contains 15.5% N. Calculate how many ppm of N is contained in
100 ppm of calcium from calcium nitrate. (Use equation 5)

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LESSON 5 7. Write your name and the date work is submitted on all sheets of paper used.
TOPIC 1
8. Submit your work to your trainer. After checking, your trainer will return your work.

PREPARE APPLICATION EQUIPMENT
In this lesson, the content provide information about:

 Application equipment
 Types of tools, equipment and machinery
 Pre-operational and check of equipment
 Calibration and adjustment
 Calibration of application equipment
 Adjustment in application equipment
APPLICATION EQUIPMENT

Sub Topic 1. Types of tools, equipment and machinery

Fertilizer Band Placement cum Earthing up
Machine
The tractor operated (26 kW and above) fertilizer band
placement cum earthing up machine has been
designed and developed at GBPUAT, Pantnagar. The
machine is suitable for simultaneous placement of
fertilizer, earthing up and cutting of weeds in crops
such as maize, sugarcane, potato etc. having more
than 0.50 m row to row spacing. The urea fertilizer application rate ranges from 60 to 250
kg/ha. It helps in top dressing of fertilizer at 50 to 100 mm from the plant.

Tractor Operated Fertilizer Dibbler for Ratoon Sugarcane
The field after harvest of sugarcane is covered by a mat of trash up
to a depth of 150 mm and punch application enables placement of
fertilizer through crop residue.

GPS Based Variable Rate Granular Fertilizer Applicator
A GPS Based variable rate granular fertilizers
(NPK) applicator has been developed at IIT
Kharagpur and CIAE Bhopal to ensure ideal
application of fertilizers as basal dose.

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Sub Topic 2. Pre-operational and check of equipment

Pre-Operational Checks for Tractors

New and experienced growers alike may often overlook the importance of regular
equipment checks and maintenance during the heat of the season.

Whether you have been farming for
50 years or 50 days, you should start
your work day with a pre-operational
check of your tractors before heading
out to the field. By checking your
tractor before using it, you could
prevent costly repairs, down time and
aggravation. Before even starting the
tractor, go through the following
checklist items:

 Fuel level - You always want
to make sure you have sufficient fuel in the tank.

 Check your battery - Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded.
 Check your tires - Not only should you check the air pressure but also make

sure that the lug nuts are tight and look at the condition (e.g., tread) of the tires.
If you notice that you have low tire pressure, look for air leakage from around
the valve stem.
 Loose or defective parts - Take time to really examine the tractor to look for
loose or defectives parts such as a frayed or worn fan belt. Replace, tighten or
make necessary repairs before heading out to the field.
 SMV Emblem - If your SMV emblem is faded or distorted in color or shape, it is
time to replace it with a new SMV emblem to increase your visibility to others.
 Fluid leaks - Look for any fluid leaks on the ground beneath the tractor. Also
check fluid levels for coolant, engine oil, and hydraulic oil levels as well. You
can do some very serious damage to your tractor if you run out of these fluids.
 Operator's platform area - You may spend much of your day on the operator
platform so check the steps to make sure you can get safely on and off of the
tractor. Examine the area around the seat to make sure it is clear of debris or
tools that could cause you to trip. You should have a ROPS on your tractor so
always make sure your seat belt is operable and that you buckle it.
 Fire extinguisher - Check your fire extinguisher to make sure it is charged.
 Lighting/flashers - Check headlights and warning lights/flashers to make sure
all of the lights are working and replace bulbs if necessary.
 Visibility from operator's seat - Clean any dirty cab windows to provide the
best visibility for you from the operator's seat.

You may think this will take too much time, but it is better to take the time rather than
have a break down in the middle of the road or to cause serious damage (e.g., engine
seizes) to your equipment.

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TOPIC 2 https://extension.psu.edu/pre-operational-checks-for-tractors
CALIBRATION AND ADJUSTMENT

Calibration (Knapsack sprayer)

WHAT DOES CALIBRATION DO?
 Calibration of sprayers is an important activity in any weed control or spraying
program. It ensures that herbicide active ingredient is applied correctly at the product
labelled rate. Application in excess of the recommended rate can lead to the
following:
 Crop damage
 environmental pollution
 Use becomes uneconomical.

WHEN DO WE NEED TO CALIBRATE A SPRAYER?
 Calibration can take place as follows:
 When spraying for the first time with a new sprayer
 At the beginning of each season
 After changes of nozzle tips, spraying pressure or speed
 When the sprayer has done close to 100 ha of spraying
 Factors that may affect calibration
 Canopy height/density of target species Canopy density and height of
vegetation may affect calibration.
 Low vegetation and/or scattered clumps will require less solution per hectare
than taller and dense vegetation with greater leaf surface.
 Nozzle and pressure, the first step in sprayer calibration is to determine the
correct nozzle type and size (flow rate).
 Three measurements are important when calibrating a new and old knapsack - 
1. The walking speed of the operator expressed in meter per second or kilometers
per hour (Km/h) 
2. The output per minute of the sprayer expressed in Litres 
3. The width of each pass of the sprayer, commonly known as the Swath Width
expressed in meters.

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Job sheet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Epf1rjJyGeM
no. 3 {Video Presentation on Knapsack sprayer calibration}
KNAPSACK SPRAYER CALIBRATION

Job Sheet No. 3

Title Knapsack sprayer calibration
Purpose
Supplies/Materials To perform Knapsack sprayer calibration
Procedure:
Knapsack sprayer , PPE

1. Go to the workshop area. Inform your learning
facilitator that you are ready for this activity.

2. Wear PPE for this activity
3. Prepare all tools, materials, and equipment for

Knapsack sprayer calibration
4. Ensure that all the conditions within the workstation

conforms with Safety and Health
5. Determine the correct nozzle type and size (flow rate)
6. Carry out a pre-operation service and prepare the

sprayer for the job.
7. Install the appropriate spray tip (nozzle)
8. Partially fill the sprayer with clean water and dye.
9. Pump up the spray unit to a selected pressure
10. Ensure there is no leakage from equipment.
11. Test spray sample cards to check spray droplet pattern.

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Assessment Method: 12. If necessary adjust or change nozzles and pressure to
achieve desired spray droplet pattern.

13. Measure the effective swath width of the nozzle
14. Mark out a 50m2 calibration plot in the area to be

sprayed with a peg in each corner.
15. Fill the sprayer to a known level or mark.
16. Spray the calibration plot at the pressure and speed you

will use when you do the job.
17. When you have finished spraying the calibration plot,
18. Note the amount of water taken to refill the tank to the

original level or mark.
19. Calculate the litres used and determine spray output in

litres per hectare
20. Clean work area
Face-to-face feedback from learning facilitator

LESSON 6 APPLY SPECIFIC PRODUCTS AT APPROPRIATE RATES
TOPIC 1
In this lesson, the content provide information about:
 Product selection and calculation
 Determine plant needs for product selection
 Calculate product rates
 Application method and timing
 Identify application method
 Product application

PRODUCT SELECTION AND CALCULATION

Sub Topic 1. Determine plant needs for product selection

Fertilizer Selection and Application

Basic Fertilizer Selection

 Fertilizer is important to the health and vigor of turfgrass.

 The type of fertilizer selected by the lawn owner, however, is a matter of choice.

Many good fertilizers and choices are available at local hardware stores, garden

centers, and builder supply stores.

 A fertilizer, by definition, is any material or mixture used to supply one or more of the

essential plant nutrient elements.

 Sixteen nutrients are essential for plant growth and development. Of the major

nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are required in relatively large

amounts.

 Calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are also required in relatively large amounts, but

are less likely to be deficient in the soil system.

 Micro-nutrients (such as iron, chlorine, manganese, boron, etc.) are essential to

plants in relatively small amounts.

 Nitrogen (N) is important because it promotes vigorous plant growth, increases top

growth, and is a building block for protein.

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 Phosphorus (P) promotes cell division and stimulates healthy root growth and is
essential for seed germination.

 Potassium (K), also labeled as "potash", is an essential nutrient for photosynthesis
which also promotes fruit formation and imparts disease resistance and winter
hardiness.
The purpose of fertilization is to provide nutrients (minerals) to the grass roots. Grass

blades then manufacture their own food. Some fertilizers, however, have important benefits
for the soil system -- especially if they contain organic matter which helps build soil life and
better soil structure. All fertilizers are labeled with 3 numbers (i.e., 12-3-9 or 10-10-10),
giving the percentage by weight of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potash (K). These
numbers are called the “guaranteed analysis”.

A complete fertilizer provides some quantity of all three of these nutrients. The
amount of nitrogen needed is determined, in part, by the type of grass, soil health, site
conditions, maintenance practices of the lawn owner, and goals of the owner. The standard
fertilizer application rate listed on the bag is one pound for every 1000 square feet of lawn –
for each application.
Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizers

The choice of organic vs. synthetic (man-made) fertilizers is an individual one. There
are excellent organic fertilizers and excellent synthetic fertilizers. The nutrients are the same
after they are released into the soil system. An organic fertilizer, by definition, contains
nutrients which are derived solely from the remains of (or are a by-product of) once-living
organisms. Examples of organic fertilizers include cottonseed meal, blood meal, composted
manure, and bone meal. Urea is sometimes organic and sometimes synthetic in form. In
general, organic fertilizers release their nutrients slowly over a fairly long time.
Soil Nutrient Testing –
An Essential Step in Fertilizer Selection

Soil nutrient testing is important for healthy plants and clean water. A soil test is the
best way to begin to learn about the nutrient needs of the lawn. A soil test indicates nutrient
levels already in the soil – a first step in determining how much and what type of fertilizer is
needed for the lawn. Since plants take up nutrients from the soil, nutrients (contained in
fertilizer) need to be replenished from time-to-time. Over-application of fertilizers can pollute
water resources, ruin plants, and waste money. Why take the chance of making a mistake?

The MSU soil testing laboratory analyzes the soil sample for pH, lime requirement (if
any), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). A written report is
mailed to the customer with an interpretation of the results and fertilizer recommendations—
based on the plants being grown. A recommendation for nitrogen is provided in the soil test
results. The nitrogen component of the soil test recommendation reflects a computerized
data base – not the actual soil sample –because nitrogen does not stay in the soil long
enough to be effectively tested.

Fertilizer as a Source of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Lakes, Streams, and
Groundwater

The nutrient cycle in a managed lawn is complex, consisting of many interacting
inputs, outputs, and storage components. Atmospheric deposition, irrigation water, and

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grass clippings – as well as fertilizer – can be sources of nitrogen and phosphorus to the soil
system. When quantities of phosphorus and nitrogen reach lakes, the growth of algae and
aquatic weeds is stimulated. Nitrogen is particularly a concern for groundwater used for
drinking, especially when found in concentrations above 10 parts per million.
Phosphorus is an even greater concern for rivers, lakes, and ponds. In most lakes, for
example, the amount of phosphorus determines the amount of algae and aquatic plants.
Many different land uses, including streets, lawns, and farmland, may be sources of nitrogen
and phosphorus in small watersheds. The contributions from each small watershed vary,
reflecting the natural characteristics of the site and types of uses. Recognizing that lawn
fertilizers can easily be misapplied, over-fertilization is considered by many water quality
experts to be a likely pollution source.
• Fertilizer may fall onto the sidewalk or driveway and be carried to storm drains or the river;
• Excessive fertilizer use on sloped lawns or “thin” lawn may lead to polluted runoff;
• Quick-release fertilizer applied before a heavy rainstorm may move through soil or runoff
the surface of the ground.

Environmental Benefits from Slow-Release Fertilizers
University specialists recommend slow-release fertilizers for the following reasons:

(a) To protect lakes, streams, and groundwater, reducing high-nitrogen runoff or
leaching

(b) To promote steady, natural uniform grass growth, avoiding “spurts” of growth.
(c) To provide essential nitrogen, a building block for protein in the grass blades

and stems.
(d) To reduce the danger of over-fertilization, including salt buildup or burning of

lawn.
(e) To save time and money in the long run. Slow-release fertilizers typically last

more than 2 - 3 months. These products may appear to be more expensive,
but actually be less expensive, since fewer applications are needed.
(f) To protect soil microbial life and earthworms.
Slow-release fertilizers are often more expensive than quick-release products, but they
last longer and fewer applications are needed. Slow-release fertilizers which are natural
organic products (with organic matter) contribute to the general health of the soil. Healthy
soil with diverse micro-organisms naturally resists pests and diseases.

Definition of Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer
Slow release fertilizers include:

 Organic fertilizers (nitrogen released through microbial action); and
 Fertilizers with 50% or more of their nitrogen in a water insoluble form (W.I.N., or the

equivalent.)

Sub Topic 2. Calculate product rates
Calculating fertilizer application rate

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Fertilizer injectors (proportioners) take a concentrated fertilizer solution from the stock tank
and add it to the irrigation water. If we have an injector ratio of 1:100, this means 1 gallon of
fertilizer concentrate is added to 99 gallons of water. For a 1:100 injector, the fertilizer in the
stock tank is 100 times more concentrated than the water that the plants will receive. This
means that if a plant receives fertilizer at 200 ppm nitrogen, in the stock tank this will be
mixed at 20,000 ppm nitrogen.
Part 1 – Calculations using the fertilizer label

The bags of commercial fertilizer that we use contain a label which specifies how much to
use to achieve a given fertilizer concentration. On the table, simply find the column that
corresponds to your injector ratio; and the row that corresponds to your target fertilizer
concentration. this page

Question 1a: You wish to apply Peter’s 20-10-20 fertilizer at a rate of 150 ppm N. You have
a 1:200 injector. How many ounces / gallon of fertilizer concentrate will you need for the
stock tank?

From the chart above find the row for 150 ppm N and the column for 1:200 – this shows us
that 20.25 ounces per gallon of fertilizer is needed in the stock tank.

Question 1b: Your stock tank holds 5 gallons. So how many ounces of 20-10-20 will you
need from question 1a to mix up 5 gallons of concentrated fertilizer?

Since 20.25 ounces per gallon of concentrate are required; and our stock tank holds 5
gallons we will need: 20.25 (oz/gal) × 5 gal = 101.25 oz

Question 1c: Given the ounces of fertilizer needed from question 1b. Convert the answer
from ounces to grams.

Equation 1

If you are using a scale to weigh in grams, the conversion factor is: 1 ounce = 28.3 grams

So we simply multiply our answer from 1b by 28.3 to get the answer: 101.25 oz. × 28.3

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(g/oz.) = 2,865.4 g

The fertilizer table also lists the EC (salt reading) that should result from this fertilizer. We
can use this to calculate the EC of the water that will reach our plants. By checking this
water coming off the end of the hose we can make sure that our stock tank was mixed
correctly and our injector is functioning correctly. Remember that the tap water you are
using also has some level of salts dissolved in it (for example the salt reading from Cornell
water is 0.4 mmhos/cm). You can calculate what the final EC should be of the water hitting
your plants from the equation below.

Equation 2

final EC = EC of tap water + EC of fertilizer

Question 1d: What should be the EC of the water hitting your plants using the fertilizer mix
described in questions 1a-c?

You can see from the fertilizer label (above) that our fertilizer EC should be 0.98, so fill this
into equation 2:

final EC = 0.4 (EC of Cornell tapwater) + 0.98 (EC of fertilizer)

final EC = 1.38 mmhos/cm (note that: mmhos/cm = dS/m)

Part 2 – Calculations using the percentage of a nutrient in the fertilizer

Now let’s look at the case where we need to mix a fertilizer that does not have a table to
give us the mixing values. When we mix fertilizers we typically have a target in mind in
terms of ppm (parts per million) of a particular nutrient. However, fertilizers are usually
weighed in ounces and then mixed in stock tanks measured in gallons. Because we are
converting from ppm (parts per million) to ounces per gallon we need to use a conversion
factor:

Equation 3

1 ounce E / 100 gal water = 75 ppm

(where E is any soluble element)

In the fertilizers we use, any given element (such as nitrogen or calcium) is only 1 part of the
fertilizer, therefore we need to know the percentage it makes up of the fertilizer. In the case
of N this is usually quite easy as the fertilizer bag lists the percentage of N-P2O5-K2O (so
we know that our bag of 20-10-20 contains 20% nitrogen), for other fertilizers we may need
to look up the values from a table, for example: epsom salts (magnesium sulfate or
MgSO4·7H2O) contains 9.9% Mg and 13% S). Note that the percentage can be
represented as a decimal fraction (df), ex: 9.9% 0.099 and 13% 0.13. Once we have the
decimal fraction we can easily calculate the ounces of fertilizer needed to achieve a target
ppm using the following equation:

Equation 4

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oz fert per gal irrigation water = target ppm / (75 × 100 × df)

where df = the decimal fraction of the element of interest

Note: the equation calculates ounces per gallon of final irrigation water; to account for the
injector we must multiply by the correct proportion (ex: multiply by 100 for a 1:100 injector)

Question 2a: We wish to make up a solution of 30 ppm magnesium using Epsom salts
(MgSO4·7H2O); how many ounces per gallon of final irrigation water are required; and
assuming we are using a 1:200 injector; how many ounces are required per gallon of
concentrate in the stock tank.

Using a lookup table we found that Epsom salts contains 9.9% magnesium, so the decimal
fraction is 0.099, plug this and the target concentration (30 ppm) into equation 4 and solve:

oz fert per gal irrigation water
= 30 ppm / (75 × 100 × 0.099)
= 30 / (742.5)
= 0.04 ounces per gallon irrigation water

Now account for the 1:200 injector: 0.04 oz per gal × 200 (injector proportion) = 8 oz per gal
stock concentrate

Now let’s say we wanted to know how much sulfur was provided by adding 30 ppm
magnesium with Epsom salts, we can use a related equation to calculate this, but in this
case use the df for sulfur, because that is the nutrient of interest:

Equation 5

ppm = ounces fert per gal irrigation water × 75 × 100 × df

Question 2b: What ppm of sulfur was provided when Epsom salts was added at the rate of
30 ppm magnesium?
ppm = 0.04 (oz Epsom salts per gallon) × 75 × 100 × 0.13 = 39 ppm S

Equation 4 can also be used with fertilizers that contain micronutrients (ex: iron chelate
products, etc.) you just have to get the correct percentage for the nutrient of interest and
convert to the df (decimal fraction).

Question 2c: We want to apply a 1-time soil drench of 20 ppm Iron (Fe). We will use an iron
chelate product (Fe-EDDHA) that contains 6% Iron. How many ounces of the product are
required per gallon of irrigation water? How many ounces per gallon of stock concentrate if
we are using a 1:200 injector?

To solve, use equation 4, noting that 6% iron 0.06 df

oz fert per gal irrigation water Date Developed: Version No. 1
= 20 ppm / (75 × 100 × 0.06) May 2020
= 20 / (450)
= 0.044 ounces per gallon irrigation water

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Now account for the 1:200 injector:
0.044 oz per gal × 200 (injector proportion) = 8.9 oz per gal stock concentrate

Conversion Factors
1 ounce = 28.3 grams
1 gram = 0.035 ounces
to convert from ounces to grams multiply by 28.3
to convert from grams to ounces multiply by 0.035

The three numbers on the fertilizer bag are listed in terms of N-P2O5-K2O If we want to
know the amount of P and K, a conversion is needed

1 ounce of P2O5 = 0.44 ounces of P
1 ounce of P = 2.3 ounces of P2O5
to convert from P2O5 to P multiply by 0.44
For example: 10 ounces of P2O5 = 4.4 ounces of P
Similarly, 100 ppm of P2O5 = 44 ppm of P

1 ounce of K2O = 0.83 ounces of K
1 ounce of K = 1.2 ounces of K2O
to convert from K2O to K multiply by 0.83
For example: 10 ounces of K2O = 8.3 ounces of K
Similarly, 100 ppm of K2O = 83 ppm of K

TOPIC 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cidVKRNeEpI

{Video Presentation on How to calculate Fertilizer Rates}
APPLICATION METHOD AND TIMING

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Sub Topic 1.Identify application method

It is very important to choose the right method of fertilizer application. Choice of method of
fertilizer and its application mainly depends on:

1. Kind of soil we are ploughing
2. Type of crop we are taking
3. Nature of nutrient we are applying
4. Irrigation facility in the area i.e. the land is irrigated or rain fed.

Nutrients to be used by plant must be placed in such a manner that they can be dissolved
by the moisture in the soil. The rates and distance that plant food element can move within
the soil depend on the chemical nature of the material that furnishes the nutrients and
character of soil.

These are several methods of applying manures and fertilizers in vegetable crops. These
are discussed below one by one:

Soil application

Organic manures are mostly spread uniformly in the field and incorporated several days
before planting. Following are most important methods of application of fertilizers.

 Broadcasting on the soil surface before ploughing.
 Broadcasting on the soil surface after ploughing and mixing with the surface soil by

harrowing.
 Applying fertilizers in a band at the bottom of the plough furrow.
 Applying fertilizers in bands, 5 to 8 or more centimeters from the row and 5 to 8 or

more centimeters below the surface.
 A combination of broadcasting methods or plough furrow application with bands at

the side of the row to planting time.
 Applying fertilizer with a drill below the surface of the soil before crop is planted.

Foliar spray

 Nutrients are applied in the form of dilute solution on standing crop over the leaves of the
plants.

 Since there is the direct application of nutrient to the site of metabolism the nutrient use
efficiency is increased and quick response is observed by plants.

 This method is more fruitful (convenient, economic and quick responsive) when:
1. Small quantity of micronutrient is needed to apply.
2. It cannot be applied effectively through root or soil,
3. There is need to apply partial quantity of nitrogen in the form of urea.

Fertigation

In this method, fertilizers are applied to the standing crops with irrigation water. It is safe
when fertilizers are applied with drip irrigation. Application through sprinkler may cause
burning of foliage. Fertigation is useful method to supplement soil application.

Time of application

 Organic manures like farmyard manure, compost, leaf mould etc are incorporated in the soil

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well in advance to sowing/planting of vegetable crops. Doing so, these manures get mixed
properly in the soil and start rotting, and nutrients are released when crop plants are in need
of them.
 Chemical fertilizers are applied as a basal dose and in the form of top dressing. The basal is
applied just one day before sowing or planting and mixed or drilled in the soil. Care is taken
for the presence of sufficient soil moisture. Top dressing of fertilizer, particularly nitrogenous
fertilizers is done 15 to 21 days after sowing/planting. This is time when mostly plants get
established.
 The time of application of foliar feeding of nitrogen and micronutrients is when plants start
sowing deficiency symptoms.

Precautions in fertilizer use

 Go for soil testing. The amount of fertilizer(s) should be calculated based on soil test for
balanced use of nutrients. Secondary nutrients like sulphur should be used either alone or
through sulphur bearing fertilizers. In acid soils, calcium and magnesium should be
maintained at the optimum level. Micronutrient should be applied wherever necessary. In
acidic soils boron and molybdenum, and in alkaline soils, iron, zinc and manganese should
be made available. Phosphate rich calcareous soils may show zinc deficiency problems.

 Fertilizers should be selected on the basis of soil characteristic that is avoided acid fertilizers
in acid soils and basic fertilizers in alkaline soils. Improve soil structure through the addition
of organic manure and gypsum. Black and alluvial soils should be deep ploughed.

 Use of high yielding varieties, irrigation at an appropriate time and amounts, removal of
weeds, spacing and plant population etc. should be taken care of.

 When above mentioned precautions are taken cares off the continuous application of
fertilizers will not reduce soil fertility rather it will help in sustaining higher crop yields.
http://agropedia.iitk.ac.in/content/methods-fertilizer-application
Sub Topic 2. Product application O F A P P

 Timing of fertilizer application has a significant effect on crop yields. Proper timing of

the fertilizer application increases yields, reduces nutrient losses, increases nutrient

use efficiency and prevents damage to the environment.

 Applying fertilizers at the wrong timing might result in nutrient losses, waste of

fertilizer and even damage to the crop. The mechanisms by which losses occur

depend on the properties of the nutrient and its reactions with the surroundings and

will be discussed further in this article.

Timing according to crop phenology

 Plants need different nutrient rates and ratios at different growth stages. In order for

the nutrients to be available when the plant needs them, fertilizers should be applied

at the right timing. The optimum timing for fertilizer application is, therefore,

determined by the Nutrient Uptake Pattern of the crop. For the same crop, each

nutrient has an individual uptake pattern.

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Example of NPK uptake distribution

Split fertilizer applications
 Different crops have different salt tolerance levels. When salinity level exceeds the
salt tolerance of the crop, yield is affected and begins to decrease.
 The maximum rate of fertilizer that can be applied at one application depends on the
salinity threshold that the crop can tolerate.

Frequency of fertilizer application as affected by soil type

Soil type affects the timing and frequency of fertilizer application. Two major soil properties
determine the frequency and timing of application:

 CEC – Cation Exchange Capacity – this is a parameter that measures the capacity
of the soil to hold and store positively-charged elements, such as calcium,
magnesium and potassium. Soils with high CEC require a lower frequency of
fertilizer application, and as a result, higher fertilizer rates are applied with each
application. In soils with a low CEC splitting the fertilizer application into multiple
applications is necessary to avoid loss of nutrients.

 Soil Texture – soil texture is strongly related with CEC. Sandy soils usually have a
low CEC, while clayey soils have a higher CEC. But while CEC gives an indication of
the capacity of the soil to hold nutrients, soil texture refers to the particle size
distribution of the soil. Sandy soils can hold less water than soils with a fine texture.

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