The first application that determines the course of the crop
Basic fertilisation involves the initial application of nutrients to the soil, either before or at planting/seeding. It is the fundamental nutritional intervention on which the productive potential of the crop is built. Especially in crops such as cotton, wheat, maize, corn, olive and rice, the quality and accuracy of basal fertilisation have a decisive influence on the final yield. Deficiencies at an early stage are difficult to fully remedy with later applications.Basic fertilisation refers to the initial application of nutrients to the soil, either before or at planting/sowing. It is the fundamental nutrient intervention on which the productive potential of the crop is built. Especially in crops such as cotton, wheat, maize, corn, olive and rice, the quality and accuracy of basic fertilisation has a decisive influence on the final yield. Deficiencies at an early stage are difficult to fully remedy with later applications.
Integrated approach: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
A common failure is the unilateral emphasis on nitrogen. However, basal fertilization should also include phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), depending on the needs of the soil and the crop.A common failure is a unilateral emphasis on nitrogen. However, basal fertilisation should also include phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), depending on the needs of the soil and the crop.
- Phosphorus is critical for root system development and plant establishment.
- Potassium enhances stress resistance, metabolic function and directly affects the quality and quantity of production.
Indicative cases per crop
Wheat: Phosphorus deficiency at the beginning limits leaching, root growth and the number of productive ears.Wheat: Lack of phosphorus at the beginning limits leaching, root development and the number of productive ears.
Corn: In the early stages it has increased needs for available phosphorus. Lack of basic fertilization leads to delayed growth and reduced fruit set.Maize: In the early stages it has an increased need for available phosphorus. Lack of basic fertilisation leads to delayed growth and reduced fruit set.
Olive: Basic fertilization is applied in late winter to support flowering and fruiting.Olive: Basic fertilisation is applied in late winter to support flowering and fruiting.
Rice: Requires enhanced basal fertilization with both potassium and zinc to prevent lodging and reduce fungal problems.Rice: Requires enhanced basal fertilization with potassium and zinc to prevent lodging and reduce fungal problems.
Link to pH
The efficiency of basic fertilisation is affected by soil pH:
In acidic soils (pH < 6), phosphorus and magnesium uptake is reduced.
In alkaline soils (pH > 7.5), the availability of trace elements is limited.
In such cases, corrective interventions (e.g. addition of organic matter, application of gypsum) are required to ensure effective absorption of the applied nutrients.
Recommendations
Basic fertilisation should be based on:
-Geographical analysis, for accurate identification of needs.
-Choice of fertilizer type (e.g. 11-15-15, 20-10-10) based on the history of the plot.
-Avoiding excesses, giving priority to balanced nutrition and proper integration into the soil.
Conclusion
Basic fertilisation is not just the first step; it is an investment in productivity. If omitted or partially applied, the consequences are decisively reflected in the final yield. Targeted, complete and technically supported application of basal fertilisation, based on factual data and geotechnical guidance, is a key success factor for any modern crop.Basic fertilisation is not just the first step; it is an investment in productivity. If omitted or partially applied, the consequences are decisively reflected in the final yield. Targeted, complete and technically supported application of basic fertilisation, based on factual data and geotechnical guidance, is a key success factor for any modern crop.
See all available types of fertilizers for basic fertilization from ZIKO
