NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

Photo Courtesy of Dr. Pedrito S. Nitural, Faculty, College of Agriculture, CLSU

WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?

This lesson will equip you with the knowledge on the macro and micro
elements of the soil and their functions, the kinds of fertilizer materials, and
amount of fertilizer to apply, methods of applying fertilizer, and the time to
apply it. You will learn these within thirteen days.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

At the end of the lesson you should be able to:

1. identify the macro and micro elements needed by the plants;

2. state the functions of each macro element;
3. enumerate the kinds of fertilizer materials;
4. apply fertilizer appropriately;
5. compute the recommended rate of fertilizer per given area;
6. appreciate the value of proper fertilization.

Know

Proper application of fertilizer will give you more returns from your rice crop
at less cost. For maximum returns, fertilizer should be applied at the right
amount, place, and at the time the crop needs it. Indiscriminate application of
fertilizer will result in plant over growth which will make the plant susceptible
to pests and diseases causing it to be less productive.
The result of the soil analysis explained and discussed in Lesson 2 should be
the basis in determining the right amount of fertilizer to be applied.
The assigned Municipal Agricultural Officer in your locality could be tapped to
provide assistance in case the soil intended for rice production has not been
analyzed.
 In the absence of soil analysis, refer to any available Fertilizer
Recommendation Maps in your locality. Follow the average general
recommendation and time of application.

The Macro and Micro Elements of the Soil and their Functions

According to the CBLM Year 3 there are 10 essential plant foods needed for
the development of any crop. However, only three are usually taken from the
soil, air and water in sufficient amount. These are the macro elements:
nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P2O5) and potassium (K2O) or NPK. The micro
elements are sulfur, zinc, molybdenum, copper, boron, manganese, and
magnesium. The functions of the macro elements, signs and symptoms of
deficiency, and sources are identified below:

Nitrogen (N)
Functions:
• Stimulates growth of the leaves and stems
• It gives dark green color to plant Deficiency symptoms:
• Pale yellow in color
• Lower leaves will die early
• Short and stunted plant
Excess of nitrogen causes the plant to lodge before booting which
will cause decrease in the yield of rice. If you observe the plants to be
dark green it is already prone to lodging. Do not apply nitrogenous
fertilizer anymore.

Sources of Nitrogen
1. Ammonium sulfate (21 – 0 – 0)
2. Ammonium phosphate (16 – 20 – 0)
3. Urea (46 – 0 – 0)
4. Organic fertilizer
5. Liquid fertilizer

Phosphorous (P) Functions:

1. Encourages root growth
2. Hastens maturity of the plant
3. Helps in the production of seeds Deficiency symptoms:
 Not enough tillers per hill Sources:
1. Superphosphate (0-20-0)
2. Ammonium phosphate (16-20-0)
3. Triphosphate(0-45-0)
4. Complete fertilizer (14-14-14)
5. Liquid fertilizer
6. Organic fertilizer
Potassium (K)
Functions:
1. Increases the vigor of the plant.
2. Plant becomes more resistant to disease.
3. Stalks become stronger.
4. Grains become bigger and plump.
Deficiency symptoms:
 Plant growth, root development, and seed development are usually
reduced. Sources:
1.Muriate of potash (0-0-60)
2.Complete fertilizer (14 – 14 – 14)

Proper Storing of Fertilizers

Although fertilizers are not highly poisonous chemicals, always

keep them out of reach of children and away from the supply of foods.
Store fertilizers in a dry and cool place. They should be protected from
moist and rain. Do not allow the fertilizer bags to touch the cement
floors to prevent caking due to accumulation of moisture.

Kinds of Fertilizer

There are two kinds of fertilizers: organic and inorganic.

1. Organic fertilizer refers to the fertilizer that comes from decayed

plant and animal residues such as:

a. Animal manure. Animal manures are especially valuable in crop

production. In addition as plant food, they supply large amounts
of organic matter to the soil. The composition depends chiefly on
the kind of manure and the condition of their storage. Well-
decomposed manure is better than fresh. These are main
components in composting and vermicomposting.
Average Chemical Composition of Manures
Manure Type Moisture% Composition %

N P K Ca Mg

Cattle Fresh 79.9 2.06 0.66 0.77 0.70 0.16

Decomposed 71.4 2.41 0.75 0.88 0.88 0.12

Carabao Fresh 71.0 1.22 0.85 0.79 0.15 0.09

Decomposed 67.8 1.09 0.82 0.70 0.19 -

Swine Fresh 73.8 2.76 2.64 1.47 1.26 0.09

Decomposed 70.5 2.11 2.41 0.97 0.35 0.04

Poultry
Fresh 82.2 3.17 3.25 2.35 0.52 0.25
 Decomposed 44.6 3.17 3.29 2.41 0.65 0.37
Source:THE III, SEDP Series

Preparing soil mixture using organic fertilizer as one of the component

Courtesy of Pedrito S. Nitural, Faculty ,College of Agriculture, CLSU

b. Green manures are green growing plants that are plowed under.
Leguminous plants are mainly used for this purpose due to their
capacity to produce nutrients in their root nodules. Upon
decomposition, nutrients become available to new crops grown in
the area. Green manure supplies the crop its needed nutrients
like nitrogen and others.

c. Compost is an organic material consisting of very fine,

thoroughly decomposed mixture of manure, plant parts, and
other organic matter. It contains mineral elements needed for
plant growth. It is prepared by piling up animal manure, soil,
crop residues, lime or wood ashes. It could also be produced
through vermicomposting using African night crawlers (ANC)
worms which produce cast which is a very good source of
organic material.

2. Inorganic Fertilizer. These are the commercial fertilizers. They are

concentrated form of plant food which maybe complete or incomplete.
A complete fertilizer contains all the three macro elements (NPK). An
incomplete fertilizer contains only one or two of these elements – N, P
or K.

Inorganic fertilizers are classified according to the number of fertilizer

elements present.
a. Single element fertilizers. These contain only one
element. Examples: Ammonium sulphate(21-0-0)
Urea (46-0-0)
Ordinary superphosphate (20-0-0)
Muriate of potash (0-0-60)
b. Incomplete fertilizers. These fertilizers contain only two
fertilizer elements. Examples:
Mono-ammonium phosphate (21-53-0)(18-46-0) and (16-
20-0) (11-18-0)
c. Complete Fertilizers. These contain all three major
elements, N,P,K in percentages indicated respectively by
 the three numerals .Examples: 12-12-12, 14-14-14, 12-
24-12, 10-25-25, 5-1016

All the commercial fertilizers are manufactured to meet the demands of

different crops and different soil types. They provide the plants with ready
concentrated amount of nutrients for plant growth, the same elements found in
an organic fertilizer but greater in percentage. But its excessive use results in
depleted organic matter and losses in soil friability and its ability to resist
drought. Commercial fertilizers should be supplements but never as
replacements for compost and manures. It will be best to use a combination of
organic and inorganic fertilizers to be able to preserve and improve the quality of
the soil.

According to the Palay Check Program of PhilRice, here is the recommended

rate of application of fertilizers based on the identified deficiencies. It will be
better if you will still follow your computed rate of fertilizer application based
on the result of the soil analysis.
Deficiencies Irrigated Rain fed
First application: First application:
P and K are not deficient
3-3.5 bags 14-14-14-12S 4-4.5 bags 14-14-14-12S
For fine-textured soil: For fine-textured soil:
First application: First application:
3-3.5 bags 14-14-14-12S + 4-4.5 bags 14-14-14-12S +
0.5 bag 16-20-0 + 0.5 bag 1 bag 16-20-0 + 1 bag 0-0-
0-0-60 60

P and K are deficient For medium-textured soil: For medium-textured soil:

First application: First application:
3.5 bags 14-14-14-12S + 4.5 bags 14-14-14-12S +
0.5 bag 16-20-0 1 bag 16-20-0

At EPI: At EPI:
0.5 bag 0-0-60 1 bag 0-0-60
First application: First application:
Only P is deficient 3-3.5 bags 14-14-14-12S + 4-4.5 bags 14-14-14-12S +
0.5 16-20-0 1 bag 16-20-0
For fine-textured soil: For fine-textured soil:
First application: First application:
3-3.5 bags 14-14-14-12S + 4-4.5 bags 14-14-14-12S +
0.5 bag 0-0-60 1 bag 0-0-60
Only K is deficient
For medium-textured soil: For medium-textured soil:
First application: First application:
3.5 bags 14-14-14-12S + 4.5 bags 14-14-14-12S +
0.5 bag 0-0-60 At EPI: 0.5 bag 0-0-60 At EPI:
0.5 bag 0-0-60 1 bag 0-0-60
WHEN TO APPLY FERTILIZER

1. Basal Application. Right before the last harrowing, one or two days
before transplanting, drain all water from the field and apply 1/2 of
the recommended nitrogen (N), all the phosphorus (P) and potassium
(K) depending on the variety used and the age of seedlings when
transplanted. It will be best to use a combination of organic and
inorganic fertilizers in the basal application using 10 bags of organic
fertilizer per hectare together with the ½ recommended rate of
inorganic fertilizer
2. Top dress. Timely application of top dress fertilizer is very important
to supply the needed nutrients for healthy and long panicle. Apply or
broadcast the remaining nitrogen 5 – 7 days before panicle initiation
or 70 – 72 days before maturity.

Photo Courtesy of Mr. Roger C. Nazareno, Farmer, San Pedro Apartado Multi-Purpose Cooperative,
Pangasinan

3. Foliar Application. Different brands of foliar fertilizer have different

composition but the method and timing of application are the same.
Start application 45 days after transplanting at 10 – 14 days interval.
Refer to the table below for the direction.

Crop Fertilizer Time of application Interval Rate

day Tbs/16 l
RICE
Crop Giant (Orange Early in the morning or 10 – 14 4- 6
level) 15 – 15 – 30 + late in the afternoon.
ME Start application 45
days after transplanting
Foliar Plus 15 – Apply 15 days after 4 x / 15 6-8
15 – 30 + ME transplanting days
interval

Proper Timing of Top Dressing In Rice

Sufficient nutrients from tillering to early panicle initiation and flowering

stages will result to good crop growth, good panicle development, and attainment
of the yield potential of a given variety.

TRANSPLANTED
MATURITY 18 – 21 days TRANSPLANTED
Panicle initiation (DAYS) 25 – 28 days
 Irrigated
VEM (100 – 105) IR
-56, IR-58
IR – 36, IR – 60,
BPI R; 10
UPL R, -4
MM (115 – 130) 48 – 56
IR – 42, IR – 64
BPI R; 4,
IR – 46, IR – 52
RAINFED
MM (120 – 130) 58 – 66 48 -56
C – 22
Wagwag
58 -66 48 – 56
75 - 80
Legend: VEM = Very early maturity
MM = Moderate Maturity

Correct Amount of Fertilizer to be Applied

In computing the right amount of fertilizers to be applied in a given area,

make use of the result of soil analysis and the recommended rate of
application of fertilizers. It requires the ability to compute for the fertilizer need
in a given crop per unit area. One way of expressing fertilizer rate is by
kilogram nitrogen (N) phosphoric acid (P2O5) and kilogram soluble potassium
(K2O) per hectare. Another way is by bags of the fertilizer material per hectare.
For farmers it is advisable to use the latter but for extension men, the former is
used to facilitate communication.
The amount of fertilizer to be applied per hectare to supply a certain
amount of plant nutrient depends on the recommended rate and composition
of the fertilizer material to be used.

Fertilizer Computation Formula:

Formula # 1

Weight of fertilizer material= Recommended rate x 100

% nutrient of the fertilizer material

Formula # 2

Number of fertilizer bags = Weight of nutrient

Weight of nutrient per bag

Sample Problems and Computations

 The recommended rate is given in the form of NPK. Calculate the
number of kilograms of ammonium sulfate (21% N or 21–0–0) or Urea (45-0-
0), super phosphate (20% P2O5 or 0–20–0) and muriate of potash (60% K 2O or
0–0–60) to meet the 100–70–40 fertilizer recommendation.

Example # 1
The recommended rate for Nitrogen is 100–0–0/ha. Convert the weight of
fertilizer using the formula:

Weight of fertilizer material= Recommended rate x 100

% nutrient of the fertilizer material

Step1. Determine the kind of fertilizer to use to meet the N

recommended rate. The recommendations could be supplied with
ammonium sulfate (21 – 0 - ) or urea (46 – 0 – 0). If you use urea:

= 100 kg x 100
46
= 100 kg
.46
= 217.39 kg

Step 2. Convert the computed weight of fertilizer material into number of

bags by dividing it with 50 kg which is the commercial weight per bag of
the fertilizer material.

= 217.39 kg
50 kg/bag
= 4.35 or 4.4 bags

Therefore, approximately 4.4 bags of urea per hectare are needed to

supply the fertilizer recommended rate of 100-0-0.

Example # 2
Step 1. Determine the amount of fertilizer to use to meet the
recommended rate for phosphorous 0-70-0. The
recommendations could be supplied with super phosphate (0 – 20 -0 ):

= 70 kg x 100
20
= 70 kg or 3.5 x 100
.20
= 350 kg

Step 2. Convert the computed weight of fertilizer material into number of

bags by dividing it with 50 kg which is the commercial weight per bag of
the fertilizer material.

= 350 kg
 50 kg/bag
= 7 bags

Therefore, a total of 7 bags per hectare are needed to supply the

fertilizer recommended rate of 0-70-0.

Example # 3
Step 1. Determine the amount of fertilizer to use to meet the recommended
rate for potassium 0-0-40. The recommendations could be
supplied with muriate of potash (0- 0-60 ):

= 40 kg x 100
60
= 40 kg or 0.6666 x 100
.60
= 66.67 kg

Step 2. Convert the computed weight of fertilizer material into number of

bags by dividing it with 50 kg which is the commercial weight per bag of
the fertilizer material.

= 66.67 kg
50 kg/bag
= 1.33bags

Therefore, approximately 1.33 bags per hectare are needed to

supply the fertilizer recommended rate of 0-0-60.

Example # 4

The fertilizer recommendation for a given area is 80–50-0 per hectare.

Compute the kind and amount of fertilizer needed to meet the requirement.

Step 1. Determine the fertilizer to be used. The recommendation could be

supplied by:

ammonium phosphate (16–20-0) and urea (46–0–0) or ammonium

sulfate (21-0–0) or urea (46–0–0) and ordinary phosphate (0–16–0)
or superphosphate (0–20–
0).

Step 2. If you use two single element fertilizers follow the same sequence
as example 1. If ammonium phosphate is to be used
(16–20-0) or superphosphate (0-20-0)

Step 3. Determine the weight of the fertilizer with the formula:

Weight of fertilizer material= Recommended rate x 100

 % nutrient of the fertilizer material

= 50 kg x 100
20
= 30 kg
.20
= 250 kg

Step 4. Change into number of bags by dividing with 50 kg/bag.

= 250 kg
50 kg/ha
= 5 bags

Step 5. Find the nutrient weight of nitrogen. Since 16–20–0 has 16%
nitrogen and 20% phosphorus 250 kilograms 16–20–0 contains 25 kg N
and 30 kg phosphorus.

Therefore, 250 kg of 16–20–0 will supply 40–50–0 nutrient weight.

Step 6. Subtract the nutrient weight in step 5 from the recommendation

rate.
80 – 50 – 0
- 40 – 50 – 0
40 – 0 – 0

Step 7. Suppose urea is available, compute for the remaining

nutrient.

= 40 kg x 100
46
= 36 kg
.46
= 86.96 kg

Step 8. Change the number of kilograms into bags per hectare.

= 86.96 kg
50 kg/bag
= 1.74 bags

Finally, 5 bags of ammonium phosphate and 1.74 bags of urea are

needed to satisfy the recommendation.

Example # 5.
Suppose the fertilizer recommendation is 100–60–60 per hectare. In this case,
you may use complete fertilizer 14–14–14 and urea (46–0–0) to come up with
the recommendation.
 Step 1. Compute for the smaller content first which is 60 to determine
the amount of complete fertilizer needed to supply the requirement .

Weight of fertilizer material= Recommended rate x 100

% nutrient of the fertilizer material

= 60 kg x 100
14
= 60 kg
0.14
= 428.6 kg

Step 2. Convert the weight of fertilizer material into number of bags by

dividing the weight of fertilizer material per hectare by 50 kg.

= 428.6 kg
50 kg/ha
= 8.6 bags

Step 3. Since 14–14–14 contains 14% NPK equivalent to 60 kg determine

the remaining or lacking amount of nitrogen by subtracting the
computed weight from the recommended rate.
100 - 60 - 60
- 60 - 60 - 60
40 - 00 – 00

Step 4. Compute for the lacking amount of nitrogen using urea

(46-0-0)

= 40 kg x 100
46
= 86.96 kg

Step 5. Convert the number of kilograms into bags/ha.

= 86.96.2 kg
50 kg/bag
= 1.74 bags

So you need 8.6 bags of 14–14–14 and 1.7 bags of urea to supply the
fertilizer recommendation per hectare.

LET US REMEMBER
• Oversupply of nutrients result to increased susceptibility of the crop to
pests, lodging, etc.
 • Undersupply and untimely application slow down the growth of
seedlings, lower number of tillers, and lower grain weight.
• The macro elements are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK).
• The two kinds of fertilizers are the organic and inorganic.
• The methods of applying fertilizers are basal, top dress, and foliar .
• Fertilizer computation formulas:

Formula # 1

Weight of fertilizer material= Recommended rate x 100

% nutrient of the fertilizer material

Formula # 2

Number of fertilizer bags = Weight of nutrient

Weight of nutrient per bag

Process

Activity#1

Solve these problems.

1. The fertilizer recommendation for rice crop planted in clay loam soil type
is (45 – 0 – 0). Determine the amount of fertilizer needed to supply the
recommended rate if you use ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) and urea (46-0-
0) to supply the nitrogen.
2. The fertilizer recommendation for clay soil is 40 – 20 – 0. Determine the
kind and amount of fertilizer needed to supply the recommended rate
using ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) as the source of (N)and ordinary
superphosphate (0-20-0) as the source of P2O5.

Reflect and Understand

Activity#2

Research from the internet how to formulate soil nutrient booster, using
materials that can be sourced out from the locality. Present your output to the
class for deliberations. Once polished, each group should come up with their
own sample output.

Transfer

Activity#3
 Conduct some field research on the possible combinations of different kinds
and amount of fertilizers to come up with the best yield result. Course the
recommendations to the farmer cooperators/learners for field trials to validate
research results.

POST TEST

Compute what is being asked. Write your answers on your quiz notebook.

Mang Seve Dalaw, a traditional farmer was encouraged by the success

stories of farmers adopting the new technologies of farming. He had his farm
analyzed for the first time and came up with the recommended rate of fertilizer
application of 95-65-50.Find the number of bags needed using the following
fertilizers:

Complete fertilizer 14-14-14

Ammonium phosphate 16-20-0
Urea 45-0-0

RESOURCES

Reference
Fertilizer samples
a. Organic
b. Inorganic

Glossary of Terms

Fertilizer – any substance added to the soil to supply the needed nutrient
elements for plant growth
Macro elements - substances or nutrients needed by plants in large
quantities
Micro elements - substances or nutrients needed by plants in small
quantities
Organic fertilizer - a fertilizer that comes from decomposed plant and
animal residues
Inorganic fertilizer - a commercially prepared and in concentrated
form of plant food which may be complete or incomplete. It is
complete when the three macro elements are present (NPK);
incomplete when one or two elements are lacking
Fertilizer ratio - the relative percentage of N, P2O5 and K2O in a
fertilizer grade. Example: 14–14-14 has a ratio of 1.1.1 NPK
Fertilizer recommendation - the recommended rate of fertilizer
application expressed in kilograms N,P and K per hectare
Example: 90–50–30 fertilizer recommendation
 indicates that in a certain kind of soil you need to apply 90 kg N, 50 kg
P2O5 and 30 kg K2O per hectare.
Fertilizer formula - the quantity and analysis of fertilizer materials which
make up a mixed fertilizer
Example: ammonium sulfate, urea, super phosphate and muriate
of potash
Fertilizer grade - the minimum guarantee of the nutrient content in terms
of percent N, P and K.
Example: If urea is 46 percent N that means 46 kg of every 100 kg
of the fertilizer material (46%) is available N.