TYPES AND USES OF FERTILIZERS

Learning Outcome 4.1 Select the fertilizer to be used according to soil nutrient
requirements, farm work procedures, in consultation with the supervisor and/or nutritional
specialist and in due consideration of the environmental implications.

What Do You Already Know

Pretest (LO 4.1)

Multiple Choice.
Directions. Choose the letter of the correct or best answer.

1. Which of the following soil consist of small particles of weathered rock?

a. Sandy soil b. silt soil c. clay soil d. loamy
soil
2. Which is known as smaller particles compared to sandy soil and is made up of rock
and other particles which are smaller than sand and larger than clay?
a. Silt soil b. clay soil c. sandy soil d. loamy
soil
3. What do you call the combination of sand, silt and clay such that a beneficial
property from each is included?
a. Silt soil b. clay soil c. sandy soil d. loamy
soil
4. What kind of soil has the smallest particles amongst the other type of soil?
a. Clay soil b. silt soil c. sandy soil d. loamy
soil
5. What kind of fertilizer is man- made and typically comes as a powder, pellets
granules or a liquid?
a. Inorganic fertilizer c. compost
b. Organic fertilizer d. peatmoss
6. A fertilizer that includes a bat guano, peatmoss, compost, wood ash and manure?
a. Organic fertilizer c. compound fertilizer
b. Complete fertilizer d. Inorganic fertilizer
7. This type of soil is very good for the drainage system.
a. Sandy soil b. clay soil c. loamy soil d. silt soil
8. Which type of soil has the poorest types of soil?
a. Sandy soil b. loamy soil c. clay soil d. silt soil
9. A type of soil has the smooth and quite fine quality that holds water better than
sand?
a. Silt soil b. clay soil c. loamy soil d. sandy soil
10. What kind of soil referred to as agricultural soil?
a. Silt soil b. clay soil c. loamy soil d. sandy soil

1
What You Need To Know

Fertilizer adds nutrients and texture to soil that needs to provide nutrients to
trees, vegetables, herbs, shrubs and flowers. There are several ways to categorize
fertilizer, and the most basic is whether it is organic or inorganic. It also can be
classified according to its ingredients, whether it is solid or liquid and by its particular
actions, such as slow-release fertilizers that dissolve and release their nutrients
slowly. The choice of fertilizer that is used typically depends on the nature of the soil,
such as whether it is acidic or alkaline; sandy, clay or rocky; and weak or rich.

Organic

Organic fertilizer is all natural and includes things such as bat guano,
compost, peat moss, wood ash and manure. These are general soil amendments.
They don't burn or harm plants, and they can have long-term positive effects on the
soil without damaging groundwater. Organic fertilizer, however, generally has lower
nutrient concentrations than inorganic fertilizers.

2
Inorganic

Inorganic fertilizer is man-made and typically comes as a powder, pellets,

granules or a liquid. Examples of inorganic fertilizers are chemical additives that are
designed for plants to directly absorb, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P)
and potassium (K). These three essential elemental nutrients should naturally occur
in healthy soil, but some plants require more of them. Other chemicals that might be
included in inorganic fertilizers include calcium, sulfur, iron, zinc and magnesium.

The soil is basically classified into four types:

 Sandy soil
 Silt Soil
 Clay Soil
 Loamy Soil

3
Sandy Soil

The first type of soil is sand. It consists of small particles of weathered rock.
Sandy soils are one of the poorest types of soil for growing plants because it has very
low nutrients and poor in holding water, which makes it hard for the plant’s roots to
absorb water. This type of soil is very good for the drainage system. Sandy soil is
usually formed by the breakdown or fragmentation of rocks like granite, limestone,
and quartz.

Silt Soil

Silt, which is known to have much smaller particles compared to the sandy
soil and is made up of rock and other mineral particles which are smaller than sand
and larger than clay. It is the smooth and quite fine quality of the soil that holds
water better than sand. Silt is easily transported by moving currents and it is mainly
found near the river, lake, and other water bodies. The silt soil is more fertile
compared to the other three types of soil. Therefore it is also used in agricultural
practices to improve soil fertility.

4
Clay Soil

Clay is the smallest particles amongst the other two types of soil. The
particles in this soil are tightly packed together with each other with very little or no
airspace. This soil has very good water storage qualities and making hard for
moisture and air to penetrate into it. It is very sticky to the touch when wet, but
smooth when dried. Clay is the densest and heaviest type of soil which do not drain
well or provide space for plant roots to flourish.

Loamy Soil

Loam is the fourth type of soil. It is a combination of sand, silt, and clay such
that the beneficial properties from each are included. For instance, it has the ability
to retain moisture and nutrients; hence, it is more suitable for farming. This soil is
also referred to as an agricultural soil as it includes an equilibrium of all three types
of soil materials being sandy, clay, and silt and it also happens to have
hummus. Apart from these, it also has higher calcium and pH levels because of its
inorganic origins.

5
How Much Have You Learned
TRUE or FALSE
Directions. Write TRUE if the statement is true; write FALSE if it is not.

_____ 1. Loamy soil is referred to as an agricultural soil as it includes equilibrium of all three
types of soil materials.
_____ 2. Silt soil has the smooth and quite fine quality.

_____ 3. Clay soil consist of small particles of weathered rock

_____ 4. Organic fertilizer is a man-0made and typically comes as a powder, pellets,

granules or a liquid.
_____ 5. Fertilizer adds nutrients to trees, vegetables, herbs, shrubs and flowers.

_____ 6. Inorganic fertilizer is a man-made and typically comes as a powder, pellets,

granules or a liquid.
_____ 7. The first type of soil is sand.

_____ 8. Sandy soil is usually formed by the breakdown or fragmentation of rocks like
granite, limestone and quartz.
_____ 9. Silt soil is easily transported by moving currents and mainly found near the river,
lake and other water bodies.
_____ 10. Clay is the smallest particles amongst the others.

How Do You Apply What You Have Learned

Egg Shell Fertilizer

What You Need:

Eggshells
Blender

Procedures:

1. Save your eggs shells, and allow them to air dry.

2. Then, place the dried shells in a blender, and pulse until they're powdery-fine.
3. Sprinkle the shells around the plants in your garden.

Why This Works

Eggs shells are made up almost entirely of calcium carbonate – the main ingredient in
agricultural lime.

6
How Well Did You Perform

While performing the activity it is important that you assess your performance
following the criteria below:

CRITERIA SCORE
5 4 3 2
Accuracy of Work
Follows Correct Procedure
Cleanliness / Orderliness

References

K-12 Basic Education Curriculum Technology and Livelihood Education Crop Production
Learning Module

7
 FERTILIZER APPLICATION METHODS

Learning Outcome 4.2 Assess fertilizer application methods according to fertilizer type, soil
type, farm work procedures, and in due consideration of the environmental implications.

What Do You Already Know

Pretest (LO 4.2)

Multiple Choice.
Directions. Choose the letter of the correct or best answer.

1. It is suitable for crops with dense stand, the plants roots permeate the whole
volume of the soil, large dose of fertilizers are applied and insoluble phosphatic
fertilizers such as rock, phosphate are used.
a. Basal application c. broadcasting
b. Top dressing d. plough sole placement
2. This method is suitable for areas were soil becomes quite dry up to few below the
soil surface and soil having a heavy clay pan just below the plough sole layer.
a. Basal application c. broadcasting
b. Top dressing d. plough sole placement
3. The following statement refers to when does placement of fertilizers is normally
recommended except one.
a. The quality of fertilizers to apply is small
b. Development of the root system is poor
c. When the growth and development of crop is poor
d. Soil have a low level of fertility and to apply phosphatic and potassic fertilizer
4. It refers to the placement of fertilizers in soil at the specific place with or without
reference to the position of the seed.
a. Deep placement c. top dressing
b. Localized placement d. placement
5. Why the concentration of the spray solution does have to be controlled?
a. Serious damage may result due to scorching of the leaves

8
 b. These is harmful to plants and soil
c. These can harm the people and environment
d. Can cause damage to crops and plants
6. When the fertilizer is placed, there is minimum contact between the soil and
fertilizer.
a. Response of fertilizer is usually higher
b. Fixation of nutrients is greatly reduced
c. Fixation of nutrients is increased
d. Loss of nitrogen by leaching is reduced
7. It refers to the spraying of fertilizer solutions containing one or more nutrients on
the foliage of growing plants.
a. Foliar application b. foliar replacement
b. Basal application d. top dressing
8. Its main objectives is to uniformly distribute the fertilizer over the entire field and
mix it with soil.
a. Broadcasting at sowing or planting c. top dressing
b. Placement d. plough sole placement
9. It is the placement of _______ in the reduction zone of soil particularly in paddy
fields.
a. Soil fertilizers c. insoluble phosphatic fertilizer
b. Ammoniacal nitrogenos fertilizers d. nitrogenous fertilizers
10. It refers to the method of applying fertilizers into the soil to the seeds of plant.
a. Deep placement c. plough sole placement
b. Localize placement d. basal application

What You Need To Know

A. Broadcasting

1. It refers to spreading fertilizers uniformly all over the field.

9
 2. Suitable for crops with dense stand, the plant roots permeate the whole
volume of the soil, large doses of fertilizers are applied and insoluble
phosphatic fertilizers such as rock phosphate are used.

Broadcasting of fertilizers is of two types.

A.1. Broadcasting at sowing or planting (Basal application)

The main objectives of broadcasting the fertilizers at sowing time are to uniformly
distribute the fertilizer over the entire field and to mix it with soil.

A.2. Top dressing

It is the broadcasting of fertilizers particularly nitrogenous fertilizers in closely sown

crops like paddy and wheat, with the objective of supplying nitrogen in readily
available form to growing plants.

DISADVANTAGES O FBROADCASTING

The main disadvantages of application of fertilizers through broadcasting are:

i) Nutrients cannot be fully utilized by plant roots as they move laterally over long
distances.
ii) The weed growth is stimulated all over the field.
iii) Nutrients are fixed in the soil as they come in contact with a large mass of soil.

B. Placement

1. It refers to the placement of fertilizers in soil at a specific place with or

without reference to the position of the seed.
2. Placement of fertilizers is normally recommended when the quantity of
fertilizers to apply is small, development of the root system is poor, soils have
a low level of fertility and to apply phosphatic and potassic fertilizer.

10
The most common methods of placement are as follows:

B.1. Plough sole placement

1. In this method, fertilizer is placed at the bottom of the plough furrow in a

continuous band during the process of ploughing.
2. Every band is covered as the next furrow is turned.
3. This method is suitable for areas where soil becomes quite dry upto few cm
below the soil surface and soils having a heavy clay pan just below the plough
sole layer.

B.2. Deep placement

It is the placement of ammoniacal nitrogenous fertilizers in the reduction zone of soil

particularly in paddy fields, where ammoniacal nitrogen remains available to the
crop. This method ensures better distribution of fertilizer in the root zone soil and
prevents loss of nutrients by run-off.

B.3. Localized placement

It refers to the application of fertilizers into the soil close to the seed or plant in
order to supply the nutrients in adequate amounts to the roots of growing plants.
The common methods to place fertilizers close to the seed or plant are as follows:

ADVANTAGES OF PLACEMENT FERTILIZERS

The main advantages are as follows:

i) When the fertilizer is placed, there is minimum contact between the soil and the
fertilizer, and thus fixation of nutrients is greatly reduced.
ii) The weeds all over the field cannot make use of the fertilizers.
iii) Residual response of fertilizers is usually higher.
iv) Utilization of fertilizers by the plants is higher.
v) Loss of nitrogen by leaching is reduced.
vi) Being immobile, phosphates are better utilized when placed.

11
 C. Foliar Application

1. It refers to the spraying of fertilizer solutions containing one or more

nutrients on the foliage of growing plants.
2. Several nutrient elements are readily absorbed by leaves when they are
dissolved in water and sprayed on them.
3. The concentration of the spray solution has to be controlled; otherwise
serious damage may result due to scorching of the leaves.
4. Foliar application is effective for the application of minor nutrients like iron,
copper, boron, zinc and manganese. Sometimes insecticides are also applied
along with fertilizers.

How Much Have You Learned

TRUE or FALSE
Directions. Write TRUE if the statement is true; write FALSE if it is not.

___ 1. Nutrients can be fully utilized by plant roots as they move laterally over long
distances.
___ 2. One of the advantages of placement or fertilizers, residual response of fertilizers is
usually higher.
___ 3. Placement refers to the spraying of fertilizer solution containing one or more
nutrients on foliage of growing plants
___ 4. Localized placement refers to the common method to place fertilizers close to the
seed or plant.
___ 5. During foliar application, several nutrient elements are readily absorbed by leaves
when they are dissolved in water and sprayed on them.
___ 6. Every band is covered as the next furrows is turned.

___ 7. The weed growth is not stimulated all over the field.

___ 8. Broadcasting refers to spreading fertilizer at one place only.

___ 9. Being immobile, phosphate are better utilized when placed.

___10. Foliar application refers to the spraying of fertilizer solutions containing one or more
nutrients on the foliage of growing plants.

12
 How Do You Apply What Have You Learned

Compost

What You Need:

 Kitchen and garden scraps

Procedure:

1. Save your fruit and vegetable scraps, newspapers, grass clippings, and other
compostable materials, and use them to start a compost bin or pile.

2. Add a bit of water from time to time, and turn your pile to speed up the composting
process.

3. When everything has broken down into dark, rich soils spread it in your garden, and
enjoy the results.

Why This Works

Compost is loaded with nutrients and microorganisms that are good for your garden.

13
How Well Did You Perform

While performing the activity it is important that you assess your performance
following the criteria below:

CRITERIA SCORE
5 4 3 2
Accuracy of Work
Follows Correct Procedure
Cleanliness / Orderliness

Enrichment Activity

How to Apply Commercial Fertilizer

1. Understand what chemical fertilizers are made of. When buying a granular
fertilizer, the bag should list the contents, including the percentage of three basic
chemicals that are fundamental for plant growth. These three chemicals are
represented by the label NPK on most fertilizer bags, and are, as follows:

Nitrogen. This is essential for leaf growth, and is used in higher proportion where a
large plant and lots of foliage are desirable. Certain plants extract nitrogen from the
atmosphere. One example is the leguminous plants, which include peas and beans.
They have nodules on their roots that actually absorb nitrogen directly from the
environment, and require little additional chemical nitrogen in their fertilizer.
Corn, grains, and other crops that have narrow leaves, on the other hand, often
require more nitrogen to thrive. It is represented by the N in the standard fertilizer
label.

Phosphate. This is another chemical that plants require for good health. It is a
product of phosphate mines or industrial waste, and plants use the chemical
phosphorus in cellular processes. Phosphate is more common in soils containing a lot
of clay, and is quickly leached from sandy loams or basic sandy soils. It is represented
by the P in the standard fertilizer label.

Potash. This is the third chemical in the fertilizer description. It is also used by the
plant at a cellular level, and is necessary for good bloom production and healthy
fruiting of the plant. It is represented by the K in the standard fertilizer label.

2. Research the nutrient requirements for the crop you are growing.

14
3. Have your soil tested to understand what compounds are needed the most for your
growing conditions and crops.
4. Calculate how much fertilizer you need.
5. Purchase the product you determine you need for your crop and soil condition.
6. Apply fertilizer.
7. Cultivate or till the soil around the plants to make it available to the plant’s roots, to
accelerate absorption and to prevent run-off in case of rain.
8. Watch for signs of over- or- under-fertilization while your plants are growing.
9. Clean your application equipment as soon as you are finished using it.
10. Store unused fertilizer in its original package, if possible, in a dry place.

References

K-12 Basic Education Curriculum Technology and Livelihood Education Crop Production
Learning Module

15
 THE PLANT GROWING CYCLE AND THE FARM FERTILIZER CALENDAR

Learning Outcome 4.3 Determine the plant growing cycle and the farm fertilizer calendar.

What Do You Already Know

Pretest (LO 4.3)

Multiple Choice.
Directions. Choose the letter of the correct or best answer.

1. When did the life of plants begin?

a. The moment a seed falls on the ground
b. the moment a plant watered
c. the moment a fertilized
d. all of them
2. Which of the following plant life start?
a. Germination b. Reproduction c. Seed d. Seed
dispersal
3. What do you call when the stem pushes through the soil with the seed leaves?
a. Growth b. Germination c. Life cycle d.
Photosynthesis
4. What does the plant need to complete its life cycle?
a. Fertilizer b. macronutrients c. micronutrients d. macro and micro
nutrients
5. Which of the following statement best describe of fertilizer?
a. A fertilizer is a plant food
b. A fertilizer gives supplemental elements that are often lacking in the soil.
c. A fertilizer is a vitamin to the plant
d. All of these
6. Why is it important to fertilized plat in a right time?
a. To increase yields, reduces nutrient losses, increase nutrient use and to prevent
damage to environment
b. To increase nutrients to the plants
c. To provide supplemental elements that the plant need
d. To grow the plant normally
7. What are the major stages of plant life?

16
 a. Seed, photosynthesis, reproduction, seed dispersal, growth
b. Seed germination, growth, photosynthesis, seed dispersal
c. Seed, germination, growth, reproduction, seed dispersal
d. Seed, germination, growth, reproduction, death
8. What do you call the process of pollination?
a. Reproduction b. offspring c. seed dispersal d.
photosynthesis
9. What do you call the genesis of life to its death?
a. Plant life cycle b. life cycle c. animal life cycle d. all of
these
10. What is the process that also known as photosynthesis?
a. Growing b. growth c. feeding d.
reproducing

What Do You Need To Know

What is a life cycle? Well, some say it is the genesis of life to its eventual
death. So, a plants life cycle starts when the seed is first put into the soil and breaths
some oxygen and then watered all the way to withering. The essentials of starting a
life of a plant include warmth, oxygen and water.

As the plant germinates, it will start requiring other essentials such as fertile
soils, sunlight for photosynthesis and of course water. The moment a seed falls on
the ground, life starts.

The major stages of plant life cycle include;

Seed - all plant life start off with a seed. Note that all seeds have small plants inside
their embryos. Seeds have a miniature root system. They also feature a hard coat on

17
the outside to protect the embryo. Some seeds can keep their germination
properties for a long time as long as they are kept in a dry and cool place.

Germination - For a seed to germinate, it will need warmth, water, and oxygen.
Some seeds need light. After a seed is dropped into the ground, its outer membrane
soaks in water until the seed splits up. The process of germination will then
commence when the stem pushes through the soil with the seed leaves. The process
also known as sprouting. While the stem is pushing upwards, the tiny roots push
downwards into the soil looking for water, nutrients, and providing support to the
growing stem. For the seed to germinate, it have to be palnted at the right place at
the right time.

Growth – the growth process is largely dependent on a process known as

photosynthesis. It is a process by which plants make their own food in the leaves
using chlorophyll, sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. After the period of growth, a
bud will develop and this will signify that the plant has reached maturity and is ready
for reproduction.

Reproduction - plants reproduce offspring (by pollinating and/or other means of

reproducing).

Seed Dispersal – the final stage of the plant life cycle is the seed dispersal. The seed
is dispersed (through/by nature or by humans) to form another cycle of plant life.

We need to understand what a plant needs to grow to complete its lifecycle.

Plants need macronutrients and micronutrients. There are 6 macronutrients
required by plants: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Carbon, Oxygen, and
Hydrogen. Some argue that Calcium should also be a macronutrient. While
macronutrients are required in larger amounts, the micronutrients are, as the name
suggests, required by plants in smaller levels than macronutrients.

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.

WHEN TO FERTILIZE
Woody plants and perennials absorb nutrients from the soil during the
growing season. They require few nutrients while dormant. Therefore, apply
fertilizer as soon as the plants begin to break dormancy in the spring.

18
 Food crops also benefit from an early-start fertilizing schedule. Some “feed”
on fertilizers lightly, while others are considered heavy feeders—they require more
regular applications throughout the growing season.
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. In the case of liquid foliar 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.

Consider these five points to increase the effectiveness of your applications.

 Fertilizer is not plant food. Plants make their own food by photosynthesizing.
Fertilizer provides supplemental elements that are often lacking in the soil, such as
nitrogen and potassium. Think of them as vitamins.
 Not all plants require fertilizer. If the soil in which a plant lives is rich in nutrients
and the microbial life that aids in the plant’s uptake of these nutrients, then adding
more can disturb that healthy ecosystem.
 More is not better. Plants use only the nutrients that they need. To absorb more
than are unnecessary can result in abnormal growth.
 Slow is the way to go. Slow-release granular fertilizers meter out nutrients in a
controlled, “digestible,” and safe manner, as opposed to fast-acting, synthetic,
water-soluble fertilizers, which are, in essence, an overdose.
 The extra cost pays off. Synthetic, water-soluble fertilizers are less expensive than
slow-release products, but slow-release fertilizers don’t need to be applied nearly
as often. (Plus, they don’t leach into and pollute waterways, as do many of the
synthetic, water-soluble fertilizers, which plants can’t fully absorb.)

How Much Have You Learned

TRUE or FALSE
Directions. Write TRUE if the statement is true; write FALSE if it is not.

_____ 1. In order the plant to grow they only need sol and sunlight.

_____ 2. Applying fertilizer at the right time might result to damage of the crop and
environment

19
_____ 3. The life of plant start the moment a seed falls on the ground.

_____ 4. The growth process is largely dependent on a process known as phiotosynthesis.

_____ 5. Germination called when the stem pushes through the soil with the seed leaves.

_____ 6. The plant needs macro and micronutrients to complete the life cycle.

_____ 7. Seed dispersal is the process of pollination

_____ 8. Feeding is the process also known as photosynthesis.

____ 9. Seed, germination, growth, reproduction, and seed dispersal are the major stages of
plant life cycle.
_____ 10. Life cycle is the genesis of life to its death.

How Do You Apply What You Have Learned

Plant Life Cycle

Materials:

 Dried leaves
 Fresh leaves
 Plant fertilizer with label
 Fast sprouting seeds (zinnia, cosmos, corn, watermelon, etc.)
 Small cups
 Soil
 Spray bottle filled with water
 Plastic wrap
 Ruler

Procedures:

 Begin by passing around the fresh leaves and the dry leaves.
 Ask students what the differences are between the leaves. Write them on the
board.
 Now show the Study.com video lesson Essential Elements of the Plant Life
Cycle, pausing at 1:23.
 Ask the students to identify the leaf that has more water. Is the dried leaf
smaller because there is no water?
 Resume the video lesson, pausing it again at 2:37.
 Now have the students analyze the micronutrients and macronutrients found
on the label of the fertilizer. Does it contain all of the essential nutrients for
the plant cycle?

20
  Play the rest of the video lesson for the class now.
 Now have the students divide into two groups.
 One group will plant seeds in a cup with soil only. The second group will plant
seeds in the soil with fertilizer added.
 Once both groups of students have planted their seeds, have them label their
cups as either 'NO FERTILIZER' or 'FERTILIZER.' They should also mist the soil
with water from the spray bottle and then cover the cup with plastic wrap.
 Place the cups in a sunny warm spot.
 Each day for seven days, students should monitor the growth of the seeds,
keeping a log of anything notable.

How Well Did You Perform

While performing the activity it is important that you assess your performance following the
criteria below:

CRITERIA SCORE
5 4 3 2
Accuracy of Work / Results
Follows Correct Procedure / Participation
Group Cooperation / Coordination

References

K-12 Basic Education Curriculum Technology and Livelihood Education Crop Production
Learning Module

21
 THE STORAGE AND HANDLING OF FERTILIZERS

Learning Outcome 4.4 Handle fertilizers cautiously to ensure minimal detrimental

environmental impact according to farm work procedures.
Learning Outcome 4.5 Store fertilizers to ensure minimal detrimental environmental impact
according to farm work procedures.

Mother Nature has always taught us to balance out everything, and still
continues to do so! If you eat a lot, your body naturally bloats up and tells you to
exercise and come back to shape. When you exercise too much, your body tells you
to slow down and relax. If there is rain, you also get the Sun, each and everything
works fine till a balance is maintained. And we all know the consequences of
imbalance. A classic example for the same would be the rise in global warming due
to various reasons, including deforestation! Same is the case with fertilizers. The
problem is that humans tend to use too much of fertilizers in the soil because they
have to cater to the global demand of food. As mentioned already, more than half of
the total yield production is out of synthetic or inorganic fertilizers which contain
components like nitrogen, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and so on. These
chemicals and minerals, although help in boosting the growth of plants, they also
have their drastic side effects in the long run.

It is important for you to be aware of the effects of fertilizers and to use them
carefully, but it is also important that everyone realizes that agricultural fertilizers are
not the main sources of environmental pollution. If you apply fertilizers sensibly, so that
plants use all the nutrients and none are leached, there is little opportunity for
pollution.

What Do You Already Know

Pretest (LO 4.4)

1. Store fertilizers separate from other chemicals in right condition.

a. Fertilizer handling b. fertilizer storage c. storage location

22
 e. None of the above
2. What storage areas contain concentrated nutrients that must be stored and manage
properly.
a. Greenhouse fertilizer storage
b. Fertilizer storage
c. Handling
d. Storage location
3. Greenhouse fertilizer storage areas contain relatively large quantities of
concentrated chemicals.
a. Fertilizer storage c. handling
b. Storage location d. stocks
4. What is your first line of defense against a spill or leak?
a. Sound container c. bags
b. Large drums d. bulk container
5. Fertilizer should be stored in their original containers unless damaged labels should
be visible and readable.
a. Container c. sound container
b. Large drums d. bulk container
6. It is refers to the post danger to firefighters and to the environment.
a. Stored fertilizer c. live stock
b. Fertilizers d. tank storage
7. It refers to the secondary containment space should be large enough to hold. How
many percent of the content of largest container?
a. 124% b. 125% c. 126% d. 127%
8. Never store fertilizers inside a well house or a facility containing an abandoned well.
a. Fertilizer storage c. storage location
b. Bags d. tanks
9. How can we minimized the potential problems from the production system?
a. Environmental awareness c. employee training
b. Emergency preparedness d. all of the above
10. What are the following risks in storage areas?
a. Broken b. damaged c. leaking d. all of the above

23
What You Need To Know

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.

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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.

Storage Location

Greenhouse fertilizer storage areas contain relatively large quantities of

concentrated chemicals. Risks in storage areas include release through broken,
damaged, or leaking containers; loss of security leading to irresponsible use;
accumulation of outdated materials leading to excessive quantity of fertilizer thus
unnecessarily raising risk level; and combustion of oxidizing compounds in fertilizer
(e.g., nitrates) caused by fire or another disaster event.

The least amount of risk involves having a building or area dedicated to fertilizer
storage; separated from offices, surface water, neighboring dwellings and bodies of
water; separate from pesticides and protected from extreme heat and flooding. The
storage area should have an impermeable floor with secondary containment, away

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from plant material and high traffic areas. Clean-up equipment should be readily
available.

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.

Sound containers are your first line of defense against a spill or leak. If a container
is accidentally ripped open or knocked off a shelf, the spill should be confined to the
immediate area and promptly cleaned up. The building should have a solid floor and,
for liquid fertilizers, a curb. The containment volume should be large enough to hold
the contents of the largest full container.

Containers

Fertilizer should be stored in their original containers unless damaged; labels

should be visible and readable; food or beverage containers should never be used
for storage. Labels should be in plain sight; no containers should come in contact
with floor; all containers should be stored up-right; aisles should be wide enough to
comfortably accommodate workers; containers should not be crowded on shelves or
pallets.

Building a New Storage Facility

While a new facility just for fertilizer storage may be expensive, it may be
safer than trying to adapt areas designed for other purposes. When planning or
building a new storage facility, keep these simple principles in mind:

o The dry storage building or liquid secondary containment structure

should be located downslope and at least 100 feet away from the water
well. Separation from the water well should be greater in areas of sand or
fractured bedrock.
o In the event of a fire, contaminated surface water should drain to a
confined area.

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 o The mixing and loading area should be close to your storage facility to
minimize the distance that chemicals are carried.
o The building foundation or secondary containment floor should be well
drained and located above the water table. The finished soil grade should
be 3 inches below the floor of the storage area and sloped away from the
building to provide surface drainage. The subsoil should have a low
permeability.
o Bags should be stored on pallets, and dry products stored separately from
liquids to prevent wetting from spills.
o 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, plus the displaced volume of any other storage tanks.
o A locked storage cabinet or building provides security. Preventing
unauthorized use of fertilizer reduces the chance of accidental spills or
theft. Post signs or labels indicating that the cabinet or building is a
fertilizer storage area. Labels on the outside of the building give
firefighters important information about fertilizers during an emergency
response for a fire or spill.
o Provide adequate road access for deliveries and emergency equipment.

Modifying an Existing Facility

Modifying an existing facility can be expensive and difficult, but compared to

the cost of a major accident or even a lawsuit, storage improvements are a bargain.
Also, spilled liquid fertilizer captured by the secondary containment can be
recovered; thus, the product is not lost. The last four items in the list above are also
important for existing storage management.

The cheapest alternative you may have is to cut back on the amounts stored.
If that option is not practical, consider how you can protect the fertilizers you keep in
storage (Fig. 1).

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Figure 1. Farm-sized fertilizer facility. Source: Modular Concrete Wash/Containment Pad
for Agricultural Chemicals, by R.T. Noyes and D.W. Dammel, American Society of
Agricultural Engineers Paper Number 891613.

Sound containers are your first defense against a spill or leak. If a bag is
accidentally ripped, the fertilizer should be confined to the immediate area and
promptly recovered. That means having a solid floor and, for liquid fertilizers, a curb.
The secondary containment space should be large enough to hold 125 percent of the
contents of the largest container, plus the displaced volume of any other storage
tanks in the area.

Ideally, your fertilizer storage area should be separated from other uses. If
the building must also serve as a machine shed or as housing for livestock, you may
find it difficult to meet all the requirements for safe storage.

Stored fertilizers can pose a danger to firefighters and to the environment.

Reducing the fire risk in the storage area may be the first step, but other things can
be done.

You can reduce the damages by anticipating such emergencies. If a fire

should occur, consider where the water will go and where it might collect. In making
the storage area secure, also make it accessible, thus allowing you to get fertilizers
out in a hurry.

If fertilizer containers are damaged, the stored nutrients may be carried away
by water and spread over a large area. A curb around the floor can help confine
contaminated water.

How Much Have You Learned

TRUE or FALSE
Directions. Write TRUE if the statement is true; write FALSE if it is not.

____1. Storage location areas contain relatively large quantities of concentrated chemicals.

___ _2. Extra care needs to be given to concentrate stock solutions secondary containment
should be
used.
___ _3. Never store fertilizer inside the well house or a facility containing a abandoned well.

___ _4. Greenhouse fertilizer storage contain concentrated nutrients that must be stored
and manage
properly.
____ 5. Keep the storage area locked and clearly labeled as a fertilizer storage area.

____ 6. The mixing and loading area should be close to your storage facility to minimized the
distance that chemicals are carry.

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___ _7. Provide adequate road access for deliveries and emergency equipment.

___ _8. The dry storage building or liquid secondary containment structure should be
located down
slope and at least 100 ft away from the water well.
___ _9. The secondary containment space should be large enough to hold 125% of the
contents of the largest container.
____10. A curb around the floor can help confine contaminated water.

How Do You Apply What You Have Learned

MAKE POSTER ON PROPER STORING AND HANDLING OF FERTILIZER

Materials Needed:

Quantity Description

1 pc White cartolina
1 pc Pencil
1 pc Ruler
1 set Crayon

Procedures:

1. Prepare the needed materials

2. You learned on the information handed to you.

2.1. the proper way of storing and handling fertilizers.

Imagine you are a farmer and you need to store the fertilizers that you used in your
farm, what will you do?

3. Answer question in the previous number by drawing or illustration

4 .Submit your work after 1 day to your teacher for evaluation

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How Well Did You Perform

While performing the activity it is important that you assess your performance following the
criteria below:

CRITERIA SCORE
5 4 3 2
Content
Creativity
Neatness

Enrichment Activity

Essay Writing.

Look at the picture. Do you think this is the correct way to store fertilizers? If YES,
why? If NO, why not?

References

K-12 Basic Education Curriculum Technology and Livelihood Education Crop Production
Learning Module

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