How does fertiliser work?

The nutrients that plants absorb are used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Building new cells: Plants use nutrients to build new cells, which is essential for growth and development.
• Producing energy: Plants use nutrients to produce energy, which is essential for all plant functions.
• Making proteins: Plants use nutrients to make proteins, which are essential for all plant structures and functions.
• Regulating water balance: Plants use nutrients to regulate their water balance, which is essential for preventing water stress.
• Protecting against pests and diseases: Plants use nutrients to produce compounds that protect them from pests and diseases.

Fertilisers can be a valuable tool for increasing crop yields and improving the quality of food. However, it is important to use them wisely and to avoid over-fertilisation. Over-fertilisation can lead to environmental problems, such as nutrient runoff and water pollution.

Here are some tips for using fertilisers wisely:

• Test your soil: Before you apply fertiliser, it can be important to test your soil to determine the nutrient levels. This will help you to determine the type and amount of fertiliser that you need to apply.
• Use the right fertiliser: There are many different types of fertilisers available, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs. Consider the type of crop you are growing, the soil conditions, and the desired application rate.
• Apply the fertiliser correctly: Follow the instructions on the fertiliser label carefully. This will help to ensure that you are applying the fertiliser correctly and avoiding over-fertilisation.
• Rotate your crops: Crop rotation helps to prevent nutrient depletion and build up of soil-borne pests and diseases.
• Use cover crops: Cover crops help to improve soil health and reduce erosion. They can also help to capture nutrients that might otherwise be lost through runoff or leaching.

What is nutrient availability?

Nutrient availability refers to the amount of nutrients that are available to plants for uptake. The availability of nutrients can be affected by a number of factors, including the type of fertiliser, the soil conditions, and the climate.

In the context of fertiliser use, nutrient availability is important because it determines how much fertiliser is needed to achieve the desired results. If the nutrients are not available to the plants, then the fertiliser will be wasted (and this can create the problems like nutrient run-off and water pollution).

There are a number of ways to improve nutrient availability. One way is to use the right type of fertiliser. (Superfly has balanced nutrients essential to plant growth, but it also contains an abundance of microbes which make those nutrients plant available). Different types of fertilisers release nutrients at different rates. Some fertilisers, such as slow-release fertilisers, release nutrients over a longer period of time, which can help to improve nutrient availability.

Another way to improve nutrient availability is to improve the soil conditions. Soil conditions that are conducive to nutrient availability include:

• Good drainage: Poor drainage can lead to water-logging, which can leach nutrients out of the soil.
• Good aeration: Good aeration allows oxygen to reach the roots, which is essential for nutrient uptake.
• Proper pH: The pH of the soil should be within the range that is ideal for the type of crop being grown.
• Sufficient organic matter: Organic matter helps to improve the structure of the soil and make it more hospitable to plant roots. It also helps to retain nutrients in the soil.

Finally, the climate can also affect nutrient availability. Hot, dry climates can lead to nutrient loss through evaporation and leaching. Cold climates can also limit nutrient availability by slowing down the rate of nutrient cycling.

By understanding the factors that affect nutrient availability, you can choose the right fertiliser and improve the soil conditions to ensure that your plants have the nutrients they need to thrive.