SOIL FERTILITY

Credits to:
BSA 1C (Group V - Panaligan, et al.)
BSA 1A (Group V - Idagdag, et al.)
 SOIL FERTILITY
refers to the ability of soil to sustain agricultural plant growth and to
provide plant habitat and result in sustained and consistent yields of
high quality. It also refers to the soil's ability to supply plant or crop
nutrients in the right quantities and qualities over a sustained period of
time. Fertile soil is perfect for growing crops because it retains an
average or high level of valuable micro and macro elements, ensuring
plant strength and health throughout the development cycle.
 SOIL FERTILITY
Soil fertility is critical for the development of plants and influences their yield.
Fertile fields are great assets to farmers
It is to critical to remember the importance of fertilizers and environmental
friendly cultivation methods in increasing field fertility.
High yields can be obtained from poor yields with appropriate soil fertility
management practices
Hence, growers who understand how to preserve soil fertility can maximize
farmland productivity and maintain it over time
 What makes soil fertile?

Factors that affect soil fertility are classified as direct and

indirect.
The amount of organic matter, moisture, and field aeration are
direct factors.
The indirect ones include soil biota activity, tillage methods,
and many others.
 SOIL PRODUCTIVITY
The ability of the soil to support or
produce a desired quantity of plant
yield
TYPES OF SOIL FERTILITY
Inherent or Natural Fertility – the soil in the nature contains
nutrients referred to as “inherent fertility”. Plants require nitrate,
phosphorus, and potassium nutrients for typical crop growth and
production.
Acquired Fertility – this refers to the fertility produced by using
manures and fertilizers, tillage, irrigation, and other factor. The
experiments findings demonstrate that increasing the amount of
fertilizer used has no appreciate impact on yield.
 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS AND

BIOCHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION

OF NUTRIENTS
 Nutrients are certain chemical elements which are
essential for plant growth and developments.

Non-Fertilizer
Nutrients
INFLUENCE/ FUNCTION

Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen Building block for

carbohydrate, proteins, fats,
nucleic acids
MACRO-NUTRIENTS
Macronutrients are those elements used in great
quantities by plants. There are six macronutrients.
Those used in the largest amount are called
primary macronutrients. They are nitrogen (N),
phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
 PRIMARY
MACRO-NUTRIENTS
 NUTRIENT INFLUENCE/ FUNCTION DEFICIENCY SYMPTOM

Produce stem and leaf growth;

Entire plant lighter green,
gives plants dark green color;
Nitrogen lower leaves yellowing;
synthesis of amino acids and
slow or dwarfed growth
proteins

Deficiency - is the plant condition where an essential nutrient is not

sufficiently available.
 NUTRIENT INFLUENCE/ FUNCTION DEFICIENCY SYMPTOM
Stimulates root development and
growth; aids in cell division;
encourages flower bud Purplish coloration to leaves
Phosphorous
formation; improves winter and stems; stunted growth
hardiness; helps plants to a
vigorous and rapid start.
Increases plant vigor and
disease resistance; aids in the
Yellowing or death of tissues
transport of foods through the
Potassium at tips and outer edges of
phloem; has key role in opening
older leaves
and opening and closing
stomata; thickens cell walls
 SECONDARY
MACRO-NUTRIENTS
 NUTRIENT INFLUENCE/ FUNCTION DEFICIENCY SYMPTOM
Short, much branched
Maintains strength of cell walls;
Calcium roots; young leaves at
promotes early root growth
growing points die back
Essential for chlorophyll and
photosynthesis; activator for Loss of green leaf color
Magnesium starting with bottom leaves
many plant enzymes; aids
nutrient uptake
Stimulates root growth; needed
Young leaves light green
Sulfur for protein formation; gives
with veins being lighter
green colour
MICRO-NUTRIENTS
Micronutrients are those nutrients that are
needed in smaller amounts by the plants,
but are still essential to plant growth. The
micronutrients are the boron (B), copper
(Cu), chlorine (Cl), iron (Fe), manganese
(Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn).
NUTRIENT INFLUENCE/ FUNCTION DEFICIENCY SYMPTOM
The exact role of boron is unclear,
but it appears to be essential for Young leaves look yellow
Boron pollination and reproduction, cell and thick when the
division, and the transport of nutrient is lacking.
sugars.
Coppers regulates several A shortage results in the
chemical processes including
Copper chlorophyll synthesis and
yellowing of leaves
respiration. affected first.
Iron is important in chlorophyll
formation and is a component of
Young leaves yellow first.
Iron enzymes involved in
photosynthesis, respiration, and The veins remain green.
nitrogen fixation.
 NUTRIENT INFLUENCE/ FUNCTION DEFICIENCY SYMPTOM
Manganese is important in
The symptom deficiency is
chlorophyll formation. It is part
young leaves yellow first with
Manganese of enzymes involved in
the veins remaining green.
respiration and nitrogen
metabolism.
Molybdenum is part of
The symptom deficiency
enzymes involved in nitrogen
Molybdenum metabolism. It aids nitrogen
appear as yellow older leaves
and growth is stunted.
fixation and protein synthesis.

Zinc is important in
chlorophyll, auxin, and starch Older leaves that yellow and
Zinc formation, and it is part of the stunted growth are deficiency
enzymes that are involved in symptom.
respiration.
 AVAILABILITY OF
NUTRIENTS AND NUTRIENT
UPTAKE MECHANISM
 Nutrient availability
Nutrient availability refers to the presence and accessibility of
essential nutrients in the soil that support plant growth and
productivity. It is crucial for ensuring adequate soil nutrient
supply to sustain life. This includes:
1. SOIL COMPOSITION
The availability of nutrients in the soil depends heavily on its
composition. Factors like soil pH, organic matter content, and mineral
composition play a significant role. For example, acidic soils might
have high levels of aluminum, which can hinder nutrient uptake. (pH-
is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a soil)

2. WEATHER CONDITIONS
Rainfall, temperature, and humidity can significantly impact
nutrient availability. Heavy rainfall can leach nutrients from the soil,
while prolonged drought can reduce nutrient uptake.
3. PLANT SPECIES
Different plant species have varying nutrient requirements.
Some plants, like legumes, can fix atmospheric nitrogen, while
others require high levels of phosphorus or potassium.

4. HUMAN ACTIVITY
Agricultural practices like fertilization, irrigation, and tillage
can alter nutrient availability. Excessive use of fertilizers can
lead to nutrient imbalances and pollution.
NUTRIENT UPTAKE
MECHANISM
1. ROOT SYSTEM
The root system is the primary site of nutrient uptake. Root hairs
increase the surface area for absorption. Different root types are
adapted to different soil conditions.

2. ACTIVE TRANSPORT
Plants use energy to actively transport nutrients across their cell
membranes against concentration gradients. This process requires
specific carrier proteins.

3. PASSIVE TRANSPORT
Some nutrients can move passively into plant cells along
concentration gradients, driven by diffusion.
4. MYCORRHIZAL ASSOCIATIONS
Symbiotic relationships with fungi, known as mycorrhizae,
enhance nutrient uptake. The fungi extend their hyphae into the
soil, increasing the surface area for nutrient absorption, and
providing the plant with access to nutrients that are otherwise
unavailable.

5. NUTRIENT CYCLING
Plants play a vital role in nutrient cycling. When plants
decompose, they release nutrients back into the soil, making
them available for other organisms.
SOIL FERTILITY
MODELS
 Soil fertility models
- are essential tools in modern agriculture, providing
insights into the complex interplay of factors that
influence soil health and crop productivity. These
models aim to predict soil fertility based on various
input parameters, allowing farmers and researchers
to make informed decisions about nutrient
management, crop selection, and land use.
 TYPES SOIL
FERTILITY MODELS
1. EMPIRICAL MODELS
These models rely on statistical relationships between soil
properties and crop yield, often derived from historical data or field
experiments. They are typically simpler to develop and apply but
may lack the ability to capture complex interactions and non-
linear relationships within the soil system.

2. PROCESS-BASED MODELS
These models simulate the dynamic processes occurring within the
soil, such as nutrient cycling, decomposition, and plant uptake.
They are more complex and computationally intensive but can
provide a more mechanistic understanding of soil fertility and its
response to various management practices.
 Several key factors contribute to soil fertility, including:
• Organic matter: organic matter is crucial for soil structure, water retention,
and nutrient availability. It acts as a reservoir of nutrients and promotes
microbial activity, which is essential for nutrient cycling.

• Nutrient levels: the availability of essential nutrients like nitrogen,

phosphorus, and potassium directly influences plant growth and yield.
Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to stunted growth, reduced yield,
and increased susceptibility to diseases

• Soil pH: soil pH affects the availability of nutrients and the activity of soil
microorganisms. Optimal pH levels vary depending on the crop and soil
type, but generally, a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is considered ideal for most
crops.
METHOD OF FERTILIZER
APPLICATION
• Broadcast is a technique that involves spreading fertilizer
evenly across the soil surface to provide nutrients to plants.
It's a versatile method that's commonly used in industrial
agriculture, especially for large-scale crop production.
• Band Placement is a method of applying fertilizer in bands
near where developing roots can easily reach it. It can be
done before or during planting, and can be used with either
liquid or dry fertilizers
• Foliar Application is a method of fertilizing plants by
spraying liquid fertilizers directly onto their leaves. The leaves
absorb nutrients through their stomata and epidermis.
• In-the-row is a technique that involves applying fertilizer in
continuous bands on one or both sides of crop rows. It's a
popular method that's often used for crops like maize and
sugarcane, which are typically planted in widely spaced rows.
• Ring involves placing fertilizer in a circle around a plant or hill
base. The fertilizer is typically applied at a depth of 2.5 – 5 cm.
• Hole is a method of applying fertilizer to a specific area below
a seed at once, for the entire growth cycle of a crop. It can be
an effective way to promote crop yield and reduce
environmental pollution
• Spot also known as localized placement, is a method of
applying fertilizer directly to the soil near a plant or seed.
It's often used when applying small amounts of fertilizer
• Basal is a fertilizer application method that involves
spreading fertilizer over the soil at the time of sowing or
planting. The goal is to distribute the fertilizer evenly so
that it mixes completely with the soil
• Topdress is a method of fertilizer application where fertilizer
is spread over the surface of an established field, such as
one with grasses or legumes
• Fertigation is a method of applying fertilizer to plants
through irrigation systems. It involves mixing fertilizer into
water and then injecting it into the irrigation system.
Fertigation can be used with drip, furrow, or sprinkler
irrigation systems.
 CONSIDERATIONS IN
CHOOSING METHOD OF
FERTILIZER APPLICATION
Relative mobility of nutrients in the soil
Type of crop and its rooting system
Soil texture
Season of the year
Kind of Fertilizer
TIME OF FERTILIZER
APPLICATION
Depends on the climate, soil, nutrient
and crop
In sandy soils, N is necessary split as
well as K
P and K are usually applied in
planting as they are less mobile, less
subject to leaching and less soluble
 FERTILIZER
COMPUTATION
AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
 FERTILIZER GRADE
- is a legal guarantee of the amount of
plant nutrients in a fertilizer, expressed as a
percentage by weight. For example, a
fertilizer with a grade of 12-32-16 contains:
12% nitrogen (N), 32% phosphorous (P2O5),
and 16% potash (K2O)
 FERTILIZER RATIO
- a fertilizer's ratio indicates the percentage
of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and
potassium (K) by volume. The ratio is usually
displayed on the label of boxed, bagged,
or bottled fertilizers, and on the bin for
fertilizers sold in bulk
 FERTILIZER RATIO
The ratio is usually displayed on the
fertilizer's label as three numbers, such as
16-20-18, which means 16% nitrogen, 20%
phosphorus, and 18% potassium
 FERTILIZER COMPUTATION
- can involve determining the amount of
fertilizer needed to supply a specific
amount of nutrients, or calculating the
fertilizer ratio.
weight of nutrient
Weight of fertilizer =
nutrient content
Example 1:
The fertilizer recommendation is 90-0-0. How
many kg/ha Ammonium sulfate, AS (20-0-0)
must be applied to meet the
recommendation?
Solution:
90
AS kg/ha = = 450
0.20

. . .if we are going to use Urea (45-0-0) instead

of AS (20-0-0):
90
Urea kg/ha = = 200
0.45
Example 2:
The fertilizer recommendation is 90-30-0 and
the available fertilizers:
Ammonium Sulfate (20-0-0)
Ammonium Phospate (16-20-0)
Solution:
Solving first for Phosphorus (P)
30
AP kg/ha = = 150
0.20

To get the value of remainder N

150 x 0.16 (N of AP) = 24 kg N
The remainder N will come from AS
N = 90 - 24 = 66kg N
66
ASkg/ha = = 330
0.20
THANK YOU!!!