When it comes to farming, one word you’ll hear often is fertiliser. But what exactly is fertiliser, and why is it so important for crop growth and yield? Whether you’re a seasoned or novice farmer, understanding fertilisers can help you grow healthier, more productive plants. In this blog post, we’ll break down the basics of fertilisers, how they work, and how Demeter’s range of fertilisers can help you achieve the best results.
What is Fertiliser?
Fertiliser is a substance that provides essential nutrients to plants to help them grow. Think of it as a vitamin boost for your crops. Plants need a variety of nutrients to thrive, and while some of these are naturally available in the soil, others need to be added to ensure optimal growth. Fertiliser replenishes these nutrients, ensuring your plants have everything they need to flourish.
There are two main types of fertilisers: granular and foliar. Granular fertilisers are solid and applied to the soil, while foliar fertilisers are liquid and sprayed directly onto the leaves. Both types have their unique benefits, and choosing the right one depends on your plants’ needs and growth stage.
Why Do Plants Need Fertiliser?
Plants require three primary nutrients, often referred to as macronutrients:
- Nitrogen (N): Promotes leafy growth and vibrant green colour.
- Phosphorus (P): Supports root development and flowering.
- Potassium (K): Enhances overall plant health and disease resistance.
These nutrients are represented by the three numbers you see on fertiliser packaging, such as NPK 20-10-10, which indicates the percentage of each nutrient in the product. In addition to these macronutrients, plants also need secondary nutrients (like calcium and magnesium) and micronutrients (like zinc and iron) in smaller amounts.
Over time, soil can become depleted of these nutrients, especially if you’re growing crops repeatedly. Fertiliser helps replenish these nutrients, ensuring your plants stay healthy and productive.
Granular Fertilisers: Slow and Steady Nutrition
Granular fertilisers are solid particles that are applied to the soil. They release nutrients slowly over time, providing a steady supply of food for your plants. This makes them ideal for long-term soil enrichment. A few examples from Demeter’s range, from reputable agricultural brands and partners, include:
- Polysulphate (Asaase Hene): A premium granular fertiliser which is mined in the UK, rich in sulphur (S), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca), increases nutrient use efficiency of crops, increasing their yield and crop quality, with an exceptionally low carbon footprint
- Calciprill®: A fast-acting lime fertiliser that provides essential calcium nutrition and corrects soil acidity, promoting healthier crops.
- NPK 20-10-10: A balanced fertiliser that provides equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, ideal for general plant growth.
Granular fertilisers are easy to apply and work well for large-scale farming or beds. They’re particularly effective when mixed into the soil before planting or applied as a top dressing during the growing season.
Foliar Fertilisers: Quick Nutrient Boost
Foliar fertilisers are liquid solutions sprayed directly onto plant leaves. They’re absorbed quickly, making them ideal for addressing nutrient deficiencies or giving plants a boost during critical growth stages. Here are some of Demeter’s foliar fertilisers:
- OMEX Starter Pro: A nutrient-rich formula of NPK designed to support young plants and seedlings, helping them establish strong roots and increase top growth.
- OMEX Bloom Boost: Packed with calcium, nitrogen, and chelated micronutrients, this fertiliser encourages abundant flowering and fruiting.
- OMEX Vigga: A balanced foliar feed that is effective against nematodes in many crops and overall plant health, increasing yield.
Foliar fertilisers are especially useful when plants show signs of nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. They’re also great for crops that need a rapid nutrient boost during flowering or fruiting stages.
How to Choose the Right Fertiliser
Choosing the right fertiliser depends on several factors, including the type of plants you’re growing, the soil conditions, and the growth stage of your plants. Here are a few tips to help you decide:
- Soil Testing: Start by testing your soil to determine its nutrient levels and pH. This will help you identify which nutrients are lacking.
- Plant Needs: Different plants have different nutrient requirements. For example, leafy vegetables need more nitrogen, while flowering plants benefit from higher phosphorus levels.
- Growth Stage: Young plants need more phosphorus for root development, while mature plants may require more potassium for fruiting and disease resistance.
- Application Method: Consider whether granular or foliar fertilisers are more suitable for your needs. Granular fertilisers are great for long-term soil health, while foliar fertilisers provide quick results.
The Demeter Advantage
At Demeter, we understand that every farm is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of granular and foliar fertilisers to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to improve soil fertility with Asaase Hene or give your plants a quick boost with OMEX Bloom Boost, our products are designed to deliver exceptional results.
In conclusion, fertilisers are an essential tool for any farmer. They provide the nutrients plants need to grow strong, healthy, and productive. By understanding the different types of fertilisers and how to use them, you can make informed decisions that will benefit your crops and increase your yield. At Demeter Ghana, we’re committed to helping you achieve the best possible results. Explore our range of fertilisers today or contact us via this number: +233 24 529 7047, and give your crops the nutrition they deserve.
