How to Prevent Fertiliser Burn

Fertiliser burn refers to the scorching or drying up of plant leaves after fertilisers have been applied. This situation can retard the growth rate of your plants. In extreme cases, the plants can die. Several measures can be taken to avert this situation. This article discusses some of those measures.

Know Your Plants

Each plant has its own specific nutrient needs. For example, some plants can thrive in an environment that is rich in nitrogen, while other plants may not survive such conditions. Secondly, the same plant may have different nutrient needs during different stages of growth. It is therefore important for you to apply fertilisers in accordance with the needs of your plants. Don't try to apply excessive amounts of fertilisers in order to make the plants grow faster. Such an application can cause fertiliser burn.

Use Slow-Release Fertilisers

Fertilisers differ in terms of how quickly they can release nutrients into the soil for plant use. Some fertilisers release their nutrients quickly. Others have coatings that slow down the rate at which those nutrients can be used by plants. These slow-release fertilisers are a better option if you are worried about fertiliser burn since this regulated release prevents excess amounts of the nutrients from being taken by the plant within a short time.

Beware of Drought

The risk of fertiliser burn increases when you decide to fertilise your plants during dry conditions. Dry conditions prevent the fertilisers from spreading out into the ground. Consequently, there will be a higher chance that those fertilisers will concentrate around the plant roots and end up being absorbed in large amounts. This can result in fertiliser burn. Avoid such an outcome by applying the fertilisers during the rainy season.

Watch Out for Wet Leaves

Be careful when applying fertilisers. Don't let the fertilisers come close or make contact with wet leaves. This is because the pores (stomata) of the leaves are likely to be open when the leaves are wet. Consequently, the plant will absorb those fertilisers through the leaves, and the leaves will become scorched. Be careful and make sure that all fertilisers are applied on the ground. Only foliar fertilisers can be sprayed on the leaves. Even then, such fertilisers have to be diluted so that they don't burn the plants.

Talk to a supplier of garden fertilizers if you have any concerns about the fertilisers which you want to buy. That experienced person will explain the best way to use those fertilisers so that you avert the likelihood of fertiliser burn.


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