Recognizing that many farmers are still unsure about proper fertilization, Y5Cafe hopes this series of articles will provide the essential knowledge and practical understanding needed to use fertilizers effectively. Applying these principles will help improve coffee care and fertilization for the highest results.
1. The Right Type
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Use the specific kind of fertilizer required by the crop and suitable for the soil type. You need to clearly understand the crop’s needs: what nutrients it requires, in what ratio at each growth stage, and the soil conditions where it is planted.
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Nutrient demand varies by growth stage. Some crops need more potassium than nitrogen while growing; others need more nitrogen during certain development phases. Only when you apply the correct fertilizer type will you see full benefits.
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Crops require different macronutrients—mainly nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S)—each with its own role. Applying the wrong type not only wastes resources but can harm the plant.
Example: In early growth, most crops need higher nitrogen. If using compound NPK fertilizer, select a formula with higher nitrogen content such as NPK 20-10-10 or 16-16-8. -
Correct fertilizer choice also maintains soil balance. Acidic soils must avoid fertilizers with high acidity; alkaline soils should avoid highly alkaline fertilizers.
Example: In strongly acidic or “sour” soils, use fused phosphate or NPK containing phosphorus. Avoid superphosphate, which increases soil acidity and hinders nutrient uptake.
2. The Right Rate
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Always follow the dosage recommended on the label. Read instructions carefully and combine them with observations of the plant’s condition, soil characteristics, weather, and season to decide the proper rate.
Example: During the cool northern winter–spring crop, plants absorb fewer nutrients; applying less fertilizer saves costs without waste. -
Adjust the rate according to plant vigor, fruit set, and soil pH.
Example: If a foliar fertilizer label advises mixing 10 g per 8–10 liters of water, follow this exactly. Using less water makes the solution too strong and may burn leaves; using more dilutes its effect.
3. The Right Time
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Apply the right amount and type of fertilizer when the crop actually needs it. Split applications into several doses during periods of active growth rather than applying a large amount at once, which causes waste, environmental pollution, and even makes plants more disease-prone with lower yields.
Example: For fruit trees, apply fertilizer just before flowering and again during fruit development, supplementing with foliar sprays.
4. The Right Method
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Apply fertilizer so plants can absorb nutrients most efficiently, strictly following the manufacturer’s instructions. Even if you select the right product, rate, and timing, using the wrong application method reduces effectiveness.
Example: Foliar sprays should be applied when it is cool—around 8–9 a.m. or 4–5 p.m.—to avoid leaf burn and ensure maximum absorption. Spray mainly on the underside of leaves where stomata allow nutrient uptake. -
For organic fertilizers, dig a ring-shaped trench around the tree canopy’s drip line. For chemical fertilizers like NPK, place them in a shallow trench about two-thirds of the canopy radius from the trunk. Root hairs, which absorb nutrients, form near root tips and live less than 24 hours, while fertilizer must first dissolve into ions and bind to soil colloids. Proper placement ensures the roots can find and absorb nutrients in time.
Applying these four “right” principles—right type, right rate, right time, and right method—not only lowers production costs and increases yield and product quality, but also protects the environment.