Fertilisers and manures
Abstract
This chapter explains the importance of feeding crops and ensuring that soil fertility is maintained. It discusses the main elements required by crops, both major and trace. It explains why liming is so important for crop nutrition. It deals with the calculations and sources of information needed to accurately decide on fertiliser application rates, and cost them. It describes the materials used on-farm as fertilisers and explains the differences between straights, compounds and blends, as well as dealing with liquids and solid fertilisers. There is a section on the use of organic manures and slurries and how to make best use of them. Finally, the chapter deals with the effect of fertilisers on the environment, during both their manufacture and application.