Many developing countries are using a new method of fertilizing their crops that results in less fertilizer lost to runoff and more substantial nutritional boost to the plants. Not only does the fertilizer stay in the ground longer, but farmers often find they lose less, and that shaves dollars off their bottom line.
What is this wonder fertilizer, and could it soon be coming to your backyard garden?
How the New Fertilizer Works
The new delivery method of the fertilizer, called urea deep placement, uses nitrogen placed in briquettes. The briquettes are then placed several inches below the surface of the ground, thus maximizing their use and lessening the chance of runoff during heavy rains. The nitrogen is released slowly, which means the plants can use it more effectively.
The new fertilizing method is growing in popularity in developing nations, thanks to the rising cost of nitrogen fertilizer. In 2007, the market price of nitrogen fertilizer tripled, so enterprising farmers had to find a way to get their plants the nutrients they needed while keeping an eye on their financial bottom line. The solution of nitrogen compacted into briquettes means the farmers use less yet still feed the appropriate fertilizer to their crops, thus saving money.
The Future of Lawn Fertilizer: Now or Later?
As large-scale farming operations look into ways to adopt the new fertilizer delivery method, can homeowners expect to see the new fertilizer available for their lawns? It is possible, but as with any new type of technology, expect the slow-release underground fertilizer to take some time to catch on. In the meantime, a good slow-release nitrogen fertilizer spread across the ground can help your lawn look its best.
Shannon Dauphin is a freelance writer based near Nashville, Tennessee. Her house was built in 1901, so home repair and renovation have become her hobbies.
