Water Soluble Fertilizers need of the hour
By: Dr. Satyawan Saurabh
Water-soluble fertilizers use has emerged as a major agricultural constraint to increase efficiency, restore soil health, and maintain high yields in forage crops such as maize. Conventional fertilizers often cause uneven nutrient distribution, poor crop response, and environmental damage. In contrast, water-soluble fertilizers provide a balanced nutrient supply, improve soil health, and prevent issues such as nitrate accumulation in forage, which can harm livestock.
Fertilizer application is important in fodder production, but it comes with challenges. While increasing biomass and crude protein in maize forage, nitrogen-heavy fertilizers can result in nitrate accumulation, which can harm livestock. Effective fertilizer use ensures balanced nutrient supply, improves crop response, and reduces environmental impacts. Indiscriminate fertilizer application can lead to poor crop yields, degradation of soil health, and pollution.
Field trials reveal considerable variability in nutrient supply, nutrient use efficiency, and crop responses. Such inconsistencies in fields affect overall forage productivity. To combat these inefficiencies, precise nutrient and crop management tailored to specific field characteristics is essential. A knowledge-intensive approach to managing soil and fertilizer distribution can significantly improve results in forage production.
Water-soluble fertilizers offer a promising solution by offering better nutrients to plants. These fertilizers are completely water soluble and have a low salt index, making them easy to apply as a foliar spray or through irrigation. Available in various NPK formulations (e.g., 19-19-19), water-soluble fertilizers also contain secondary nutrients such as sulfur and zinc. They ensure that nutrients remain available to crops without being affected by environmental factors such as leaching, erosion, or evaporation.
Water-soluble fertilizers improve nutrient use efficiency by preventing nutrient loss. For example, about 25–30% of the recommended fertilizer dose can be saved through water-soluble fertilizers, reducing input costs for farmers. These fertilizers do not contribute to salt accumulation in the soil, maintaining soil health in the long term. Water-soluble fertilizers can be used in a wide variety of field conditions and provide an efficient, balanced nutrient supply, leading to higher forage yields and improved forage nutritional quality.
While water-soluble fertilizers provide many benefits, there is a risk of nutrient overload if they are overapplied or improperly diluted, which can result in phytotoxic injury (plant damage). This underscores the need for careful monitoring and management to ensure correct dosage and application techniques. A field trial conducted by Krishi Vigan Kendra, Barnala, assessed the effectiveness of water-soluble fertilizers (NPK 19-19-19) in maize fodder production. The study compared three fertilizer management practices: Kisan काब्याष्य, वर्ष्टिककीदोश (RDF) and foliar application of water-soluble fertilizers.
Tests showed that foliar application of water-soluble fertilizers at 1% concentration, combined with 75% RDF, significantly increased plant growth (fresh and dry weight) and green fodder yield of maize. The nutritional quality of the forage also improved compared to conventional practices.
Water-soluble fertilizers reduce leaching, runoff losses of key nutrients (N, P, K), and nitrogen volatilization, which translates into lower production costs and reduced environmental impact.
Less nutrient wastage and better efficiency result in less financial burden for farmers, especially in terms of fertilizer costs. Israel, which is known for its water-efficient agricultural practices, has adopted अवर्षिककेउच्योगकोउवर्चिककेउचाई, which integrates irrigation with fertilizer application. Water-soluble fertilizers are dissolved in irrigation water and delivered directly to the root zone through drip irrigation systems.
Australian farmers combine the use of water-soluble fertilizers with organic and slow-release fertilizers to achieve a balanced nutritional profile. Japan has been at the forefront of developing controlled-release water-soluble fertilizers, which allow nutrients to be released slowly over long periods of time. In Europe, especially in countries such as the Netherlands, sustainable agriculture certification schemes encourage the use of water-soluble fertilizers in combination with environmentally friendly farming practices.
Farmers need to be educated about the benefits of water-soluble fertilizers and proper application methods. Precision farming techniques like soil testing and nutrient mapping should be integrated with the use of water-soluble fertilizers. This ensures that nutrient management is tailored to specific field conditions, reducing wastage and improving crop responses. Ongoing research should focus on the development of new water-soluble fertilizers that cater to different crops and environmental conditions.
Policies and subsidies promoting the use of environmentally friendly and efficient fertilizers, such as water-soluble fertilizers, should be strengthened. Water-soluble fertilizers should be integrated with other sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, organic matter incorporation, and water management techniques. Water-soluble fertilizers represent a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional fertilizers in maize forage production. They improve fertilizer use efficiency, restore soil health, and ensure higher forage yields without compromising quality.
Water-soluble fertilizers offer a balanced, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective approach that can help farmers maintain agricultural productivity while reducing environmental risks.
(The author is a columnist based in New Delhi)
