ADAPTAGRI · HELP DESK
Questions & answers
Practical answers from the project experts.
Answered questions
Sources and literature · Illustrated guide (PDF)
Expert answers to your questions
No published answers in this section yet.
Frequently asked questions
QFertilisationHow do I decide how much fertiliser to apply?
Expert answer
In short: Soil analysis, realistic yield, adjust for the preceding crop and moisture, split nitrogen.
The basic rule: not more fertiliser, but the right fertiliser at the right time.
- Soil analysis before basic fertilisation — nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, acidity, micronutrients. It is the basis for every decision.
- A realistic target yield for the field and variety, not the best year.
- Adjust for the preceding crop — reduce nitrogen after legumes.
- Adjust for moisture — in dry years a higher nitrogen rate often does not raise yield and may increase stress; moderate, timely doses give more stable yields.
- Split nitrogen — autumn and spring, checking the crop and forecast before each top-dressing.
| Nutrient | Guide for Dobrudja chernozems |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen | Split; main top-dressing at tillering |
| Phosphorus | 6–8 kg/daa active ingredient, all in autumn |
| Potassium | Usually not needed on chernozems; 4–6 kg/daa on lighter soils |
| Micronutrients | Foliar, only when specifically needed (copper, manganese, zinc) |
Plan fertilisation for the whole rotation, not just one crop. Balanced fertilisation based on soil analysis is also a condition of the conservation tillage intervention (section A).
Common mistakes
- Fertilising without a soil analysis.
- All the nitrogen in one go.
- The same fertilisation after legumes as after cereals.
- A high nitrogen rate in a dry year.
Material: Training Module 1, section 2 "Nutrient management"; Brochure 1, section 13.