Broadcasting:

In this method the fertiliser is applied by hand with the main objective of spreading it uniformly over the entire field.The fertilisers are generally applied to the soil with the last preparatory tillage just before planting. There are two types of broadcasting methods for fertiliser application depending on the time of application. They are:

(a) Broadcasting at planting –

The fertiliser is broadcasted just before planting, at the time of ploughing. Phosphoric and potassic fertiliser and half of nitrogenous fertiliser as per recommended dose for a particular crop is applied by broadcasting during planting.

(b) Top dressing -

The method of application of fertiliser in the standing crops is known as top dressing. The objective of this method is to provide the nutrients, mainly nitrogen, in readily available form, for the growth of plants. Topdressing of phosphatic and potassic fertilisers is ordinarily done on pastureland and in orchards or only on fruit trees growing in between agricultural crops. Topdressing with nitrogenous and potassic fertiliser should not be done when the leaves of plants are wet. This may burn or scorch the leaves if applied in the morning before 8 a.m. or just after rain.

Placement:

It is a method of placing fertiliser in the soil before sowing or after sowing the crops. Placement of phosphatic fertiliser below the seed, almost under all situations, has been found superior to broadcast application. Various methods of placement are:

(a) Plough sole placement

The fertiliser is placed in the plough sole after opening the furrow with the plough, and this furrow is covered immediately as the next furrow is turned. This method has been recommended in dry soil where there is moisture only in the plough-sole layer and in problem soils where there is a problem of fixation.

(b) Deep placement

The ammoniacal nitrogenous fertiliser (e.g. ammonium sulphate) or ammonia forming nitrogenous fertiliser (e.g. urea) is placed deep in the reduced layer to check denitrification (conversion of nitrogen in unavailable form).

(c) Sub-soil placement

The phosphatic and potassium fertilisers are placed in sub-soil with the help of heavy machinery to avoid their fixation in strongly acidic soil. This method is recommended in humid and sub-humid region.

Localised Placement:

It is a method of placing fertilisers, into the soil, close to the seed or plant. The roots of young plants can get nutrients as per their requirement from the fertiliser applied by this method. This can be done by:

(a) Contact placement

Is the drilling of seed and fertiliser together during sowing. Phosphatic and potassic fertilizers, in small quantities, are applied to cereals crops and cotton. But this method is not suitable for pulse crops.