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Chandrika Varadachari

This is an introductory level course that that covers the entire range of products that improve fertility of the soil, in a simple and concise way. This course includes nitrogenous, phosphatic and potassic fertilizers, the secondary nutrients (calcium, magnesium and sulfur), all of the micronutrients, advanced fertilizer materials (slow-release, controlled-release and smart fertilizers), organic fertilizers (including biofertilizers) and calculating fertilizer dosages. For each type of nutrient there is a description of the different products available, an outline of their manufacture, important properties, application methods and what causes fertilizer losses. Environmental issues caused by fertilizers are also discussed briefly. Newer types of fertilizers that can reduce environmental impacts are described. This course also discusses various categories of organic fertilizers that include vermicompost, biofertilizers and biostimulants. The last topic examines how to calculate fertilizer doses; methods for calculations for straight fertilizers and mixed or complex fertilizers are detailed together with generic formulae that can be used for any situation.

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What's inside

Learning objective

Fertilizers and their use

Syllabus

This lecture outlines the topics that will be covered in this course. The contents of each of the sections is described.

This lecture outlines the topics that will be covered in this course. The contents of each of the sections is described.

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You will learn about the the broad categories of fertilizers and a brief description of each of these types.

Here you will learn about how fertilizers are broadly categorized. There will be a brief description of each category of inorganic and organic fertilizer - the categorization of inorganic fertilizers based on their nutrients, their physical form and on their solubility properties and examples of each. Also about the three different types of organics - the manures, biofertilizers and biostimulants with examples

Based on fertilizer categorization

Learn about all the essential plant nutrients, their chemical forms in soil, functions in the plant. How plants take up nutrients from soil, principles of fertigation, nutrient fixation & losses

This lecture teaches about all nutrients that a plant needs and the important concept of Liebig's barrel of minimum. It also teaches about the chemicals forms in which the plants can take up nutrients and how each nutrient has diverse roles within the plant. This is a fundamental requisite for understanding fertilizer requirements and why yields become limited even though large quantities of macronutrient fertilizers are frequently added.

This lecture you will learn about how plants can take up even insoluble nutrients from the soil. It is important to understand this mechanism because it determines which types of chemicals function as fertilizers and which ones cannot. You will learn about how nutrient availability can be affected by soil factors such as its pH. You will also learn about the basic principles of foliar fertilization

This lecture is all about understanding what happens to fertilizers after they are added to soil. Why is the entire amount not available for plants? Each nutrient undergoes different types of transformation reactions because of which a part of it or even a major fraction becomes non-available.  Some are lost to ground water or the atmosphere causing pollution. some remain in the soil but become so firmly bound to soil components that they are no longer plant available. These are some important concepts for understanding the fate of added fertilizer. Concepts such as Fertilizer Use Efficiency (FUE) including both Recovery Efficiency and Partial Factor Productivity (PFP) are explained. Finally you will also learn about fertilizer response curves and the concept of optimum versus maximum yields.

This quiz covers all the three lectures of Section 3

Nitrogen, phosphorus & potassium fertilizers, the popular types of each, outline of production methods, properties and application methods

This lecture discusses all the popular nitrogenous fertilizers - urea, ammonium sulfate, calcium ammonium nitrate and ammonia. For each fertilizer you will learn about how they are produced, their properties and how they are applied. You will also learn about transformation of nitrogen fertilizers in the soil, leading to their leaching and volatilization losses.

You will learn about the various types pf phosphatic fertilizers that are popularly used. These include - DAP, MAP, TSP, SSP and other liquid types. You will also learn in brief about how they are produced and the best methods for applying phosphates to plants. Finally, you will also learn about the fate of phosphate fertilizers when added to soil. This explains why phosphates can cause water pollution and also why only a small fraction of added phosphate is used by the plant.

This lecture broadly follows the same structure a the previous two. Firstly you will learn about the various types of potash fertilizers that are available- MOP, SOP, potassium nitrate, langbeinite and some others. You will also learn how they are produced and how best to apply them. As before, you will learn about the transformations that occur when potassium fertilizers are added to soil and how it could cause low utilization of potassium. Finally there is a description of some popular terms - the differences between straight, mixed and complex fertilizers.

This quiz covers all lectures of Section 4

You will learn about different types of calcium, magnesium and sulfur fertilizers and what kind of soil each type is suited to.

Secondary nutrients - calcium, magnesium and sulfur - are very important for the plant, yet are quite neglected. In this lecture you will learn about different types of secondary nutrient fertilizers like lime, dolomite, sulfur bentonite etc. Unlike the macronutrients, the secondary nutrient products are required to be chosen based on soil pH. You will then be able to chose the correct type of Ca / Mg / S fertilizer depending on your soil acidity or alkalinity. You will also understand the transformations that the secondary nutrients undergo in soil.

This quiz is from Section 5

You will learn about various cationic and anionic micronutrients, their use and reasons for the low utilization efficiency of such fertilizers

Here you will learn about the popular cationic micronutrient fertilizers of zinc, iron, manganese, copper & nickel and the anionics, boron, molybdenum and chlorine. This will help you understand how best to use them - as basal application to soil or as foliar spray. You will also learn about why only a small fraction of added micronutrients are utilized by the plant.

this quiz covers the lecture in section 6

Slow & controlled release and smart fertilizers

In this section you will learn about newer fertilizer materials that have reduced environmental footprint. Firstly, there is a brief outline on the basic principles of such SCRF (slow and controlled release) fertilizers. Then you will learn about the differences between slow release and controlled release fertilizers. The polymeric nitrogen fertilizers, coated fertilizers and biological control of nutrient losses are discussed. This includes, urea formaldehydes, IBDU, CDU, sulfur coated (SCU) and other coated materials. For each type you will will be able to understand how nutrient is ultimately released for plant uptake from an overview of the release mechanisms which are very simply explained. You will also be able to understand the concepts of stabilized nitrogen products and enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEF). Finally you will also learn about about the latest concept of smart fertilizers and how these could help in high efficiency fertilization without impacting the environment.

This is from the lecture in Section 7

tHis lecture provides an overview of organic fertilizers in the three broad categories - manures, biofertilizers and biostimulants

Here you will learn about the different types of organic materials that you can add to improve crop health. Solid and liquid manures like compost, sea weed liquid manures, etc have their advantages and also some drawbacks if one considers them as replacement for conventional fertilizers. You will gain a broad knowledge of the various biofertilizers  and their functions.  Finally you will also be able to have some understanding of biostimulants like humic acids.

This quiz is from the lecture in section 8

You will learn about how fertilizer dosages are estimated and then how actual requirements are calculated

This section explains about how fertilizer doses are estimated. This will give you a basic understanding of the process though you will not be able to conduct these experiments yourself. From either soil testing information or field trial data you will get a dosage recommendation. One then needs to convert these dosages to actual weights of fertilizers required. These calculations are critical and you learn how to do them. Basic equations are also provided that you can use for different situations - such as with straight fertilizers or complex fertilizers. General fertilizer recommendations for different types of soils and crops are also listed to help you understand what to expect in a particular type of soil.

this quiz is from the lecture in Section 9

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces the entire range of products that improve soil fertility, which is well-suited for students who want to understand how to improve soil conditions for gardening and farming
Outlines topics in a simple and concise way
Covers essential plant nutrients, various categories of organic fertilizers, and calculation of fertilizer dosages
Provides a basic understanding of fertilizer use and its impact on crop health and environmental issues
This course is designed for introductory level learners who have little to no prior knowledge in soil fertilization
Suitable for individuals who want to learn about the different types of fertilizers and their application methods to improve soil fertility for gardening and farming

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Basics of Fertilizers with these activities:
Find a mentor to guide you
Identify someone who can provide guidance and support as you learn about fertilizers. This could be a professor, an experienced farmer, or a professional in the field.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors who have expertise in fertilizers and soil fertility
  • Reach out to these individuals and ask if they would be willing to mentor you
  • Establish regular meetings or communication with your mentor
Review nutrient uptake and transport
Refresh your memory on how nutrients are taken up by plants and how the move around the plant before taking this course; this will help you better understand the role of fertilizers.
Show steps
  • Read course syllabus and lecture outlines
  • Review previous coursework or study materials
  • Do practice questions or problems
Form a study group
Join or start a study group with other learners taking this course. This will provide you with a supportive environment to discuss the material, ask questions, and test your understanding.
Show steps
  • Find other learners who are interested in forming a study group
  • Set regular meeting times and locations
  • Create a study plan and assign responsibilities
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Organize your course materials
Organize your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams in a way that makes it easy to review and find the information you need.
Show steps
  • Create a system for organizing your materials
  • Use folders, binders, or digital tools to keep your materials organized
  • Review your materials regularly to reinforce your understanding
Mind map of fertilizer categories
Create a mind map that includes all the different categories of fertilizers. This will help you visualize the relationships between different types of fertilizers and how they are used.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm a list of different fertilizer categories
  • Organize the categories into a mind map
  • Add details to each category, such as examples of fertilizers in that category and their uses
Solve fertilizer dosage problems
Practice solving fertilizer dosage problems to improve your understanding of the factors that affect fertilizer application rates.
Browse courses on Nutrient Management
Show steps
  • Review the different factors that affect fertilizer application rates
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks
  • Solve the problems using the correct formulas and methods
  • Check your answers against the provided solutions
Attend a workshop on organic farming
Expand your knowledge of organic farming practices by attending a workshop on the topic. This will help you better understand the role of organic fertilizers in sustainable agriculture.
Browse courses on Organic Farming
Show steps
  • Search for workshops on organic farming in your area
  • Register for a workshop that fits your schedule and interests
  • Attend the workshop and take notes
  • Apply what you learned in your own gardening or farming practices
Contribute to a soil science project
Deepen your understanding of fertilizers and soil fertility by contributing to an open-source project in the field. This will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills in a practical setting.
Browse courses on Soil Science
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects in soil science that align with your interests
  • Join the project and start contributing your time and skills
  • Collaborate with other contributors to achieve project goals

Career center

Learners who complete Basics of Fertilizers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Pedologist
Pedologists study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or universities. This course may be useful for pedologists who want to improve their understanding of soil fertility and fertilizer use, as this knowledge can help them better understand the soils they study.
Professor/Instructor (Soil Science)
Professors and instructors in soil science teach and conduct research on soil science topics, including soil fertility and fertilizer use. This course may be useful for professors and instructors in soil science who want to improve their understanding of the latest developments in fertilizer technology and nutrient management.
Research Scientist (Soil Science)
Research scientists in soil science conduct research on soil science topics, including soil fertility and fertilizer use. They may work for universities, government agencies, or private companies. This course may be useful for research scientists in soil science who want to improve their understanding of the latest developments in fertilizer technology and nutrient management.
Plant Nutritionist
Plant nutritionists study the nutritional needs of plants. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, research institutions, and agricultural businesses. This course may be useful for plant nutritionists who want to improve their understanding of fertilizer use and nutrient management, as this knowledge can help them develop better recommendations for plant fertilization.
Fertilizer Sales Representative
Fertilizer sales representatives sell fertilizers and other agricultural products to farmers and other agricultural businesses. They may also provide technical advice to customers on how to use fertilizers effectively. This course may be useful for fertilizer sales representatives, as it covers topics such as fertilizer types, nutrient management, and application methods. This knowledge can help them better understand the products they are selling and how to meet the needs of their customers.
Crop Consultant
Crop consultants provide advice to farmers on all aspects of crop production, including soil management, crop nutrition, and pest control. They may also work with agricultural businesses to develop and market new products and services. This course may help crop consultants build a foundation in the fundamentals of fertilizer use, which can help them provide better advice to their clients.
Horticulturist
Horticulturists study the cultivation of plants. They may work in a variety of settings, including greenhouses, nurseries, and botanical gardens. This course may be useful for horticulturists who want to improve their understanding of soil fertility and fertilizer use, as this knowledge can help them grow healthier and more productive plants.
Soil Conservationist
Soil conservationists work to protect soil from erosion and degradation. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for soil conservationists who want to improve their understanding of soil fertility and nutrient management, as this knowledge can help them develop better soil conservation practices.
Farm Manager
Farm managers oversee the day-to-day operations of farms. They are responsible for planning and implementing crop production, livestock management, and financial planning. This course may be useful for farm managers who want to improve their understanding of soil fertility and fertilizer use, as this knowledge can help them make better decisions about how to manage their farms.
Landscape Architect
Landscape architects design and create outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and campuses. They may also work on environmental restoration projects. This course may be useful for landscape architects who want to improve their understanding of soil fertility and plant nutrition, as this knowledge can help them design and maintain healthy and sustainable landscapes.
Water Quality Specialist
Water quality specialists study and work to protect water quality. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for water quality specialists who work on issues related to agriculture and fertilizer runoff, as it covers topics such as nutrient management and fertilizer runoff.
Natural Resources Manager
Natural resources managers oversee the management of natural resources, such as forests, water, and wildlife. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for natural resources managers who work on issues related to agriculture and water quality, as it covers topics such as nutrient management and fertilizer runoff.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists study the environment and work to protect it from pollution and degradation. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for environmental scientists who work on issues related to agriculture and water quality, as it covers topics such as nutrient management and fertilizer runoff.
Agronomist
Agronomists study soil management and crop production. They may work with private companies or government agencies to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. This "Basics of Fertilizers" course may be useful for agronomists because it covers topics such as soil fertility, plant nutrition, and fertilizer application methods. This knowledge can help agronomists make informed decisions about how to manage soil and crops in order to maximize yields and minimize environmental impacts.
Environmental Engineer
This course may be useful to environmental engineers as well, especially those who are involved in the design and implementation of agricultural waste management systems. Agricultural waste can be a significant source of nutrients, and it is important to manage it properly in order to minimize environmental impacts. This course can help environmental engineers understand the different types of fertilizers and their environmental impacts.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Basics of Fertilizers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of soil fertility and fertilizers. It covers essential plant nutrients, soil fertility, fertilizer types, and fertilizer management practices. A valuable resource for students and professionals in agronomy, soil science, and environmental science.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental chemistry of soils, including their role in nutrient cycling and the fate of pollutants.
This text focuses on improving fertilizer use efficiency and reducing environmental impacts.
Provides a comprehensive overview of fertilizers and crop nutrition. It covers essential plant nutrients, fertilizer types, fertilizer application methods, and environmental impacts of fertilizers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of fertilizer use in agriculture. It covers essential plant nutrients, fertilizer types, fertilizer application methods, and environmental impacts of fertilizers.
This reference book provides detailed information on the use of fertilizers and soil amendments in agriculture, covering their production, application, and environmental impact.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of soil chemistry, including the properties of soils and their use in agriculture.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the role of organic matter in soil fertility, including its production, decomposition, and impact on soil properties.
This reference book provides detailed information on the use of biochar in environmental management, including its production, application, and environmental benefits.

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