Planting Hole Application

Young orchards, vineyards, and forestry plantations benefit significantly from the right start. Applying fertilizers, often controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs), directly into the planting hole delivers nutrients exactly where young plants need them most. Unlike conventional fertilizers, whose uncontrolled release can hinder plant development, ICL’s solutions for planting hole application offer a nutrient supply, carefully matched to crops’ demands, that supports healthy establishment and long-term productivity.

What is Planting Hole Application?

Planting hole application involves placing fertilizer directly in the planting hole before or during the planting of crops, particularly young trees or vines. This method is especially effective with phosphorus-rich fertilizers, as phosphorus plays a key role in early root development and is needed in greater quantities during the establishment phase.

Positioning nutrients close to the developing root system allows for immediate uptake and early support. However, applying conventional granular fertilizers in this way can lead to problems: their rapid nutrient release may create high salt concentrations in the root zone, potentially damaging young roots and reducing plant survival. Controlled-release fertilizers are specifically designed to mitigate this risk. Their nutrient release is gradual and temperature-dependent, providing a sustained, crop-matched supply over weeks or months.

Not all suitable planting hole fertilizers are controlled-release. ICL’s Puraloop, a high-quality, granular phosphate fertilizer made using recycled materials, also performs exceptionally well in this application. Its double-action phosphorus formulation improves phosphorus use efficiency and supports early development.

Why Choose ICL Controlled-Release Fertilizers?

ICL’s range of planting hole fertilizers, including both controlled-release and high-efficiency phosphate products, ensures safe and effective nutrient delivery right from the start. Products featuring ICL’s Resin Release Technology or E-Max Release Technology provide controlled nutrient availability over extended periods, while Puraloop offers an immediately available and long-lasting phosphorus source for vigorous early growth.

Key benefits of planting hole application with CRFs include:

• Precise nutrient placement – close to the root zone
• Safe, controlled nutrient delivery for up to 18 months – reduced risk of salt stress
• Support for early growth – encouraging uniform crop establishment
• Single-application convenience – reducing labor and input costs

ICL Solutions for Planting Hole Application

The following ICL products are recommended for planting hole use in agriculture:

Agroblen®

Agroblen® is a fully coated NPK fertilizer that delivers controlled nutrient release for up to 18 months. Formulated for permanent crops such as trees and vines, it supports early development and reduces the need for multiple fertilizer applications. Agroblen® is available in a wide range of NPK formulations tailored to different crop and soil requirements.

Agroblen® Tablet

Agroblen® Tablet delivers the same controlled-release technology in a convenient tablet format. Each tablet contains a precise dose of nutrients, simplifying application and ensuring consistency from plant to plant. It’s particularly useful for high-efficiency planting in orchards, vineyards, and forestry operations.

PURALOOP® 0-38-0

Puraloop® is a high-quality granular phosphate fertilizer produced using recycled phosphorus. Its double-action formulation provides both fast-acting and longer-lasting phosphorus, supporting early root development and improving phosphorus use efficiency. Its consistent quality and low salt index make it well suited to planting hole use.

Best Practice Guidelines

To maximize the effectiveness of planting hole application:

• Placement: Apply fertilizer in the planting hole, close to the root zone.
• Timing: Apply at the time of planting or transplanting.
• Irrigation: Ensure thorough watering after application to support nutrient activation.
• Product selection (CRF): Use fully coated controlled-release fertilizers such as Agroblen® for a safe, extended nutrient supply.
• Product selection (Puraloop): Although uncoated fertilizers are generally unsuitable for planting hole use due to salt risk, Puraloop is an exception. Its low salt index and specialized formulation make it a safe and effective phosphorus source for this method.

A Reliable Start for Long-Term Success

Planting hole application using ICL’s controlled-release fertilizers or Puraloop provides young crops with a balanced and reliable nutrient supply during the critical establishment phase. By reducing losses and preventing early stress, these products help ensure uniform development, laying the foundations for long-term yield and performance.