What is broadcast application of fertilizer?
Broadcast fertilization involves spreading fertilizers uniformly over the soil surface, using equipment such as spreaders or sprayers, providing nutrients to a broad area for uptake by plants but not targeting specific plant root zones. It is versatile technique, commonly used in industrial agriculture across the US, especially in regions with large-scale crop production. Popular across a wide range of crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and forage crops.delivering nutrients to vast expanses of soil. Particularly suited for broad field crops like small grains, alfalfa, and pastures, but popular across a wide range of crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and forage crops, this method relies on specialized equipment known as broadcast spreaders for even distribution.
Balancing Act with Broadcast Spreaders
Broadcast spreaders come in diverse forms, from handheld tools to sizable tractor-mounted or aerial spreaders. At the core of their operation lies a granular fertilizer-loaded hopper. As the machinery traverses the land, these spreaders release the fertilizer, spinning it onto the soil surface or growing crops, ensuring a uniform dispersion.
What type of fertilizers are broadcast?
Broadcast fertilization can accommodate different types of fertilizers, including granular, liquid, and powdered formulations, further enhancing its versatility in meeting the nutrient needs of diverse crops and soils.
When are broadcast fertilizers applied?
Broadcast fertilizers are typically applied before planting or during early stages of crop growth. The timing of application can vary depending on factors such as the specific crop, soil conditions, and nutrient requirements. We also see Polysulphate fall-applied, to be available in the spring. Polysulphate’s limited movement in the soil, and gradual release profile make it an ideal choice for fall fertilization while still reducing risks of leaching and runoff.
Strategic Timing: Pre-Plant vs. Top-Dressing
Broadcasting finds its rhythm in two scenarios: pre-plant application and top-dressing. In pre-plant application, immediate soil incorporation is key to prevent nutrient losses through runoff, leaching, or volatilization. Such incorporation enhances root contact and minimizes surface nutrient loss.
What are the pros and cons of broadcast fertilization?
While broadcast fertilization offers convenience and cost-effectiveness, it requires careful management to minimize nutrient loss and environmental impact, particularly in modern sustainable agricultural practices.
Complexities and Benefits
Pros: While pre-plant broadcast applications tend to exhibit lower fertilizer use efficiency compared to banded methods, they can cover expansive areas swiftly and cost-effectively. Broadcast application is adaptable to various terrains, particularly excelling on irregularly shaped fields, slopes, and obstructed spaces. Broadcast can also be a cost-effective method for large scale operations and an easy application process, saving time and labor costs.
Cons: However, it’s important to note that in no-till systems, broadcasted nutrients may not be incorporated, potentially leading to nutrient imbalances. In contrast, the top-dressing approach relies on moisture to introduce surface-dwelling nutrients to the root zone. There are inherent risks of leaching and runoff, fertilizer waste, limited precision and environmental impact from excess fertilizer application.
Fine-Tuning for Success
To optimize the power of broadcast applications and mitigate drawbacks, farmers generally account for variables like soil type, crop variety, weather patterns, and nutrient demands. Adjustments to application rates and timing based on these factors can significantly enhance its impact. Variable rate applications, incorporation of cover crops, well-timed applications, and regular soil testing can all help optimize broadcast fertilization strategies to minimize environmental impact and maximize ROI.
What crops benefit from broadcast applications?
The broadcast method of fertilizer application is commonly used across a range of crops in the USA, including field crops like corn and soybeans, forage crops such as alfalfa, cover crops, and grazing lands. It is a versatile approach that allows for uniform nutrient distribution over large areas, supporting crop growth and yield across diverse agricultural systems. We have seen positive results with broadcasting Polysulphate on wheat, barley and oats, with flexible application timing (before planting, at plant, or top-dressed). Polysulphate has excellent spreading characteristics; spreads evenly and accurately in the field up to 118 feet and trials show higher yields, better quality grain proteins and improved nitrogen use efficiency. Cotton can also benefit from broadcast applications of Polysulphate, especially in early spring before field preparation to reduce competition for application and storage equipment usage. A single Polysulphate application at pre-plant or planting will supply all the cotton crop’s sulfur needs, and the gradual release reduces environmental impacts and improves uptake.
Embrace the flexibility of broadcast application – a method that encompasses convenience, adaptability, and efficiency, nourishing crops across diverse landscapes.
8 Brands found

An industry-leading controlled release N-P-K for superior strawberries
Agriform® Strawberry Mix features 100% resin-coated NPK substrate for consistent nutrient supply. Its proven performance is well-known to California strawberry growers and is widely recognized as the industry standard for consistency and reliability. There are multiple formulations, making it easy to find the right choice for your specific region.
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The perfect controlled release solution for precision crop nutrition
Agroblen® Total controlled release fertilizers are designed to deliver precision crop nutrition that can be matched to your specific crop, stage of growth, climate and overall nutritional program to maximize yields. Agroblen® uses ICL’s patented Resin Release Technology that precisely controls the release of nutrients. The release is regulated by soil temperature and ensures that the nutrient availability closely matches plant demand. This reduces the excess of nutrients that is lost into the atmosphere or soil, which means it minimizes the fertilizer’s environmental impact. As a result, this technology maximizes your crops’ uptake and nutrition use. The proven performance of Agroblen® Total provides growers with unmatched nutritional options to meet the needs of their specific crops and growing conditions.
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State-of-the-art nutrition giving you higher Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) with fewer applications
Agrocote® sets the standard in efficient precision fertilization. The 100% individually N, P or K coated granules give you a continuous release of nutrients in a controlled manner. You’ll see the benefits of this breakthrough in precision nutrition reflected in higher crop yields. It’s both highly effective and exceptionally practical to use and easy to apply. Agrocote® also helps you reduce your environmental impact by limiting nutrient losses due to leaching, volatilization, denitrification and P-fixation. Agrocote® brings all the benefits of controlled-release plant nutrition to your fields.
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Unlock your crop's full potential with BIOZ® biostimulants & enhanced nutrient fertilizers
ICL’s BIOZ® biostimulants and enhanced nutrient fertilizers represent our commitment to innovative solutions that maximize crop yields sustainably. Developed to enhance crop growth and performance, our are specifically designed to optimize productivity and unlock the full potential of your crops. BIOZ® Diamond is currently registered for sale in the US. The full range of BIOZ® is coming soon! Seed Treatments for Superior Establishment- Our advanced BIOZ® seed treatments are engineered to improve crop establishment and performance right from the start. By providing essential nutrients and stimulating growth, our seed treatments lay the foundation for robust and thriving crops. Improve Soil Health & Quality- BIOZ® plays a crucial role in enhancing soil health and improving soil quality by boosting microbial diversity and stimulating root development. By fostering a greater root system and promoting increased microbial association, BIOZ® enhances nutrient foraging and uptake efficiency. This leads to improved soil health and quality, healthy plant growth and optimized crop productivity. Boosting Flowering, Fruit, and Seed Setting- With BIOZ®, you have access to powerful products that optimize flowering, fruit, and seed setting. Our biostimulants have been carefully formulated to enhance these critical stages of plant development, resulting in improved crop quality, yield, and market value. Stress Tolerance and Rapid Recovery- The impact on yield from periods of stress can be significant. That’s why we offer specialized products that boost crops’ tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Our biostimulants help plants adapt and overcome challenges such as heat, drought, and salinity, enabling them to thrive in adverse conditions. Additionally, our solutions promote rapid recovery from stress periods, ensuring your crops regain their vitality swiftly. Enhancing Stress Tolerance and Recovery- Combat the impact of stress on yield and enhance crops’ tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Our bio stimulant solutions help plants establish strong roots and a thriving soil biome, so they can adapt and overcome challenges such as heat, drought, and salinity, promoting rapid recovery and ensuring vitality even in adverse conditions. Tailored Solutions for Every Crop- Recognizing the unique needs of different crops, our BIOZ® biostimulants can be easily integrated into a nutrient management plan to complement other inputs and meet your specific requirements. Whether you’re cultivating cereals, annual or perennial fruit crops, vegetables, cotton, or soybeans, our range of biostimulants is designed to help your crops achieve their maximum yield potential. *BIOZ® is a registered trademark of ICL Europe Cooperative UA
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Strengthen your roots and maximize your yield to full potential with CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE is a premium “root builder” designed to enhance root development, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health. Combining high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade potassium-tri-poly phosphate (KTPP) with organic acids, CHALLENGE ensures optimal availability of potassium and phosphorus to the plant. Its pH-neutral formula is compatible with most pesticides, making it versatile for foliar, soil, drip, and transplant applications. CHALLENGE provides a proven, flexible solution to enhance crop performance and support quality yields.
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The power of Polysulphate with a boost of phosphorus and potassium for season-long nutrition
ICL PKpluS®: Your Complete 5-in-1 Fertilizer Solution for High-Performance Crop Nutrition ICL PKpluS® is a premium line of PK fertilizers plus Polysulphate, designed to provide a single solution for granular crop nutrition. ICL PKpluS delivers five essential nutrients—phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, magnesium, and calcium— all in one convenient application. This advanced fertilizer formulation ensures a steady, controlled release of nutrients over an extended period, optimizing nutrient delivery throughout the growing season for a wide range of crops. By applying ICL PKpluS, farmers can efficiently supply key nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium, along with sulfur, magnesium, and calcium, in a single product. This streamlined approach reduces the need for multiple applications, saving both time and effort.
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The groundbreaking total range of water-soluble straight and liquid fertilizers
You need pure, clean fertilizers to grow your crops safely. Nova provides the solution. The Nova line of water-soluble straight and liquid fertilizers offers a comprehensive portfolio of unique, highly soluble fertilizers specially selected for fertigation and foliar application. Offering growers a superior selection of single-source fertilizers essential to healthy and productive crop growth, at every stage, Nova fertilizers are a highly efficient, fast-dissolving, and 100% water-soluble source of essential NPK plant nutrients. Select Nova formulations are also available in concentrated liquid form for added flexibility and versatility! Derived from an unrivalled quality source, you can mix it with other straight or compound fertilizers, such as Agrolution, for maximum performance. Available as safe powder-blend fertilizers, and now in concentrated liquid form, precise formulations effectively deliver the nutrients required for optimum growth, yield, and quality. Highly pure, fully chelated, and fully soluble, nutrients quickly dissolve with no risk of clogging irrigation systems and are easily and safely blended, stored, and handled.
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The four-in-one natural fertilizer
What is Polysulphate (polyhalite)? Made by nature, mined by ICL. Polysulphate® is a naturally occurring mineral fertilizer, polyhalite, mined exclusively by ICL. Available as a granule, sphere, or powder, it is soluble, plant-available, and easy to blend and spread, making it a cost-effective sulfur solution. Deposited in the earth 260 million years ago, each Polysulphate granule naturally contains Sulfur, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium – four of the six essential macro-nutrients required for optimal plant growth. Since 2010, hundreds of field trials have been conducted worldwide demonstrating Polysulphate’s efficacy in improving both crop yield and quality. Why is Polysulphate more effective than other forms of sulfur? Polysulphate—a better source of Sulfur As a naturally occurring sulfate-based multi-nutrient, polyhalite, Polysulphate requires no chemical separation or industrial processing, delivering high agronomic value for low environmental impact. Providing a season-long source of plant-available nutrients, Polysulphate’s gradual release pattern safely meets peak plant demand and improves nutrient use efficiency while reducing risks of leaching. It is proven to produce a healthier and more productive crop across a wide variety of soil types. Low-chloride, low salt index, neutral pH and no liming effect make it a safe choice even for sensitive crops. Natural, certified-organic, low carbon footprint. Polysulphate is a natural product with a low carbon footprint, licensed for use in organic farming systems. Polysulphate sets the standard in environmental sustainability among fertilizers, with Polysulphate Standard, and Granular having the the lowest carbon footprint (compared to similar products) of just 0.0029 kilograms of CO2 equivalent per kilogram of product. Polysulphate is suitable for organic farming systems and is approved for organic use by several certification agencies around the world, including Ecocert, Ceres, and OMRI.
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