Start with your crop’s needs when choosing fertilizer. Find out what to check in the recommendation, product information and application plan.
Price and availability matter when buying fertilizer. But the choice starts before you ask for a quote: you need to understand which nutrients the crop needs, what the soil can supply and how the fertilizer will be applied.
Buying the same blend every year may seem simpler. Even so, it is worth checking whether it still suits the field and the coming season's plan. Having used a product before is no substitute for an up-to-date recommendation.
Start with the crop's needs, then choose the blend
Fertilizer recommendations for annual crops in Brazil's Cerrado take account of both soil characteristics and crop requirements. Embrapa's guidance on fertilizer recommendations for the Cerrado explains the connection between assessing soil fertility and supplying nutrients.
In practice, speak to the agronomist responsible for your crop before placing the order. Bring the soil report, details of the crop you plan to grow and the field records you have. This gives the purchasing discussion a clear starting point.
Compare what each product actually supplies
Fertilizers differ in composition and nutrient concentration. Comparing only the price per tonne, without considering the declared nutrient content and the recommended application rate, does not give you the full picture.
Check the product information and ask about anything that is unclear. The color or appearance of the granules is no substitute for knowing their composition. Embrapa's chapter on efficient fertilizer use and management discusses different nutrient sources and how they are used.
Think through the application as well
Alongside the nutrient source and rate, the timing and application method need to fit the production system. The fertilizer must arrive on time and suit the planned operation. A useful quote lets you consider the product, quantity, delivery and intended use together.
Before confirming an order, make sure you can answer these questions:
What is the agronomic recommendation for this field?
Which nutrients does the product supply, and in what amounts?
When will it be applied, and when does it need to arrive?
Has the application method been agreed with the agronomist?
Is there suitable storage that meets the manufacturer's instructions?
For growers in and around Uberlândia, having this conversation early helps get orders organized before the planting rush. The Mega Agronegócios team can provide quotes for available options based on the needs you share with us.
This article provides general information. Nutrient sources, application rates and methods should follow agronomic recommendations for the crop and field.