Fertilizers and pesticides are useful tools in agricultural production as well as landscaping. However, they contain powerful chemicals you must handle properly to avoid damage to the environment and to yourself. Before handling any chemical fertilizers and pesticides it’s a good idea to receive training on how to use them correctly.

As fertilizer prices soar, it can be tempting to cut corners on ag fertilizer and pesticide applications. That’s not a wise choice. The synthetic fertilizers and pesticides commonly used today require precise application in order to work properly. Good fertilizers and pesticides education and training should provide you with the following information:

1. Ways to mix fertilizers and pesticides in a safe manner.

2. Techniques to make chemical fertilizers and pesticides applications effective.

3. Proper disposal of any remaining chemicals in the applicator, as well as the original containers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Participate in self-training in fertilizers and pesticides usage

Most states require some form of certification to spray ag fertilizer or pesticides commercially. You can acquire training information from your state's department of agriculture website. Fertilizer and pesticide producers also provide training, as do their vendors.

I recommend: You can find a number of fertilizers and pesticides articles from GreenView, a part of the Lebanon Seaboard Corporation. These provide basic information on a number of topics related to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. You can also find information about organic fertilizer. Montana’s Department of Agriculture offers information about the training necessary to use ag fertilizers in that state. You can find fertilizers and pesticides education and training from the Colorado State University Extension. It offers insight on the safe storage of soil conditioners, liquid fertilizer and pesticides.

Focus your fertilizers and pesticides education and training on pesticides

State regulatory agencies are more specific about what you can and cannot do with pesticides, so the training opportunities are easier to find.

I recommend: The Ohio State University Extension offers training in pesticide certification. The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture offers many pesticide manuals. From this website you can learn good management practices, as well as find locations for local pesticides training.

Become knowledgeable about soil conditioners

Soil conditioners and fertilizers make the ground more receptive to growing crops. As you study fertilizers, you can find all sorts of man-made chemicals and natural materials that make your soil productive.

I recommend: You can take the continuing education units of study from the International Certified Crop Adviser Program. These courses instruct you in the proper uses of agriculture fertilizers. With this specialized ag fertilizer training, you can find a job as a pesticides and chemical fertilizers applications technician. The University of Maryland provides farmers with information and training on the most organic soil conditioner of all—manure.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Save all of your fertilizers and pesticides education and training information. You may need it to help calibrate mixtures as you prepare to apply fertilizers and pesticides.

Fertilizers and pesticides are a necessity for today's agriculture industry. Using the correct products on your crop can increase your crop yield. It's not only important to use the right soil conditioners, ag fertilizers and pesticides, but it equally important to make sure they are applied correctly.

Fertilizer companies and pesticide producers are creating better technologies for maximum crop productivity, while protecting soil quality, water quality, and the environment. In the United States, we have an ever-decreasing land base, making it more important than ever for farmers to maximize production. Today's fertilizers and pesticides help production by:

1. Improving the soil for replanting by replacing nutrients to maintain soil fertility.
2. Being more efficient by using fewer pesticides and chemical fertilizers to get the job done.
3. Keeping crops healthy and safe by eliminating pests that can damage the crop before it has a chance to go to market.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Improve soil condition with soil conditioners

The condition of your soil can limit crop production. Poor soil can restrict water intake into the soil and subsequent movement, deter plant root development, and lessen the aeration of the soil. By adding a soil conditioner, you can improve the quality and production of your crop, and enhance the use of agriculture fertilizers.

I recommend: Nitron Formula A-35 Organic Soil Conditioner, sold by ARBICO Organics, is a soil conditioner that does it all by enhancing fertilizers, restoring deficient soil and making more nutrients available to your plants. It can also aid in germination and increases microbial action. It is available in sizes from 1 pint to 55 gallons. If you are not sure what type of soil conditioner to use, you can search Alibris to find a soil conditioner handbook. They offer a large selection of used, new, and out-of-print books on their website.

Determine if you want to use an organic fertilizer and pesticide

With today's technological advances, organic fertilizers and pesticides are as good as chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and they are better for the environment. Organic fertilizer can also be a more cost-effective ag fertilizer for your business.

I recommend: Smart World Organics, Inc., in business for over 25 years, offers next-generation organic and sustainable fertilizers, non-toxic insect controls and plant protection products, as well as seed, soil and silage inoculates. AgraQuest, Inc., offers you innovative natural pest management product solutions. Both of these companies offer great alternatives to chemical products.

Find fertilizers and pesticides that save you money

Fertilizer prices can cut into your bottom line. Instead, make your own organic fertilizer to cut down on costs. Another way to save money is to find a product that works over a period of time and doesn't have to be reapplied often.

I recommend: Dirt Works sells a variety of organic fertilizer kits. They put everything you need in a kit, so you don't waste time searching for what you need. They also have kits for soil conditioners and pest control. DIATECT International has an organic fertilizer that lasts for three months, supplying nutrients to your crop continuously.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you need more information on fertilizers and pesticides, the EPA's website is a good place to start. You can search for information on fertilizers or pesticides and it will bring up articles pertaining to these products. It is also a good source to see what chemicals are not being used anymore. It is easy to use and can save you valuable time on researching a topic.

Fertilizers and pesticides key terms can be confusing. But once you understand the basics, you'll see that the terms are really pretty simple. Whether you spread fertilizers and pesticides on a small lawn or a large farm field, the concepts are the same. Many of the key terms for fertilizers are applicable for pesticide applications as well. As you look at fertilizers and pesticides key terms, a basic understanding of chemistry can help you understand the processes that go into mixing and applying fertilizers and pesticides.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Fertilizer ratio

Fertilizer ratio is the proportion of nitrogen, phosphate and potash in a fertilizer mix. As you look at fertilizer products, you see ratios like this: 10-10-10. This mix would have equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphate and potash. A 0-10-5 mix would have no nitrogen, 10 parts phosphate and 5 parts potash. You can have the fertilizer ratio customized to your specifications.

I recommend: PlantCare.com has an explanation of fertilizer ratio.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen (N) is the first ingredient listed on fertilizer packaging. It can give plants the energy they need to germinate quickly. Because nitrogen can leach out of the soil and into groundwater, it's best to use the minimum needed for your plantings.

I recommend: Colorado State University has a white paper that discusses organic nitrogen as a source of fertilizer.

Phosphorus, or phosphate

Phosphorus (P) is the second ingredient in common fertilizer mixtures. In its most common form, phosphorus comes from the remains of ancient sea life compressed into rocks.

I recommend: The Fertilizer Institute shows examples of what phosphorus looks like in its natural state.

Potash, or potassium

You can get natural potash (K) today from wood ashes. Commercial potash comes from mines deep beneath the earth's surface. The potash comes from the salt-water deposits from ancient oceans.

I recommend: The R.C. Harris website, Improve-Your-Garden-Soil.com has a discussion of potash fertilizers.

Soil test

A soil test can tell you what balance of nitrogen, phosphorus or potash you need. An inexpensive soil test can save you money by allowing you to buy just the fertilizer mix you need.

I recommend: Lowe’s offers information on how to do a soil test.

Broadcast

A broadcast application works for both fertilizers and pesticides. This is a uniform application of the product using an applicator or spreader.

I recommend: Pennsylvania State University has a list of terms used in the pesticide industry. Many of these same terms apply to fertilizer applications. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has information on how to effectively calibrate dry broadcast fertilizer applicators.