Nawoenie

Nawożenie, or fertilization, is an agricultural practice that involves supplying plants with nutrients through the application of fertilizers. The aim is to replace nutrients removed by crops, maintain soil fertility, and improve yields and quality. In non-diacritic Polish texts the term is written nawozenie.

Fertilizers are categorized as organic (manure, compost, digestate, cover crops) and mineral (synthetic nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compounds). The essential macronutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K); secondary elements include calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S); micronutrients include iron, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, and molybdenum.

Common application methods include basal application before sowing, broadcasting, banding in the root zone, top-dressing during growth, fertigation, and, in some cases, foliar feeding. Timing and rates depend on crop demand, soil fertility, and weather; many crops use split applications to match peak nutritional needs.

Planning relies on soil analysis and crop requirements to determine appropriate doses and to minimize waste and environmental risk. Regular soil and tissue testing support adjustments of fertilizer programs.

Environmental considerations include risks of nitrate leaching, phosphorus runoff, ammonia volatilization, and soil acidification. Best practices to reduce impacts include precision or site-specific application, adherence to nutrient management plans, cover crops, and respecting regulatory guidelines. Regulatory frameworks in the European Union and Poland govern fertilizer use, labeling, and environmental safeguards, including compliance with the Nitrate Directive.