Slow-Release Fertilizers: A Scope to Efficient Agriculture in Nepal

Slow and controlled-release fertilizers are proposed as a solution to improve the nutrient use efficiency of plants. This review article provides a general look on application of quick- and slow-release fertilizers for commercial crop producers, researchers, and students who are interested in nutrient management for commercial crop production. They are also very useful in the soil which is more proned to nutrient loss through leaching, flooding and runoff. Using fertilizers without identifying and calculating right source and right amount and their application all at once without timing applications to the plants' growth stage pattern can expose plants to burning, toxicity and nutrient loss. It frequently means that nutrients will not be available to plants when they need them. In this case, slow release of nutrients not only protect plants from burning and other toxic symptoms, but also be available to the plants whenever they demand for nutrients. Unlikely, Slow-release fertilizers are more expensive and less water soluble than traditional fast-release fertilizers. Slow-release fertilizer works depending on many factors, including microbial activity, temperature, and moisture in the soil. We can sum up as Slow-release fertilizers are also the alternatives to air and soil polluting quick releasing fertilizers and inefficient fertilizers application malpractices. This review article tries to reveal how the research organizations are using and recommending the slow-release fertilizers in different crops in Nepal.