Agronomy Degree Practice Exam

What is the process of spreading fertilizer uniformly over the soil's surface called?

1. Banding

2. Broadcasting

3. Foilar application

4. Top dressing

The correct answer is: Broadcasting

The process of spreading fertilizer uniformly over the soil's surface is known as broadcasting. This method involves distributing the fertilizer in such a way that it covers the soil evenly, which helps ensure that plants can absorb the nutrients as they grow. Broadcasting is commonly used for various types of fertilizers and can be performed using hand-held spreaders or specialized machinery. In contrast, banding refers to placing fertilizer in concentrated bands near the plant roots, which is useful for targeted nutrient delivery. Foliar application involves spraying fertilizers directly onto the leaves of plants, allowing for quick absorption through the foliage. Top dressing is similar to broadcasting in that it adds material to the surface, but it often refers to adding organic matter or additional nutrients after the crops are established, rather than applying the initial fertilizer uniformly. Thus, broadcasting is the most appropriate term for the uniform spreading of fertilizer over the soil.