Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Which of the following is a method of fertilizer application?

1. Side dressing

2. Leaching

3. Sterilization

4. Pasteurizing

The correct answer is: Side dressing

Side dressing is indeed a recognized method of fertilizer application. This practice involves placing a fertilizer material alongside the growing plant after the initial planting. It enhances nutrient availability to the plants during critical growth stages, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients at the right time without disturbing the root system. It can be particularly effective with vegetable crops that benefit from additional nutrients during their growth cycle. Leaching, while a process that can affect plant nutrition by washing away nutrients from the soil, is not a method of applying fertilizer. Instead, it typically refers to the drainage of nutrients beyond the reach of plant roots, which can result from excessive watering or rain. Sterilization and pasteurizing are processes typically associated with soil treatment to eliminate pathogens and pests before planting. They do not fall under the category of fertilizer application methods. Therefore, side dressing stands out as the only option that directly applies fertilizer to enhance plant growth effectively.