Over-fertilising

Over-fertilising refers to supplying excessive nutrients to the soil or directly to the plant. In this case, plants receive more fertiliser than they can absorb and use. Over-fertilising can damage plant growth and, in the long run, also put a strain on soil and the environment.

Over-fertilising most commonly occurs through feeding too often, applying too high a dose, or choosing the wrong fertiliser. Mineral fertilisers tend to act faster and more intensely, but organic fertilisers can also cause problems if applied incorrectly.

Typical signs of over-fertilising include:

• brown or scorched leaf tips
• strong leaf growth combined with weak flowering or fruiting
• wilting despite moist soil
• salt deposits on the soil surface or around the rim of the pot

Excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen, can also lead to increased leaching into groundwater. At the same time, the natural balance of soil life is disrupted, which can impair soil fertility in the long term.

To avoid over-fertilising, fertiliser should always be applied according to actual need. Soil analyses, adjusted feeding intervals and precisely following dosage recommendations help supply plants optimally while avoiding damage.