How to Fertilize Dirt

Prepare the soil for fertilization three to four weeks before you plant. Till or plow the soil to loosen the soil particles. You can use a rotary tiller for large areas -- otherwise, a garden spade is sufficient. Dig a 12-inch layer of topsoil and set it aside. Dig 12 more inches of soil in the root zone and turn it as well, keeping it in the hole. Replace the top soil.

Apply half of the recommended amount of inorganic fertilizers before the growing season starts. This allows plenty of time for the fertilizer to permeate the soil and affect nutrient levels and also minimizes the risk of plant burn, which can occur when large amounts of inorganic fertilizer are applied at one time.

Apply organic, slow-release fertilizers three to four weeks before planting time. Slow-release fertilizers take much longer to impact nutrient levels and may be ineffective if they are applied too close to planting time.

Apply 2 to 4 lbs. of a complete fertilizer per 1,000 square feet per year if your soil analysis does not indicate any need for special fertilizer needs. According to the North Carolina State University Extension, this amount is ideal for general soil health and plant growth.

Apply the rest of the fertilizer after the seeds are planted by the banding method. Make two furrows along the sides of the planting rows, about 3 inches from the root zone. Dig the furrows to a depth of about 2 to 3 inches and apply fertilizer at the recommended rates. Cover the furrows with soil after the fertilizer has been applied. This method ensures that plant roots are not damaged by the fertilizer.

Maintain soil nutrient levels by applying a mixed fertilizer each spring. Mixed fertilizers provide a combination of the three major macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. For optimal soil health, obtain a new soil analysis each year to determine the best fertilizer to use.