Boosting crop yields in Farming Simulator 25 is simple: each fertilization state increases yield by 23%, and applying two states gives you a maximum of 46%. It’s one of the easiest ways to ensure your hard work pays off. But how do you do it? Whether you’re new to the game or just need a quick refresher, this guide will help you get those fields in tip-top shape for a bountiful harvest through fertilizing.
How To Fertilize
Before we get into the process, let’s answer this question first: Why fertilize? Well, it’s like stocking up your store with your best-selling snacks—without it, you’re leaving money (and crops) on the table. Here are the benefits you don’t want to miss out on:
- Doubles your yield potential when applied twice.
- Works hand-in-hand with other field preps (lime, plowing, mulching).
- Gives you that satisfying “dark blue field” on the map, meaning your crops are maxed out!
There are several ways to fertilize, and each one has its perks. Here are all the methods and the tools needed to apply them (they can all be found under Yield Improvements):
- Solid Fertilizer: Solid fertilizer is your quick and reliable friend, like instant noodles when you’re on a budget.
- Get a Fertilizer Spreader from the store.
- Adjust the spread width to avoid overusing resources.
- Fill it up with fertilizer bags or pallets from Consumables.
- Liquid Fertilizer: For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, liquid fertilizer is here for you.
- Equip a Sprayer (you’ll find it in the Sprayers category).
- Fill it with liquid fertilizer. Bonus: These sprayers also double as weed controllers with herbicide!
- You can adjust the width of the spray for those tight field edges.
- Manure
- Gathered from cows, pigs, or water buffalo (if you’ve got ’em). Collect it and spread it using Manure Spreaders to save money.
- Slurry/Digestate
- By-products from animals or biogas plants, applied with Slurry Tanks.
- Seeder/Planter Fertilization
- Some Seeders can fertilize while planting, saving you time and effort.
Pro tip: If you’re using manure, slurry, or digestate, enable Double Application Rate to fertilize both states in one go. Two birds, one stone!
How to Check Fertilization Status
Let’s avoid the classic “Oops, I already fertilized!” moment. Before running over your fields, check their fertilization status to save time and resources:
- Open the menu and go to Soil Composition.
- Look for the Fertilized filter:
- No color: Field needs fertilization.
- Light blue: One state applied.
- Dark blue: Fully fertilized
Most crops need two fertilizer states to max out yields. But if you’re growing rice or long-grain rice, one state is all they need. It’s like those crops understand our need for chill farming sometimes.
Here are some Pointers & Tips About Fertilizing
- Timing Applications
- Apply the first state before planting.
- For the second state, fertilize after planting or during the growth stages—usually the next growth month.
- Double Application in One Pas
- Use manure, slurry, or digestate with the Double Application Rate enabled. It allows you to apply two states of fertilizer in a single pass!
- Protect Your Crops
- If Crop Destruction is on, be cautious when driving over grown crops.
- Equip narrow tires or disable the setting to avoid losses.
- Combining Tasks for Efficiency
- If you have a direct seeder, it can plant and fertilize simultaneously.
- Pair lime, mulching, and rolling with your fertilization routine to prep your fields perfectly. Speaking of field prepping, I have a detailed guide for everything you need to learn about Field Prep in Farming Simulator 25!
Wrapping Up
There you have it! That’s everything you need to know about fertilizers and how to use them efficiently in Farming Simulator 25. To add, after buying seeds, transport them using a flatbed trailer or equipment that can load stuff. A little planning goes a long way! Also, you can double fertilize in one month—apply the first state before planting and the second after planting or tilling. It’s a quick way to maximize your yields!
Fertilizing might seem tedious at first, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the game. Experiment with different methods, keep an eye on timing, and you’ll be rolling in crops in no time. If you’re looking for a quick sequence for managing your fields, you can try my method:
- Lime (if needed).
- Fertilize (first state).
- Mulch.
- Plow/cultivate.
- Sow seeds and fertilize (second state).
- Roll the field and remove weeds.
If you’re using a direct drill, no need to cultivate—just plant and fertilize in one go. Plus, if your direct drill has a fertilizing function, you’re all set for 100% fertilization right from the start. You can get all this done in one month!