For example, nitrogen is quite mobile, so it will come in contact with plant roots more easily than will potassium or phosphorus, which are less mobile. There are many ways to get the fertilizer in contact with the plant roots, and there are advantages and disadvantages for each method. Banding fertilizer is especially important for phosphorus fertilizers. In this way, the roots after germination will have to grow through the fertilizer. The negative effects of the immobility of phosphorus are reduced by the close association of roots with the banded fertilizer.
Care is needed to avoid salt injury to seeds and seedlings with banding.
Potatoes are a crop that will frequently have the fertilizer banded. In this photo a band has been placed on both sides of the potato plant. This ridge till planter also has a tube that can band a fertilizer while planting. Broadcasting fertilizer is frequently done after the crop has been harvested, in preparation for the next crop. These materials should then be incorporated by plowing to avoid water pollution by runoff.