So what does fertilizer actually do in this game?

[Lucifer Sam]

Maybe my game is glitched. Not using any mods and it appears that fertilizer doesn't actually increase crop yields. Is it because I'm on medium difficulty? Can't find anything about this. No matter how much or how little I use I get the exact same yields every time. Does fertilizer increase crop quality and make it sell for more?

[Jamski]

increases yield if fertilizing twice you gain 98% more, the last 2% is from mulching and rolling

[Kayeka]

You can only fertilize a given crop twice, and it needs to be on different growth stages. Like, if you fertilize directly after seeding, and again after sprouting, you gained the maximum benefit.

[Lucifer Sam]

What I'm saying though is that whether I fertilize to 50% or 100% the yield stays the same. I even didn't fertilize at all last time and I still got the same yield lol.

[Lucifer Sam]

I know that Kayeka. I always fertilize like that, so I actually thought maybe that was the wrong way lol

[Lucifer Sam]

Ok just double checking here. My game must be glitched. Start a new one

[Jamski]

have you got stuff on like stones, need plowing, weeds?

[margalus]

Harvester in good health? As the harvesters wear the amount they harvest goes down.

[ravensview]

Do you mean yield as measured in volume, or as indicated on the fields when you walk in them? Because you should see the latter go up as you do various things to improve it.

[mskelton73]

Several misinterpretations in this thread.
1) fertilize, lime, plowing, mulching, etc, etc do not change by difficulty level (or at least not base game 1.2.0.0) The rate you are paid changes based on base price of the product (which does change based on difficulty.)

2) Fertilizer is I think 24% per spreading (so 48% total). To get to 98% most likely you have (or have the options turned off and get it automatically) plow (15% I think), Lime (15%), weed (20%) and 2X lime (48%). Don't hold me to the exact percentages there but I do know that it is 98% if and only if all are done. Mulching another 2.5% and rolling after seeding 2.5% will get it to 102%. Rolling rocks before planting(gets rid of small stone and supposed to give a bonus although I do not think it works). Rocking picking gives no bonus but prevents wear to equipment.

3) The second fert state does not require a growth state at least currently only a change of any state (growth, soil state, etc.) Currently when a crop is ready (at least for grain that is) I harvest, much, lime if needed, plow with a sub soiler (leaves as a cultivated state so have the one implement instead of both a plow and cultivator), fertilize, seed, roll, fertilize (seeding/rolling changed soil state), weed (yes weeds do not have to have appeared just look at the field info screen after seeding, also this makes sure you can use a weeder as weeds tend at times to jump past the first growth state). So the result is I just got 102% all in the same day with back to back operations and do not have to touch it till it is ready to harvest again. 102% is the best I have figured out how to get so if you find something better let me know

[mskelton73]

I should mention I play medium with the following changes crop destruction off, plowing on, and all auto buys turned off (btw want to lose all your money leave these on as the charge a huge markup when you use helpers). I do with 1.2.0.0 use helpers significantly now. The current game I am playing I started Elm Creek and zeroed all money with no property or equipment. Been doing contracts and have built up a significant stockpile of equipment and about ready to buy farm. I prefer the mid level equipment 250-300 HP tractor, 6M working widths. I am currently 7 months in this save.