What is the consequence of applying fertilizer right before a heavy rain?

Applying fertilizer just before a heavy rain primarily results in washing the fertilizer away. When heavy rainfall occurs shortly after fertilization, there is a high likelihood that the nutrients intended for the soil will be leached away into waterways. This runoff can lead to water pollution, as excess nutrients in water bodies can contribute to problems such as algal blooms, which negatively impact aquatic ecosystems and can pose risks to human health.

While uniform application and nutrient absorption are important components of effective fertilization practices, they are not achieved under circumstances of heavy rainfall. Additionally, while there may be some limited scenarios where applying fertilizer before rain could be beneficial, such as on certain types of soil or in specific agricultural practices, in general, it is best to avoid applying fertilizer prior to heavy rain to prevent the loss of nutrients and protect the environment.