They are used as fertilizers. Types of fertilizers: classification, differences, advantages

Some gardeners take the ideas of organic farming too literally and therefore refuse to use inorganic substances. But efficiency mineral fertilizers and their indispensability in crop production cannot be underestimated.

Mineral fertilizer is a substance consisting of inorganic compounds that contain nutrients necessary for plants to develop normally. Mineral fertilizers saturate the soil with phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, calcium and other macro- and microelements, helping to accelerate the ripening of fruits. If you are thinking about what mineral fertilizers to use in your garden, we suggest first understanding their classification.

Types of mineral fertilizers

Depending on the form in which fertilizers are produced, they are divided into liquid and granular.

Granular mineral fertilizers

One of the forms of fertilizer release is granules, which resemble small balls with a diameter of 1.5-5 mm. The advantages of granular mineral fertilizers over, for example, fertilizers in powder form are that the former have much lower consumption. So, for the same area you need to apply 1.5 times less granular ammonium nitrate than in powder form, and superphosphate is 2 times less than its analogue in powder form.

An undoubted advantage is that granular mineral fertilizers are convenient to store: they do not clump or cake (if you follow the storage conditions indicated on the packaging). They are easy to apply to the soil, they are not carried by the wind (the granules are quite heavy), while the powdered product can be dispersed even by not very strong gusts.

Liquid mineral fertilizers

Mineral fertilizers in liquid form are considered less harmful to environment, since the liquid is also not dispersed by the wind, but settles in the soil without being sprayed into the air.

When using liquid mineral fertilizer, strictly follow the instructions on the package so that the plant does not get burned.

Thanks to uniform distribution and rapid penetration deep into the soil liquid fertilizers are almost completely absorbed by plants, thereby bringing maximum benefit.

Characteristics of mineral fertilizers

Mineral fertilizers (they are also called “tuki”) can be complex or simple, i.e. containing 1 nutrient element. Based on what is the main active component, fertilizers are divided into phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen and microfertilizers (for example, boron, manganese, etc.).

Complex fertilizers contain several nutritional elements and have a broader effect on the plant. Let's consider popular complex mineral fertilizers, the names of which you probably know:

Name	Content of active ingredients	Application methods and rates	Notes
Ammophos	12% nitrogen and 40-50% phosphorus	Used for the main dressing for all crops, often in greenhouses. If there is a lack of phosphorus, it can also be used in fertilizing. Dosage: 20-30 g per 1 sq.m.	Used on soils poor in phosphorus (chernozem). In the fall, when digging the garden, you need to add any potash fertilizer to the ammophos. It dissolves well in water.
Diammofos	46% phosphorus and 18% nitrogen	In the spring, during the main treatment, 20-30 g per 1 sq.m. is added to the soil of neutral acidity.	Suitable for everyone vegetable crops.
Nitroammofoska (Azofoska)	16% nitrogen, 16% phosphorus and 16% potassium	In the fall, when digging, they apply it to any crop. Used for spring and summer feeding in dissolved form. Approximate norm: 50-60 g per 1 sq.m.	For fruit-bearing apple and pear trees, add 300-400 g, currants and gooseberries - 80-100 g, for cherries and sweet cherries - 120-150 g, per 1 linear meter of a row of raspberries - 40-50 g, strawberries - 25-30 g. It dissolves in water less well than nitrogen and potassium fertilizers, but better than phosphorus fertilizers.
Nitrophoska	11% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, 11% potassium	Due to its slow action, it is used more often as a main dressing, and less often as a top dressing. Apply in doses of 70-80 g per 1 sq.m.	When diluted, it forms a precipitate in the form of an insoluble phosphorus compound and is well stored.
Ammonium nitrate	34% nitrogen	To refuel and replenish depleted soil, add 35-50 g per 1 sq.m.	Do not use zucchini, squash, pumpkin and cucumbers for feeding, since these vegetables accumulate nitrates harmful to humans.
Potassium nitrate	13% nitrogen and 46% potassium	Used for foliar and root feeding of fruit trees, berry bushes, ornamental plants. Norm for all types of soil: 15-20 g per 1 sq.m.	Ineffective for feeding greens, cabbage, radishes, and potatoes.
Urea (Urea)	46% nitrogen	Used both for feeding vegetative plants and for fertilizing the soil before sowing and planting: 5-10 g per 1 sq.m.	It significantly acidifies the soil, therefore, for neutralization (if the soil is already acidic), limestone is added along with urea (at the rate of 400 g per 500 g of urea).
Simple superphosphate	6% nitrogen and 26% phosphorus	To fill the soil, add 50-70 g per 1 sq.m. For crops grown indoors, the application rate when digging is 75-90 g per 1 sq.m.	Do not use simultaneously with urea, lime, dolomite flour, ammonium nitrate. After applying these fertilizers, superphosphate is applied no earlier than a week later.
Double superphosphate	9% nitrogen and 46% phosphorus	Suitable for all types of soils and crops. During spring and autumn digging, add 40-50 g per 1 sq.m.	Can be applied together with potash fertilizers.
Potassium sulfate (Potassium sulfate)	50% potassium	When digging up soil in spring for vegetables and fruits, add 15-25 g per 1 sq.m.	Recommended for use on acidic soils ah - helps regulate acid-base balance. Cannot be used simultaneously with chalk and urea.
Potassium chloride (Potassium salt)	60% potassium	Like other fertilizers containing chlorine, potassium salt is recommended to be applied long before sowing crops. In autumn, when digging, the norm is 15-20 g per 1 sq.m.	Due to the chlorine content, it is not recommended to use it for feeding legumes, potatoes, grapes, and berry bushes.

Nitrogen mineral fertilizers

Nitrogen is “responsible” for increasing the green mass of the plant and subsequently increases productivity. Quite often in spring you can observe signs of nitrogen deficiency in the soil:

• slowing down plant growth;
• shoots grow thin and weak;
• the foliage becomes noticeably smaller and crumbles;
• in vegetable crops the leaves become lighter, in fruit crops they turn red;
• the number of inflorescences decreases.

These symptoms are most pronounced in potatoes, tomatoes, apple trees and strawberries (garden strawberries).

Nitrogen fertilizers are dangerous in case of overdose, since excess nitrogen in the form of nitrates accumulates in plant fruits, which negatively affects human health.

The group of nitrogen mineral fertilizers includes:

• ammonium nitrate;
• ammonium sulfate;
• calcium nitrate, etc.

Potassium mineral fertilizers

Potassium helps plants absorb nitrogen, increases the rate of protein formation, increases tissue strength, and reduces nitrate content.

When there is a lack of potassium in the soil, the following changes are noticeable in plants:

• brown spots on leaves;
• the edges leaf blade die off (“marginal burn”);
• the stem becomes thinner;
• growth slows down;
• the leaves curl into a “tube”.

The group of potassium mineral fertilizers includes:

• potassium nitrate;
• potassium sulfate;
• potassium chloride, etc.

Phosphorus mineral fertilizers

Phosphorus has a beneficial effect on fruit ripening, increases the sugar content in root crops, and increases plant productivity.

The lack of phosphorus in the soil is expressed in changes in appearance plants:

• blue-green spots appear on the leaves;
• the edges of the leaves curl up and dry out;
• seeds germinate poorly;
• shoots and flowers are deformed.

The group of phosphate mineral fertilizers includes:

• simple superphosphate;
• double superphosphate;
• hyperphosphate, etc.

Use of mineral fertilizers

Depending on the properties of the soil and the percentage of active substance in the fertilizer, the dose of mineral fertilizers applied when feeding plants changes:

Norms for applying mineral fertilizers
Fertilizer	Clayey and sandy-clayey soils		Floodplain soils
		Fertilizer dose (g/sq.m)	Active ingredient (g/sq.m)	Fertilizer dose (g/sq.m)
Ammonium nitrate	15-18	45-55	18-24	55-73
Ammonium sulfate		75-90		90-120
Calcium nitrate		88-107		88-141
Potassium nitrate	15-18 (nitrogen), 12-15 (potassium)	116-140 (nitrogen), 27-33 (potassium)		140-185 (nitrogen), 40-55 (potassium)
Potassium sulfate	12-15	25-31		37-50
Potassium chloride		22-27		33-44
Superphosphate	10-15	55-83	15-18	83-100
Double superphosphate		24-36		36-44
Hyperphosphate		33-50		50-60

Fertilizing with mineral fertilizers (as opposed to organic fertilizers) is held annually. However, don’t worry about spending money – at the end of the season, your investments and efforts will pay off with an excellent harvest.

Mineral fertilizers in spring

To nourish and protect plants in the spring, mineral fertilizers are applied to the soil to a depth of 20 cm in the following ratio (per 10 sq.m):

• potash fertilizers – 200 g;
• nitrogen fertilizers (urea or ammonium nitrate) – 300-350 g;
• phosphorus fertilizers – 250 g.

IN summer period fertilizing can be repeated, reducing the dosage of each drug by three times.

Mineral fertilizers in autumn

Fertilizers that need to be applied to autumn period, if possible should not contain nitrogen. Usually the packaging indicates that the product is intended for autumn feeding. The active ingredients in this case are phosphorus, calcium and potassium.

2-3 weeks before harvesting, the application of mineral fertilizers to the soil must be stopped.

At autumn digging complex mineral fertilizer is evenly distributed over the area at the rate of 60-120 g per 1 sq.m. The table of mineral fertilizers (see above) will help you calculate the exact dose that is optimal for feeding plants.

Mineral fertilizers for potatoes

Potatoes, like other crops, need full development You need to get many different microelements. Therefore, in addition to organic fertilizers, mineral fertilizers should also be applied to fertilize potatoes.

In the spring, when preparing the soil for planting potatoes, mineral fertilizers are applied per 1 sq.m in the following quantities:

• For fertile soil: 20-25 g of superphosphate, 10 g of ammonium nitrate, 15 g of potassium fertilizers;
• for soil of average fertility: 30 g of nitrogen, 20-30 g of phosphorus and 25 g of potassium fertilizers;
• for depleted soil: 30-40 g of superphosphate, 10 g of ammonium nitrate, 20-30 g of potassium chloride.

In the fall, when digging, add (per 1 sq.m.) 30 g of superphosphate and 15 g of potassium sulfate.

For root feeding of potatoes, use a mixture of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers (2:1:1), dissolving 25 g of this mixture in 10 liters of water. You can also use a solution of ammonium nitrate (20 g per 10 liters of water).

For spraying (foliar feeding) of potatoes, prepare the following solution: dissolve 100 g of urea (urea), 150 g of potassium monophosphate and 5 g of boric acid. This feeding is carried out 2 weeks after emergence, diluting the solution 2 times, and then every 2 weeks until flowering (with an undiluted solution).

Mineral fertilizers for cucumbers

Even in the fall, when digging, the following mixture is added to the area where it is planned to plant cucumbers in the future (per 1 sq.m.): 10-25 g of potassium salt, 15-25 g of ammonium sulfate, 25 g of ammonium nitrate.

For the second root feeding, dissolve 2 tbsp in 10 liters of water. superphosphate. Also, in order to activate the flowering of cucumbers, they carry out foliar feeding: 1/4 tsp. boric acid, 2-3 crystals of potassium permanganate are dissolved in a glass of water and sprayed on the plants.

Third feeding of cucumbers: spraying with urea solution (10-15 g per 1 liter of water). This will rejuvenate the leaves, improve photosynthesis, and prevent yellowing of the plant.

Mineral fertilizers for tomatoes

20 days after planting tomato seedlings in the greenhouse, the first feeding is carried out: 1 tbsp. nitrophoska is dissolved in 10 liters of water.

The average rate of applying a mineral fertilizer solution to the soil is 1 liter of working solution per bush.

Second feeding (after 10 days): 1 tsp. potassium sulfate per 10 liters of water, third (after 12 days): 1 tbsp. superphosphate per 10 liters of water (you can add 2 tablespoons of wood ash).

Mineral fertilizers for strawberries

The first feeding of strawberries is carried out at the very beginning of the season, when the snow has already melted and the weather has settled relatively warm weather. At this time, it is important to add a sufficient amount of nitrogen: dissolve 1 tablespoon in 10 liters of water. nitroammophoska and pour 0.5-1 liter of solution under each bush.

After harvesting, towards the end of July, add the following solution: 1 tsp. potassium sulfate and 2 tbsp. nitrophoska per 10 liters of water. In the fall, you can add complex fertilizer to the soil for autumn feeding of strawberries.

Mineral fertilizers for flowers

Not all flowers are equally well tolerated different types fertilizers Thus, marigolds, asters, nasturtiums and many bulbous plants (tulips, daffodils, etc.) react poorly to organic fertilizers. Therefore, the use of mineral fertilizers is perfect option for feeding flowers.

In the spring, after the snow melts, when the soil dries out, the flowers are fed with nitrogen fertilizers - they will help the plants grow healthy green mass. Then, during budding, potassium-phosphorus fertilizers are applied to speed up the flowering of the buds. At the end of the season, after the plants have flowered, for feeding perennial flowers potassium fertilizers are used.

Storage of mineral fertilizers

Mineral fertilizers are stored in non-residential premises on separate shelves or racks with relative humidity air no more than 40%. Under no circumstances should tuks be stored under open air or leave the bags on the dirt floor - the fertilizers will become damp and unusable. The exception is phosphates; they can also be stored at high humidity.

If the humidity in the room where mineral fertilizers are stored has increased, use a dehumidifier or provide ventilation.

The optimal temperature is not higher than 25-27°C and not lower than 0°C. The shelf life of mineral fertilizers is unlimited, but some manufacturers indicate on the packaging guarantee period, which averages 2-3 years.

So, armed useful information oh no organic fertilizers, feel free to start fertilizing the plants. But do not forget that even the best mineral fertilizers will not save the harvest if you neglect timely and conscientious care of your garden.

Contents of the article

Modern agriculture actively uses all developments chemical industry to achieve good harvests. Fertilizers (dung, ash) were used by the first farmers, and today they exist various compositions fertilizers for fields, gardens and vegetable gardens of different soils and all kinds of climatic conditions.

IN agriculture There are simple and complex fertilizers. Simple ones contain 1 active element, and multi-component supplements are called complex.

Complex additives are divided into:

1. In terms of composition - double (nitrogen-potassium, nitrogen-phosphorus), triple (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium).
2. According to the mixing method - complex, mixed and combined (complex mixed).

Complex fertilizers are liquid and solid fertilizers, including mineral complex. Identifies the main properties complex fertilizers:

• a chemical compound contains 2 or 3 elements;
• consists of identical granules and molecules;
• produced by processing the primary component or less complex fertilizers;
• have low or high hygroscopicity;
• well or poorly soluble in water.

Such fertilizers are essentially salts, in which the proportion of elements depends on the needs of a particular plant and is regulated by mixing with simple fertilizers.

If potassium nitrate consists of 46% potassium, 13% nitrogen, then nitrogen or any phosphorus must be added to their composition.

The dose that needs to be applied to the soil for fertilizing depends on the concentration of the main component. The more it is, the less you need to apply. When applying complex fertilizers, the components are evenly distributed in the soil and reduce costs by 15%.

Types of complex fertilizers and their composition

Complex fertilizer usually includes 4 main components in different combinations: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium. And they differ in the ratio and type of bonds on which hygroscopicity and water solubility depend. Why is it necessary to use these components in the soil?

Nitrogen. This substance is important for absorption sunlight and energy through photosynthesis. Nitrogen is part of the chlorophyll involved in this process, and nitrogen is also a component of lipoids, alkaloids and other substances important for plants. Nitrogen - for rapid growth.

Phosphorus. One of the 3 most necessary components for plants. Phosphorus controls metabolic processes inside plants and is a source of energy for cells. This element is part of the structure of RNA and DNA, which are responsible for the transmission genetic information. Thanks to phosphorus, proper plant development, growth, and fruiting occur. A lack of phosphorus leads to a cessation of growth and development of the seed chambers - the plant does not bear fruit, changes color, shape, and leaves begin to die. Acute shortage can even lead to the death of roots, including those of trees, until they fall.

Potassium. Organic composition soil does not contain potassium, although it is necessary for the productivity and endurance of plants, which is why it is used in the form of fertilizer. Increases plant resistance to drought, low temperatures. Potassium affects the growth and formation of fruits. Lack of potassium leads to darkening of leaves, lethargy and weakness of buds and inflorescences. More than others, sunflowers, buckwheat, beets, potatoes, wheat and other grains need potassium-rich fertilizers.

Magnesium. This element, like nitrogen, is part of the structure of chlorophyll and carries out the basic organic processes of the plant. Magnesium also facilitates the absorption of phosphorus. Magnesium carries out carbohydrate metabolism in tubers, roots, seeds, and fruits. With a lack of magnesium, wilting and death of unripe fruits may occur.

Combination and use of the main components for soil in fertilizers:

• Ammophos. It consists of nitrogen and phosphorus, which are highly soluble in water, such are its properties. It is applied when sowing all types of crops and as a top dressing for vegetable, field and other crops.
• Diammophos. Also contains nitrogen and phosphorus. It is used as ammophos, and in livestock farming as a feed additive.
• Diammofoska. In addition to nitrogen and phosphorus, potassium is also present. Shows good properties on all types of soils and crops.
• Magnesium ammonium phosphate. Magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus. The drug is poorly soluble in water. Suitable for all crops, large doses possible, harmless. Effective in sandy soils, for potatoes, root crops with abundant watering.
• Nitrophos or nitrophoski. Nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus. Slightly soluble in water. Ineffective as an ordinary fertilizer.
• Nitroammophos. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. Dissolves quite well. A valuable all-round supplement.
• Sulfoammophos. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. The additive is actively used.
• Potassium nitrate. A popular fertilizer made from nitrogen and potassium. Provides effective nutrition to plants. Found in natural form. Suitable for vegetable growing and growing crops sensitive to chlorine content.
• Ammonium metaphosphate. Also includes phosphorus, nitrogen. Entered as main effective fertilizer for acidic soil.
• Karboamofos and karboamofoska. High saturation with nitrogen and phosphorus. Due to the gaseous nitrogen compound, nitrogen loss is possible, so rapid incorporation into the soil is necessary.
• Superfosca. A combination of phosphorus and potassium. Can be a basic fertilizer.
• Potassium metaphosphate. Phosphorus and potassium in it are highly soluble in soil. Good physical characteristics and application.

For high yields and proper development Plants require air, light, heat, water, and nutrients. Creating these conditions in a field or bed guarantees success in growing crops and high yield. The soil that receives the plant seed cannot provide it with all the necessary substances in the required volume, so the use of fertilizers is necessary.

Complex fertilizers solve the problem of mutual digestibility various elements, increase beneficial features components, reduce consumption and labor costs for soil cultivation.

Mineral fertilizers- fertilizers of industrial or fossil origin, usually containing nutrients in the form of mineral salts. One of the main sources of replenishment of soil fertility in conditions of intensive farming.

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Properties of mineral fertilizers

Mineral fertilizers

are industrial or fossil products that contain elements required to nourish plants and increase soil fertility. Get them from minerals by mechanical or chemical processing. Nutrients in mineral fertilizers are mainly presented in the form of mineral salts, but there are also organic compounds, in particular urea.

Classification

Mineral fertilizers are classified according to several parameters.

By the amount of nutrients

:

• simple (one-sided, one-component) - contain only one nutrient element (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium);
• complex (multilateral) - contain two or more nutrient(potassium nitrate, nitrophoska, diammofoska, etc.).

Physical and mechanical properties of fertilizers

Fertilizer moisture content

varies widely depending on the fertilizer production technology. GOST standards are defined for each fertilizer ( state standards) And technical specifications regulating, among other things, moisture content. Deviation from these indicators leads to significant changes in the physical and mechanical properties of fertilizers, which makes them unsuitable for practical use.

Hygroscopicity of fertilizer

- the ability to absorb moisture from the surrounding air. The hygroscopicity of fertilizers is assessed on a ten-point scale. Highly hygroscopic fertilizers include calcium (9.5 points) and ammonium nitrate (9.3 points).

Potash fertilizers have much lower hygroscopicity: potassium chloride - 3.2-4.4 points, potassium sulfate - 0.2 points.

Hygroscopicity determines the conditions for storage, transportation and packaging of fertilizers. Highly hygroscopic fertilizers (7-10 points) are stored and transported only in hermetically sealed containers. Usually these are plastic bags.

Flowability of fertilizers

shows their suitability for mechanical application by fertilizer sowing units and depends on moisture capacity.

Maximum moisture capacity

mineral fertilizer - the maximum humidity at which it retains the ability to be satisfactorily dispersed by fertilizer seeders.

Caking

rated on a seven-point scale and assessed by the resistance of the compacted fertilizer to destruction. For example, simple powdered superphosphate cakes very strongly (7 points), fine-crystalline potassium chloride slightly less (6 points). Ammonium sulfate cakes weakly (2-3 points) and potassium magnesium practically does not cake (1 point).

Grading

(fertilizer particle size) is determined by all of the above physical and chemical properties of mineral fertilizers. It is determined by mechanical sieve analysis of the fertilizer.

Strength of granules

characterized mechanical strength granules and reaction to crushing (kgf/cm 3) and abrasion (%). It is determined using special devices.

Dispersibility

- mobility of granulometric particles of fertilizer when they are applied by fertilizer seeders. Dispersibility is assessed on a 12-point scale in ascending order.

Fertilizer density

- mass per unit volume. The lightest of the solid mineral fertilizers are ammonium chloride and urea (0.58-0.65 t/m3), the heaviest are Thomas slag, phosphate rock (2.01-1.62 t/m3). (photo)

Mineral fertilizers

Assortment of mineral fertilizers

Nitrogen fertilizers are fertilizer substances containing various chemical compounds. Their production is based on the production of synthetic ammonia from molecular nitrogen in air and hydrogen. The source of hydrogen is natural gas, coke oven and petroleum gases. This process requires significant energy consumption. The production of 1 ton of nitrogen requires energy equivalent to the processing of 4 tons of oil.

Depending on the form of nitrogen content and state of aggregation, nitrogen fertilizers are divided into:

Complex fertilizers are fertilizer substances containing two, three or more nutrients: , and .

Depending on the number of batteries, they are distinguished

:

• double(nitrogen-phosphorus, nitrogen-potassium, phosphorus-potassium) complex fertilizers;
• triples(nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) complex fertilizers.

According to the production method, complex fertilizers are divided into

:

• Complex- complex mineral fertilizers, solid or liquid, all particles of which have the same or similar chemical composition.
• Complex-mixed- complex fertilizers. They are obtained by mixing ready-made single-component and complex fertilizers and introducing gaseous and liquid products into the mixture.
• Mixed- complex mineral fertilizers, which are obtained by mechanical mixing ready-made fertilizers various forms.

By release form

:

Magnesium fertilizers

Magnesium fertilizers are complex mineral fertilizers containing magnesium. The main source of production is natural magnesium compounds. They are used both as direct sources of magnesium and for processing into magnesium-containing fertilizers. This group of fertilizers includes dolomite flour, semi-fired dolomite, magnesite, magnesium sulfate.

Microfertilizers

Microfertilizers are mineral fertilizers containing microelements. The most common are boron, manganese, molybdenum, copper and zinc microfertilizers.

Based on the active substance, microfertilizers are divided into:

The importance of mineral fertilizers

You can often find discussions about the dangers of mineral fertilizers for the environment. However, the most developed and prosperous in economically countries use them in the largest quantities. An example is Japan, where human life expectancy is one of the longest in the world.

Indeed, the main problems of environmental distress are associated not so much with chemical pollution due to the use of mineral fertilizers, but with the predominance of an extensive form of management and insufficient or illiterate use of mineral fertilizers and other chemical agents.

Numerous studies show that the use of mineral fertilizers is one of the main factors in obtaining high yields crops and improving soil fertility.

In world practice, the trend towards growth in the production and use of mineral fertilizers continues. In terms of intensity of application of mineral fertilizers per 1 hectare of arable land, the top ten countries include Malaysia, Holland, Korea, Jordan, Belgium, Egypt, New Zealand, Japan, Great Britain and Colombia.

There is a clear connection between the doses of fertilizers used per 1 hectare and the yield. It has been established that the most high doses mineral fertilizers are used in France, the Netherlands and Great Britain. The average grain yield in France is 73.2 c/ha, the Netherlands - 82.9 c/ha, and Great Britain - 70.8 c/ha. These are the highest figures in the world.

Mineev V.G. Agrochemistry: Textbook. - 2nd edition, revised and expanded. - M.: Moscow State University Publishing House, KolosS Publishing House, 2004. - 720 pp., l. ill.: ill. - (Classical university textbook).

3.

Muravin E.A. Agrochemistry. - M. KolosS, 2003.- 384 p.: ill. - (Textbooks and teaching aids for students of secondary educational institutions).

4.

Yagodin B.A., Zhukov Yu.P., Kobzarenko V.I. Agrochemistry / Edited by B.A. Yagodina.- M.: Kolos, 2002.- 584 p.: ill (Textbooks and teaching aids for students of higher educational institutions).

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Mineral fertilizers, their types and characteristics - what every summer resident needs to know!

Often, mineral fertilizers, their types and characteristics mislead many summer residents not only by their name, but also by their composition. How to figure out and understand what is needed for vegetables, trees, shrubs and when to apply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, and when is it best to apply foliar spraying, find out further from the article...

Types of mineral fertilizers and their classification

Every summer resident has a dream of a good harvest. Fertilizers are designed to increase productivity. But, positive effect the impact of fertilizers depends not only on the correct type, but also on the dose and method of application.

Mineral fertilizers help increase the amount of harvest, strengthen plants, protect them from insects, help restore the soil, favor plant growth, thanks to them the general condition of the soil improves, and the appearance and growth of weeds is prevented.

All fertilizers are divided into mineral and. The difference between minerals is that they do not have an organic nature, but contain more nutrients

In its turn, mineral fertilizers are simple And complex. It is absolutely clear that simple ones include one component, while complex ones contain two or more. Complex fertilizers are more effective than single-component ones, this is due not only to the characteristics of the soil, which can have different acidity and different substances, but also to the fact that it is difficult to determine these indicators independently, which is why complex fertilizers are used.

Nitrogen fertilizers

These fertilizers used in beginning of growth plants, because they often experience nitrogen starvation. They help the plant grow and gain green mass.

You can understand that there is not enough nitrogen in the soil by the pale foliage.

As a rule, propagation begins from below. Lightened leaves fall off. Not only tomatoes suffer from a lack of nitrogen, but also eggplants, peppers, currants and gooseberries, as well as all other crops.

fertilizing tomatoes with mineral (nitrogen) fertilizer - pictured

have the following forms:

• Ammonium fertilizer Suitable for fertilizing plants in autumn. Before using this fertilizer, you need to add lime to it to deoxidize it.
• Nitrate fertilizer (calcium nitrate)– alkaline fertilizer, suitable for acidic soil. Used in different periods(from spring to autumn) in small doses so that the plant does not accumulate nitrates. If you use it together with superphosphate, you can feed all vegetable plants
• Ammonium nitrate fertilizer contains 30% nitrogen, is highly soluble in water, plants absorb it quite quickly, this fertilizer can work even on cold ground and in the snow
• (urea) has 40% nitrogen in its composition. Experts recommend using it in the form liquid fertilizer at the depth of the roots so that the nitrogen does not dissolve and the plant receives as much of it as possible. Experienced summer residents advise purchasing fertilizer in granules to avoid caking.

These fertilizers allow plants to accumulate sugar and starch, increase their resistance to diseases and weather conditions such as drought or severe frost.

Potash fertilizers - pictured

• Potassium chloride– the composition contains chlorine, which is why it is not suitable for all plants. Used to feed plants in the fall.
• Potassium sulfate– suitable for all types of plants because it does not contain harmful impurities. Can be used as a basic fertilizer.
• Potassium salt– its properties are identical to potassium chloride; it also contains sylvinite and kainite.

They are used to feed plants during flowering, as well as in the fall after harvesting.

feeding phosphorus fertilizers- on the picture

• Phosphorite flour– one of the most popular fertilizers, suitable for acidic soil. The main advantage is long term actions. If used together with nitrogen and potassium fertilizers, the efficiency increases. It is also good to add flour to compost.
• Simple superphosphate– consists of gypsum and sulfur, suitable for use on any soil, most often they are flavored with fruit and berry trees, but they are also used as the main fertilizer.
• Double superphosphate– the presence of phosphorus is greater compared to other fertilizers, but does not contain gypsum.

Complex mineral fertilizers

Complex fertilizers are usually divided according to the number of elements and production technology.

fertilizing with complex mineral fertilizer - in the photo

• Ammophos– phosphorus-nitrogen fertilizer that does not contain nitrates and chlorine.
• Nitroammofoska– has potassium, sulfur, nitrogen and phosphorus, used to fertilize any plants.
• Nitrophoska– basic fertilizer containing a large number of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. If you use it on sandy soil, then you need to fertilize it in the spring, if for clay soil, then in the fall.
• Diammofoska– in addition to phosphorus and nitrogen, it contains manganese, potassium, calcium, zinc and other substances.

Application of mineral fertilizers

Specialists and experienced gardeners can easily use fertilizers at different times and for different crops. Often plants lack nutrients not because they were poorly fed, but because of mechanical and physical composition soil, which greatly influences the amount of fertilizer applied. So, in clay soil there is a lack of manganese and iron, acidic - zinc, peatlands have a deficiency of copper, and sandstones - nitrogen, magnesium and potassium.

You can determine that a plant is missing something by the color change of the foliage, the shape and size of the fruit. If you carefully monitor the plant and promptly assist it in obtaining nutrients, then, undoubtedly, you will have good harvest.

There are instructions for use for each type of fertilizer. However, it is possible to highlight general rules feeding:

• Do not use fertilizer containers from which you eat yourself.
• It is better to store mineral fertilizers in tightly closed containers.
• Monitor the dosage of fertilizer and strictly follow the instructions so as not to eat nitrates from own garden and vegetable garden
• If the fertilizer needs to be introduced through the soil, then do not allow the fertilizer to get on the vegetative parts; if it gets in, be sure to rinse with water
• Don’t be afraid to alternate mineral and organic fertilizers, this will only improve the condition of the plants and soil
• If you apply fertilizer in dry form, use it only on moist soil. In this case, you immediately need to cover it with a small layer of earth.
• Highest quality absorption useful substances occurs when a plant is fed with liquid fertilizer
• If your plants have grown greatly, then you need to feed them using the foliar method.
• In a situation where mineral and organic fertilizers are used simultaneously, the dose of mineral fertilizers is reduced by approximately 3 times

Classification of mineral fertilizers

Agro-industry is one of the oldest occupations. Throughout history, humanity has managed to accumulate a wealth of experience in the use of fertilizers and develop many of their options, both chemical structure, and in form and functionality.

When purchasing fertilizer, you need to pay attention to several factors: ease of use, intended purpose, pricing policy, final benefits. Without taking into account the types of classification that will be discussed below, it should be noted that there are fertilizers in different physical states and forms (liquids, powders, pencils, aerosols), as well as those intended for different parts plants - shoots, flowers, fruits, etc. Therefore, when purchasing, you should think about why you need fertilizer, how much you are willing to pay for it, and then choose the appropriate product.

Classification of fertilizers by origin

Based on their origin, there are two types of fertilizers - organic mineral fertilizers and mineral fertilizers themselves. The former are a product of the vital activity of domestic animals. They decompose and turn into the corresponding microelements. The second ones already contain the right set chemical substances.

There is an opinion that “organic” is better than “chemical”, but this is far from true. Organic fertilizers often contain too little or no beneficial substances. The use of chemical alternatives makes it possible to provide the plant with adequate nutrition.

Chemical classification of fertilizers

Scientists have studied the main minerals that plants need. This made it possible to create fertilizers whose action is aimed purely at improving the agronomic qualities of the land. There are quite different types of mineral fertilizers. Among them, the most common are nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium fertilizers. Their combinations and alternatives are also being created.

Potash fertilizers

Potassium fertilizers are responsible for increasing plant productivity. In addition, they allow green organisms be more resistant to diseases and unfavorable factors external environment. Potash fertilizers are not sold as an independent product; they are combined with others. Here it is worth noting the following:

1. Potassium salt - contains potassium chloride and other minerals. It has the highest percentage of potassium (up to 40%), so it must be applied in the fall.
2. Potassium chloride contains chlorine, which is dangerous for plants and the environment, so handle it with care. It also needs to be applied in the fall to avoid harm to the plants.
3. Potassium sulfate does not contain chlorides, therefore it is favorably tolerated by plants at any time. Both independent and complex mineral fertilizers are used.

Phosphorus fertilizers

The presence of phosphorus in the soil is associated with the acceleration of the processes of flowering and fruit formation. But one should not think that the application of mineral fertilizers based on this microelement should be done before bud formation. Phosphorus is poorly absorbed by roots due to its low solubility in water, so it must enter the soil in advance - in the fall or in early spring. Common drugs:

1. Simple superphosphate - has 12-25% phosphorus, used to feed trees and shrubs.
2. Double superphosphate - contains twice as much phosphorus, since gypsum is excluded from its composition. They also fertilize fruit trees and berry bushes.
3. Phosphorite flour - contains up to 25% of sparingly soluble phosphorus. It is used on acidic soils (acidic pH is needed to dissolve the microelement), which it enriches with this element for many years.

Nitrogen fertilizers

Nitrogen is most often used in fertilizers because its presence promotes the development of the above-ground parts of the plant. Due to the variety of compounds containing this element, there are 4 groups of nitrogen fertilizers:

1. Nitrates. The nitrate form includes calcium and sodium nitrate. The drug is applied in the fall in small doses so that nitrates do not negatively affect humans. It is best to use fertilizers for growing greens, radishes, and cabbage.
2. Ammonium sulfate. The drug is used to fertilize acidic soils, since it is not absorbed in others. Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and cabbage are susceptible to it. Apply to the soil in the fall.
3. Amides. Urea is a vital substance for increasing the yield in the garden. In autumn it is applied under the roots of trees, previously diluted with lime (ratio 1:2).
4. Ammonium nitrate. The drug is partially soluble in water, so it has a complex effect - fast and slow. Crops such as potatoes, cereals, and beets are susceptible to it.

Other types of fertilizers

Not only monofertilizers are actively used, but also complex preparations. These are nitroammofoska, nitrophoska, ammophos and other combinations of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium.

Another group of fertilizers is microfertilizers, which allow you to replenish the supply of zinc, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron and other microelements. The standards for mineral fertilizers of this kind are quite low, so they are introduced extremely rarely.

Rules for using fertilizers

In order for fertilizer to have a positive effect on the plant, it must be applied correctly. The timing of drug application, choice of form and other aspects are important here. Using simple rules will provide you with a harvest for many years.

Mineral fertilizers: what rules are worth remembering?

One of important rules— time of application of fertilizers. It should be remembered that the stronger the fertilizer, the more it destroys the plant. Therefore, add potassium, strong nitrogen and other substances in the fall, in advance. This will allow them to enrich the soil, and the excess will be washed away with the water. Also in the fall, preparations are introduced that slowly dissolve in water.

Before applying fertilizers, it is important to analyze the composition of the soil, find out its alkalinity or acidity, since not all fertilizers work at all pH values. This can be done using litmus paper and other simple devices.

Feeding frequency - not less than important factor. When choosing a drug, look at the packaging to see how often it is recommended to use it. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and never exceed the dose, as this will have a detrimental effect on the plant.

Consequences of improper feeding

If the plant has excess fertilizer, this is also detrimental. Its leaves turn yellow, its stems become elongated and weakened, the ability to bear fruit is lost, or the fruits are formed too early.

You can learn more about the rules for using fertilizers in the video below.