Mineral fertilizers, their types and characteristics. Mineral fertilizers: types, how to apply, fertilizing calendar

Owners of gardens and summer cottages, who grow vegetables and fruits, use a variety of methods to obtain a rich harvest. And one of the most effective methods is the use of mineral fertilizers to enrich the soil and feed plants.

Article plan


Types of fertilizers

Fertilizers are of two main types:

  • organic- these are useful substances, which are obtained as a result of the decomposition of animal and vegetable products.
  • mineral fertilizers have an inorganic nature of origin and their composition does not have a carbon skeleton.

In this article, we will consider exactly mineral fertilizers.


Mineral fertilizers are divided into two types:

  • Simple - consist of one component.
  • Complex - consist of two or more components.

The application of fertilizers in the complex is much more efficient, due to the fact that the soil comes with different acidity and the presence of various substances useful for growth, and it is very difficult to find out exactly what is missing.

The main types of simple mineral fertilizers:

Almost all of these types of fertilizers will be discussed in this article, except for microfertilizers - we have already considered them here.


  1. Ammonium form, contains ammonium ions. This is an acidic fertilizer, which must be diluted with lime before use (for deoxidation). It is poorly soluble, so it is recommended to use it as a top dressing from autumn.
  2. Nitrate fertilizers- This is sodium. It contains nitrogen in the form of an acid, due to which it is easily soluble in water. This form of fertilizer is alkaline and is recommended for use in acidic soils. Saltpeter can be used both in spring and in autumn or summer as a top dressing, but in small doses, otherwise in case of an overdose of saltpeter, nitrates accumulate in the fruits, which are harmful to the body.
  3. Ammonium nitrate form, the nitrogen content in it is about 30 percent, the fertilizer is acidic, well soluble. It is quickly absorbed by vegetation. Ammonium nitrate can act even on unheated soil. Scattering it over the snow, she will melt it, paving the way to the soil.
  4. has about 40% nitrogen. The fertilizer is acidic and lime must be added if used. It is well soluble and digestible by cultures. Urea is best used as a liquid top dressing., since in this case the fixation of nitrogen in the soil is much better. They need to fertilize the soil to the depth of root growth. If you spread it on the surface, then there will be most of nitrogen will simply dissolve.

Potash - this kind of simple mineral fertilizers, which contribute to the accumulation of starch and sugar in plants. They give plants resistance to various diseases and unfavorable weather (heat, frost).

Potash fertilizers include:

  • it is obtained from potash ores. It has dual properties due to the fact that it contains chlorine, which is not suitable for all crops, but due to the presence of many others. useful elements he is useful. Potassium chloride is recommended to be used in the fall, so that there is time to wash out all harmful substances.
  • does not contain impurities, chlorine, sodium, magnesium. Therefore, they can fertilize all types of crops and in any season.
  • Potassium salt - consists of potassium chloride, kainite and sylvinite, its properties are the same as those of potassium chloride. Read .

Phosphorus top dressing is necessary during flowering and fruiting.

Varieties of phosphate fertilizers:

  • Phosphorite flour is a popular top dressing of the phosphorus group. It must be applied on soils with acidity, since phosphorus has an effect only in interaction with acid. One of the advantages of this flour is its longevity - having doubled the fertilizer, it will last for several years.
  • Superphosphate simple - has sulfur and gypsum in its composition, it is used for any soil. Mainly used for feeding fruit and berry trees.
  • Superphosphate double - does not contain gypsum, but phosphorus, unlike simple superphosphate, contains twice as much.

Their composition, as mentioned above, contains two or more trace elements. They are divided into types:

  • by the number of trace elements - double, triple;
  • according to the method of production - mixed, complex, as well as complex-mixed.

The most common types:

How to apply mineral fertilizers - the main principles

The process of feeding plants is very responsible and requires compliance with all standards. Having understood the varieties of fertilizers, it is clear that some of them can be used as the main ones, and some only as a top dressing.

Each species has its own norms and methods of application, which are described in the instructions. But there is general tips suitable for all kinds.

  • The use of food utensils for breeding fertilizer is not desirable.
  • Storage of chemical fertilizers should be carried out in vacuum packages.
  • When applying top dressing, dosages must be strictly observed.

Experienced farmers are also advised to heed these tips:

  • If top dressing with mineral fertilizers is carried out through the soil, it is necessary to avoid getting it on the vegetative parts of plants. If this still happened, then the plants need to be rinsed with water.
  • The highest quality result of a rich harvest is achieved in the process of alternating organic and mineral fertilizers.
  • Mineral fertilizers in dry form are recommended to be applied during top dressing to well-moistened beds, as a result of which the applied concentrate will be softened.
  • For high-quality assimilation of trace elements, it is recommended to use liquid mineral fertilizers.

When laying dry fertilizers, you need to immediately cover them with a small layer of soil. The depth should be small so that top dressing is available to the roots.

Some tips from seasoned gardeners:

  • If there is a shortage of nitrogen in the ground, then other fertilizers (potassium and phosphorus groups) without combination with nitrogen will not bring any benefits, so you need to apply them all in combination.
  • With overgrown plants, it is better to use a foliar feeding method.
  • Foliar top dressing of bushes and trees must be done in the spring, when the leaves have just formed.
  • In the case of applying mineral fertilizers along with organic ones, their rate must be reduced by three times.

Fertilizers of the nitrogen form are recommended to be applied in the spring, as they are easily soluble, due to which they are quickly washed out with the flow of moisture from irrigation or precipitation. It is necessary to spread the granules immediately before sowing. You need to close them up to a depth of 10-20 cm. Or you can top dressing locally, pouring directly into the holes.

Which fertilizer is better - mineral or organic?

Methods of mineral feeding

Top dressing with mineral fertilizers can be done in two ways:

  • root way, using dry or soluble mineral fertilizers, with their introduction into the soil with or without irrigation.
  • foliar top dressing mineral fertilizers - this is spraying the vegetative parts of the plant.

Fertilizers can be used at all stages of land work.

  • They are entered into autumn period to restore soil fertility.
  • Seeds are treated with various nutrient solutions of mineral fertilizers for a good start.
  • Vitamin and mineral top dressing is introduced directly into the seedling furrows.

Proper use of mineral fertilizers

Based on the foregoing, it is clear that mineral fertilizers have many types, having different components, which is why they are not suitable for all crops. Some are for vegetables, others for trees.

Consider the most common types of plants and fertilizers suitable for them.

During the period of growing seedlings, the lack of any microelements manifests itself in slow growth, loss of color and fall of leaves. In the case of an excess of mineral components, there is a possibility of plant death or burns, which will also adversely affect the growth of seedlings. Therefore, you need to study the instructions and, according to the indicated dosage, make them.

Main components for good growth seedlings, it is nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Mineral fertilizer for cucumbers

A crop such as a tomato is very sensitive to the quality of the soil and the applied fertilizers. But tomatoes are still better to underfeed than overfeed. In order to avoid overdose, phased fertilizer is performed. It depends on the stages of vegetation of crops.

During the period abundant flowering fertilize with a combined solution of mineral and organic fertilizers, this is cow or bird dung and potassium sulfate.

During the formation of the ovary and their maturation, superphosphate and sodium humate are used. Also, mineral fertilizers can be mixed with.

With grapes, the feeding process is different. If the soil was fertilized when planting seedlings, then top dressing will not be needed for the next 5 years.

To get a rich grape harvest, you need the following elements:

  • Nitrogen - as for any plant, it is needed to build up green mass. Application must be made in the spring. Fertilizing with nitrogen in the fall can be harmful, as overgrowth of greenery will prevent the vine from maturing.
  • Phosphorus- necessary during the flowering period.
  • Potassium - contributes to the early ripening of grapes and its vines. Also prepares grapes for wintering.
  • Copper- improves frost resistance and enhances shoot growth.
  • Bor - It is introduced during the period of ovary brushes and their growth, as it increases the sugar content of fruits and accelerates their ripening.

Many of the elements are in the ground, but by exercising additional top dressing, the grape harvest will improve significantly.

Mineral fertilizer compatibility table

Summing up, we can say that mineral fertilizers have great importance to obtain a rich and high-quality harvest. They are divided into two main groups: organic and mineral. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, but subject to all requirements and norms, the result will be positive.

What are mineral fertilizers(be careful, the video is uplifting)

Are you curious about what plants eat? It turns out that they can get all the necessary substances from the soil, air and water. What is this "food"? Here are its main components: water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, copper, molybdenum, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, sulfur and so on - almost the entire periodic table is included in the menu of our green friends. All this is called inorganic mineral fertilizers (except for water and carbon, of course).


there are simple and complex. Simple fertilizers contain any one element (for example, nitrogen or phosphorus), while complex fertilizers consist of two or more components. The wisdom of mother nature lies in the fact that each plant independently synthesizes the necessary organic elements from inorganic. But far from always our green friends have enough natural mineral inorganics. Some soils (clay) are poor in manganese and iron, somewhere there is not enough copper and zinc, and some () are poor in nitrogen and potassium.

Therefore, we use a variety of mineral fertilizers for top dressing. garden plants without forgetting to take into account the plot. Consider the most popular types (I do not indicate the dosage, since it is printed directly on the fertilizer packages).

nitrogen fertilizers

The main component of the nitrogen fertilizer group, as the name implies, is nitrogen.


These fertilizers contribute to the development of the aerial parts of plants and are available in 4 forms:

  • nitrate form(sodium and calcium nitrate) in which nitrogen is contained in the form of an acid, easily soluble in water. Saltpeter is applied to the soil in autumn or in early spring, in small doses (an overdose contributes to the accumulation in fruits harmful to human health) is used in top dressing. Saltpeter is recommended for soils and plants with short period vegetation ( , early , );
  • ammonium form(ammonium sulfate), where ammonium ions are in "free floating". Ammonium sulfate is introduced into the soil in the fall, since it dissolves rather poorly in the soil that follows (ammonium sulfate is a physiologically acidic fertilizer). To do this, 1.3 kg of lime is added to 1 kg of fertilizer. They are not indifferent to ammonium sulfate, and, late cabbage and other plants with a long growing season;
  • amide form() - the most concentrated nitrogen fertilizer, which in the soil is converted into ammonium carbonate, which is necessary to obtain bountiful harvest. It is introduced under trees and shrubs - either directly into the soil when loosening, or in the form aqueous solution when watering. Urea is also a physiologically acidic fertilizer, which means that the soil needs to be deoxidized (add 2 kg of lime to 1 kg of urea);
  • ammonium nitrate form(ammonium nitrate) is a physiologically acidic fertilizer, one part of which is easily soluble in water and freely moves in the soil, and the other is of delayed action. Ammonium nitrate is used for top dressing, grain crops. It is especially effective in combination with phosphorus and potassium.
Fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers is carried out in several steps, strictly following the instructions on the package: here it is better to follow the principle: it is better to underfertilize than to overfertilize.

Phosphate fertilizers

significantly accelerate the flowering of plants and fruit set. Phosphorus is usually incorporated into the soil in autumn or early spring. It is poorly soluble in water: the period from application to the soil to reaching the roots will be 1.5-2 months.


Here are some of the most popular types of phosphate fertilizers:

  • simple- water-soluble fertilizer, which contains gypsum and sulfur, is used for all types of soils. It can be poured into rows and holes, or it can be used in top dressing. Contains from 14% to 20% phosphorus and is usually applied under berry bushes and fruit trees;
  • double superphosphate- a simple fertilizer, highly soluble in water. Contains sulfur and phosphorus (45% -50%), applied under berry bushes and fruit trees;
  • phosphate rock- sparingly soluble fertilizer, contains up to 25% phosphorus. It is applied only to acidic soils, since phosphorus becomes available to plants only under the influence of acid. Phosphorite flour, introduced into the soil in high doses, provides plants with phosphorus for several years.

potash fertilizers

Potassium contributes not only to an increase in plant productivity, but also increases their resistance to diseases, increases the shelf life of fruits and significantly improves them. taste qualities. rarely used in pure form: as a rule, they are combined with nitrogen, phosphorus and trace elements (copper, zinc, magnesium, iron, and so on).


All potash fertilizers dissolves well in water, and the most popular of them are the following:

  • potassium chloride- natural fertilizer produced from potash ores. On the one hand, the fertilizer contains chlorine, which is undesirable for some horticultural crops, and on the other hand, it is a storehouse of valuable elements necessary for plant nutrition. Therefore, it is better to introduce potassium chloride into the soil in the fall - by spring, its "harmful" part is washed out. Particularly fond of potassium are potatoes, barley, beets, buckwheat and some cereals;
  • potassium salt- contains potassium chloride, sylvinite and kainite. By action it is similar to potassium chloride, it is introduced into the soil only in autumn;
  • potassium sulfate - does not contain chlorine, suitable for all crops, root crops are especially responsive to it. It is applied both directly to the soil and used in top dressing. It is combined with all macro- and microfertilizers, except those containing calcium.

Complex mineral fertilizers

The group of complex mineral fertilizers includes:

  • ammophos- chlorine-free, nitrate-free fertilizer containing nitrogen (52%) and phosphorus (12%). Suitable for all types of vegetable and fruit crops;
  • diammophoska- granulated nitrogen (10%) - phosphorus (26%) - potash (26%) fertilizer, which contains microelements (calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, sulfur and others), which significantly increase the agronomic value of diammophoska. Used for all groups of plants;
  • nitroammophoska- compound fertilizer containing nitrogen (16%), phosphorus (16%), potassium (16%), sulfur (2%). perfectly absorbed by plants, suitable for use on soils of any composition and for all types of plants;
  • nitrophoska- complex nitrogen (11%) - phosphorus (10%) -potassium (11%) fertilizer, used as the main plant nutrition. It is used for all crops, it is applied to heavy soils in autumn, it can be applied to light soils in spring.

Microfertilizers

There is another group of mineral fertilizers - microfertilizers, which include trace elements: zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, iron, molybdenum, boron, and so on. Microfertilizers are used only when there are few trace elements in soils. For example, peat soils contain almost no copper, while molybdenum is absent in sod-podzolic soils.


It is good to process seed with microfertilizers, strictly observing the dosage (indicated on the package). They contribute to the development of the root system of plants, protect them from, increase immunity and productivity. Complex microfertilizers often contain organic matter and growth. Representatives of similar fertilizers: Apion, Terracom-tem, Ecost-1 and others.

As you can see, there are a lot of different top dressings that can significantly increase and improve appearance plants. What mineral fertilizers do you use? Share your secrets

07.09.2017 3 908

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 with their name, but also with their composition. How to figure out and understand what is needed for vegetables, trees, shrubs and when to apply nitrogen, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, and when it is better to use 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 just designed to increase productivity. But, the positive effect of fertilizers depends not only on the right type, but also on the dose, method of application.

Mineral fertilizers help increase the yield, strengthen plants, protect them from insects, promote soil restoration, favor plant growth, improve the general condition of the soil, and prevent the emergence and growth of weeds.

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

In its turn, mineral fertilizers are simple and complex . It is quite clear that the composition of the simple includes one component, and the complex - from two or more. Complex ones 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 on your own, which is why complex fertilizers are used.

nitrogen fertilizers

These fertilizers used in early growth plants, because they often experience nitrogen starvation. Help the plant grow, gain green mass.

You can understand that there is not enough nitrogen in the earth by 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.

top dressing of tomatoes with mineral (nitrogen) fertilizer - in the photo

    have the following forms:
  • Ammonium fertilizer suitable for fertilizing plants in the autumn. Before applying this fertilizer, you need to add lime to it to deoxidize it.
  • Nitrate fertilizer (calcium nitrate)– alkaline fertilizer, suitable for acidic soil. They are used in different periods (from spring to autumn) in small doses so that the plant does not accumulate nitrates in itself. If you use it together with superphosphate, then you can feed all vegetable plants
  • Ammonium nitrate fertilizer contains 30% nitrogen, dissolves well in water, plants absorb it quite quickly, such top dressing can work even on cold ground and in snow
  • (urea) contains 40% nitrogen. Experts recommend using it as a liquid top dressing at the depth of the roots so that the nitrogen does not dissolve and the plant receives it as much as possible. Experienced summer residents are advised to purchase fertilizer in granules to avoid caking

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

Potash fertilizers - in the photo

  • Potassium chloride- contains chlorine, because of this 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- in properties it is identical to potassium chloride, it also contains sylvinite, kainite.

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

top dressing phosphate fertilizers- on the picture

  • Phosphorite flour- one of the most popular dressings, suitable for acidic soil. The main advantage is the long shelf life. If used together with nitrogen and potash fertilizers, the efficiency increases. It is also good to add flour to the compost.
  • Simple superphosphate- consists of gypsum and sulfur, suitable for use on any soil, most often flavored with them fruit and berry trees, but also used as a basic fertilizer.
  • Double superphosphate– the presence of phosphorus is higher 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.

top dressing with complex mineral fertilizer - in the photo

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

Application of mineral fertilizers

Specialists and experienced gardeners easily use fertilizers in different periods and for different cultures. Often, plants lack nutrients, not because they were poorly fed, but because of the mechanical and physical composition of the soil, which greatly affects the amount of fertilizer applied. Yes, 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 the plant is missing something by the color change of the foliage, by the shape and size of the fruit. If you carefully observe the plant and provide him with timely assistance in obtaining nutrients, then undoubtedly you will have good harvest.

    There are instructions for use for each type of fertilizer. However, one can single out general rules top dressing:
  • Do not use containers for preparing fertilizers from which you eat yourself
  • It is better to store mineral fertilizers in tightly closed containers.
  • Watch the dosage of fertilizer and strictly follow the instructions so that later you do not eat nitrates with 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, in case of contact, be sure to rinse with water
  • Do not be afraid to alternate mineral and organic fertilizers, this will only improve the condition of plants and soil
  • In the event that you apply fertilizer in a dry form, then use it only on moist soil. At the same time, you immediately need to fill it with a small layer of earth.
  • The highest quality learning useful substances plant occurs if you feed it with liquid fertilizer
  • If your plants have grown strongly, then you need to feed them with a foliar method.
  • In a situation of simultaneous use of mineral and organic fertilizers, the dose of mineral fertilizers is reduced by about 3 times

Everyone who uses their household plot for harvesting, at least heard about the benefits of fertilizers. But not every gardener thinks about the real use of useful substances, and if he does, he does not always use it. Of course, on open areas vegetable garden subject to proper crop rotation and change of plants, and so there are enough organic residues and nutrients - these are insects, and plant waste, and the moisture of precipitation. But such structures as a greenhouse are a space where, if not sterile, then a very closed and limited atmosphere in the natural circulation of substances reigns. Here, for high-quality growth and fruiting, plants need fertilizers - their types and characteristics will be described in our article. For example, nitrogen is very important for vegetables. There are three types of nitrogen fertilizers- amide, ammonia and nitrate. More details will be given below. Now let's talk about what mineral fertilizers are.

Mineral fertilizers are usually used along with organic fertilizers. The name of fertilizers speaks for itself - they contain minerals. minerals, needed by plants, a lot - copper, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, and so on - almost everything that can be found in the periodic table.

Depending on the type of soil, plants lack one or another element. Simple mineral fertilizers contain one mineral, complex - several. The most common mineral fertilizers are nitrogen, potash and phosphorus. Phosphorus is superphosphate, bone meal, thermophosphate and some others. They are added to the soil for digging in autumn or early spring. This is due to the fact that, due to their poor water solubility, they reach the roots for about 2 months. When fertilizing the soil with phosphorus additives, it should be remembered that they cannot be combined with lime.

We will single out a separate topic nitrogen fertilizers, since their significance is great precisely at the beginning of the growth of the future crop.

Types of nitrogen fertilizers

Nitrogen is found in both organic and inorganic substances. In industry, it is produced mainly by processing synthetic ammonia. Mineral nitrogen fertilizers are divided into three main groups.

  • Amide are urea, combinations of urea with formaldehydes, calcium cyanamide; well accepted by all vegetable crops.
  • Ammonia - ammonium chloride, sulfate and ammonium bicarbonate; gratefully these include long-ripening plants such as onions, cabbages, tomatoes and cucumbers.
  • Nitrate - sodium, potassium and calcium nitrates. Suitable for plants with short term maturation - radish, dill, parsley, lettuce, early cabbage.

When using nitrogen fertilizers, it is important to remember that excess nitrogen is very harmful to humans, animals and environment. It is necessary to strictly adhere to all the recommendations indicated on the fertilizer packaging!

Organic fertilizers - their types and characteristics

They are considered the most natural and safe, as they are of natural origin. Organics gives the soil numerous nutrients, improves its structure, develops the activity of beneficial microorganisms. organic - their types and characteristics deserve special attention. They are very important in, as they provide greenhouse land with carbon dioxide. It is used in four main types: bird droppings, manure, humus and peat. All varieties are used as compost - in combination with mineral fertilizers, plant residues, peat. They are often entered as .

One of the most affordable and effective fertilizers, especially in the countryside, is manure. All essential substances contained in it in optimal concentration. In addition, manure improves the structure of the soil, and, decomposing, gives carbon dioxide and helps plants absorb necessary elements. Fresh manure is brought to the garden in the fall and dug up, and the one that has overgrown can wait until spring. In the spring, it is advisable to use fresh manure to warm the earth, since its temperature reaches 70 0.

Bird droppings - also very valuable fertilizer. It is several times larger than manure, rich in minerals and trace elements. Due to such a high concentration, it should be introduced into the soil in a very dosed manner. About half a liter of litter is bred in 10 liters warm water and water the plants with the solution.

Humus - decomposed remains of plants, leaves, roots, manure. This is ideal for growing seedlings.

Peat is a highly acidic additive, so it is mainly used as one of the components of compost.

Types of potash fertilizers

Potassium in fertilizers is most often found in combination with other elements. It increases the keeping quality of fruits, increases the resistance of plants to diseases, and contributes to the full ripening of the crop. There are potash fertilizers with and without chlorine. Chlorine-containing products include potassium chloride, potassium sulfate and potassium salt. These additives are used in the fall to avoid the harmful effects of chlorine on plantings. For nightshade, potash fertilizers without chlorine are chosen. Neutralize soil acidity caused by chlorine by pre-lime application.

Types of liquid fertilizers

In liquid form, many fertilizers have a milder effect on plants, are absorbed more easily and more fully, and are distributed more evenly in the soil. Liquid can be both organic and solutions of synthetic fertilizers.

organic liquid fertilizers are used in the form of infusions of herbs, mullein, special starter cultures from certain food products (onion, garlic, pepper, yeast, sugar, bread - folk recipes a bunch of).

Chemical liquid fertilizers are divided into nitrogen and complex. All of them represent solids dissolved in water.

Types of fertilizers and methods of their application- the topic is very broad. Focus on the characteristics of the soil of your site, the crops you grow and, of course, common sense - everything is good in moderation!

You will also be interested

Not everyone knows what types of fertilizers exist today. But in order to understand the types of fertilizers and their classification, you do not need to be a certified agronomist at all.

In nature, since ancient times, there has been a natural process of filling the earth with elements useful for plants. But a man appeared and made his own adjustments - he began to intensively exploit plots of land suitable for crops and seize more and more plots in order to increase the amount of agricultural products received.

During this process, there were practically no undeveloped lands left, and those on which crops took place began to be depleted.

The old method - to leave the land fallow (let it rest and gain strength) turned out to be ineffective, but a solution was found. Organic and mineral fertilizers appeared.

Separation of fertilizers by characteristics

Fertilizers are classified according to the following criteria:

Mineral, chemical and organic fertilizers

Organic and mineral fertilizers differ in their origin:

  • mineral, or chemical fertilizers- the result of the work of chemical enterprises that use inorganic substances, mainly mineral salts, in their production.
  • Organic - obtained from the components of vital activity. Therefore, they are a product of natural origin.

Further, the classification of fertilizers occurs according to the types of nutrients that they contain.

For example, chemical fertilizers are based on nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium.

According to the agrochemical significance, fertilizers are divided into direct and indirect. The former are a source of nutrition for plants, the latter improve soil properties. But such a division is very conditional, because. direct fertilizers are also involved in indirect interaction.

Direct fertilizers necessarily contain the main nutrients - nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are added to the soil for crops. large quantity. Moreover, if chemical fertilizers contain only one element, then they are called simple. If two or more - complex.

Complex fertilizers can be double or triple (full). Such terms are introduced solely for the purpose of determining the presence of the main elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), since. in absolutely pure form they are not used.

The division of fertilizers into simple, mixed and complex indicates the way they are obtained:

  • Simple, have only one element in their composition.
  • Mixed, obtained in the process of mechanical action (fertilizer mixing).
  • Complex, are the result of chemical reactions.

Also, in order to increase the efficiency of transportation and storage, concentrated and ballast-free fertilizers are produced.

Those fertilizers that are created for a specific soil and a specific crop are called balanced.

Mineral fertilizers

They are produced in three types - ammonia, contain ammonium sulfate, nitrate, the presence ammonium nitrate and amide, urea is present.

  • Ammonia nitrogen introduced into the soil with weak acidity is well absorbed by plants through root system and can be in it for quite a long time. Apply before sowing (in spring) and after harvest (in autumn).
  • Nitrate nitrogen is introduced into the soil in the form of a solution, so its duration is limited. Applied with the beginning of spring. It is easily absorbed by plants and can be used in the summer as top dressing.
  • Amide nitrogen is a fast-acting, soil-acidifying fertilizer. At high temperatures environment changes into the ammonia form. Mainly used for top dressing.
  1. Based on phosphorus (phosphoric).

They are divided into water-soluble, semi-soluble and sparingly soluble.

  • Simple and double superphosphate is an easily soluble fertilizer that is used on any type of soil. Careful mixing with water does not require, because. the dissolution process is easy and without mechanical action.
  • The precipitate is a semi-soluble fertilizer. Insoluble in water, weak acids are used for this. Used on acidic soils.
  • Phosphorite flour is a sparingly soluble fertilizer. Available to plants only on acidic soils. When making, requires thorough mixing with the soil.
  1. Based on potassium (potassium).

They are concentrated chloride and sulfate salts.

  • Potassium chloride is highly soluble in water. Penetration into the soil is somewhat slowed down. It is used on clay and loamy soils, taking into account that the roots of plants are poorly developed and require a quick supply of nutrients.
  • Potassium salt - easily soluble in water. It is most used on sandy soils to compensate for the lack of potassium. In autumn, the use of this fertilizer is not desirable, because. rapidly washed out by groundwater.
  1. Based on lime (lime).

Used to eliminate excessive acidity of the soil and enrich it with calcium.

  1. Chlorinated fertilizers.

organic fertilizers

Biohumus, sapropel, humus, peat, manure, bird droppings, guano, compost are fertilizers that have organic basis. You can also add complex organic fertilizers to them.

Organic fertilizers are produced from substances that are formed as a result of natural process life of plants, animals and birds.

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of its state - slightly decomposed, semi-decayed, rotted and humus.

  • The amount of nutrients in manure can vary depending on which animal it is derived from. In the manure of horses and sheep, for example, less water and more organic and inorganic matter than cow and pig.
  • The effectiveness of manure application depends on its quality, applied volumes and soil and climatic conditions. It is used in spring and autumn, depending on the stage of its condition. AT fresh- it is better not to apply.
  • Manure increases productivity not only in the year it is applied to the soil, but also for several years after that.
  • Depending on the technology of its production, there is bedding (semi-liquid) and bedding-free (liquid) manure. They have some differences in composition, methods of use and storage.
  1. Bird droppings - is considered the best organic fertilizer.

Especially chicken and pigeon. This fertilizer is best used in the fall, evenly distributed over the entire area. land plot, due to the high content of nitrogen in the nitrate form. The use of bird droppings in liquid dressings is the most effective.

  1. Peat - contains not very many nutrients. But its use can improve the structure of the soil by increasing the humus content.

Peat fertilizer is distinguished by the degree of decomposition - high and lowland. Horse has the remains of vegetation and high acidity.

Peat is brought in almost at any time of the year. A prerequisite application, is the addition of lime.

  1. Silt - is deposited at the bottom of water bodies (ponds, lakes, rivers). It contains a lot of humus and mineral elements in its structure. Before applying to the soil, it must be well ventilated (withstand some time in the open air). Successfully used on sandy soils.
  1. sawdust and tree bark- an inexpensive tool for increasing soil fertility and improving its moisture capacity and air permeability. It is introduced into the soil in a rotted form or with other components.
  2. Siderates are tall plants plowed into the soil. They act on the soil in much the same way as fresh manure.
  3. Complex organic fertilizers - consist of organic matter and minerals that are combined with chemical or mechanically. The result of processing bird droppings or manure by biofermentation.

Physical properties

The types of fertilizers and the classification of fertilizers also take into account the aggregate (physical) state. They can be solid, liquid or even gaseous. The use of gaseous fertilizers, for example - carbon dioxide, is carried out in complete isolation from the atmosphere.

After manufacture and transportation, before application, the physical properties of fertilizers can be changed.

A very important component of physical properties is the ability of the initial product to dissolve, because. Plants get all their nutrients from water.

The types of fertilizers in this regard are diverse, but coarse-grained and granular ones are in the first place. This is due to the fact that with local application to the soil, the process of natural leaching slows down, and the period of action increases with minimal loss of useful components.

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Video - Fertilizer classification

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