Types, composition, application of mineral fertilizers. Mineral fertilizers - types and their application

Mineral fertilizers (tuks) are the source of plant nutrition and soil fertility. They are used not only by summer residents and gardeners, but also by owners of farmland to obtain a rich harvest, enrich the soil and feed plants. In this article we will talk about the types, composition and methods of applying mineral fertilizers.

Types, composition, application of mineral fertilizers

Depending on their composition, mineral fertilizers are divided into two main types: simple and complex. Simple ones contain only one component, while complex ones have 2 or more. In terms of efficiency, complex fertilizers have an advantage over simple ones. Their advantage is associated not only with the characteristics of different acidity and the presence of substances in the soil, but also with the ease and simplicity of application (it is not necessary to independently determine the characteristics of the soil).

Simple fertilizers (single-sided)

Simple (another name is one-sided) fertilizers contain one nutrient.

Urea (urea)

• the most concentrated nitrogen fertilizer containing 46% nitrogen. Low hygroscopic, soluble in water. It is used when embedding into the soil and for non-root top dressing. With surface application, nitrogen losses reach 20%. Acidifies the soil. Urea cannot be mixed with lime, superphosphate.

Ammonium nitrate (ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate)

• contains 34-35% nitrogen in ammonium and nitrate forms. It is hygroscopic, dissolves well in water, acidifies the soil, therefore it is applied on limed soils. It can be mixed with potassium salts and before being applied with superphosphate, it is not mixed with lime and manure.

Ammonium sulfate (ammonium sulphate)

• contains 20% nitrogen, dissolves well in water, strongly acidifies the soil, therefore, it is applied on limed soils or in combination (not in a mixture) with lime or phosphate rock. Ammonium sulfate is well retained in the soil, unlike other nitrogen fertilizers, it is most effective when the soil is strongly moistened.

sodium nitrate

• contains 16% nitrogen, alkaline fertilizer, used on acidic, non-calcified soils. Easily soluble in water. It is possible to mix with superphosphate and fertilizers only before entering into the soil.

Calcium nitrate (calcium nitrate, calcium nitrate)

• contains 15% nitrogen, alkalizes the soil. It is very hygroscopic, so store it in a package in a dry place. Highly soluble in water; do not mix with superphosphate.

Nitrogen

• it moves well in the soil in depth and along the radius from the point of application to 40 cm. Nitrogen enters plants in the form of nitrates and ammonia. Soil acidity plays a major role in the assimilation of ammonia and nitrate nitrogen by plants. Ammonia (urea, ammonium sulfate) is the best source of nitrogen in neutral soils, and nitrates (sodium nitrate, calcium nitrate) in acidic soils Oh. Without the application of nitrogen fertilizers, the amount of nitrogen in the soil is rarely sufficient.

Ammonia

• reduces the intake of potassium into the plant and increases the intake of phosphorus, therefore, with the systematic application of fertilizers such as urea and ammonium sulfate, it is necessary to apply a sufficient amount of potassium fertilizers. Excess nitrogen is harmful not only to plants: being washed out of the soil, it penetrates into ground water by polluting them.

Superphosphate powder

• contains plant-assimilable phosphorus oxide 20%, water-soluble. It does not acidify the soil, quickly binds to the soil and slowly turns into an inaccessible form. Suitable for all soils, it works better on acidic soils after liming. Superphosphate can be mixed with nitrogen and potash fertilizers only before being applied to the soil; they are not mixed with lime.

Superphosphate granulated

• contains phosphorus oxide up to 22%, binds to the soil less quickly than powder.

Double superphosphate (granular)

• contains 42-49% soluble phosphorus oxide.

Phosphorite flour

• crushed natural phosphorites, contains 14-30% soluble phosphorus oxide. Does not dissolve in water. Weakens acidity, effective on acidic soils, it is not used on carbonate soils. It is not mixed with lime and manure, it is mixed with other fertilizers only before being applied to the soil. They are brought in for autumn digging, the efficiency increases with simultaneous application with potash fertilizers. Used for composting.
• With the systematic introduction of high doses phosphate fertilizers the need of plants for micronutrient fertilizers increases. Phosphorus moves poorly in the soil, so it can accumulate over time. In this regard, the introduction of phosphorus fertilizers can be periodically (not every year) in high doses.

Potassium chloride

• the main concentrated potash fertilizer containing 53-60% potassium oxide. It is low hygroscopic, contains chlorine, which, when applied in autumn, is washed out into the deep layers and does not harm plants. Leaching of chlorine occurs in conjunction with calcium, the loss of calcium in the soil can be compensated by the introduction of superphosphate.

Potassium salt

• a mixture of potassium chloride with sylvinite and kainite is similar in properties to potassium chloride, but contains more chlorine and sodium. Digestible potassium oxide is 40%.
• Chlorine-containing fertilizers should not be used for raspberries, currants, strawberries, gooseberries, as these crops are sensitive to chlorine and high doses of it in the soil reduce productivity.

Potassium carbonate (potash)

• contains 55-60% potassium oxide, does not contain chlorine, good source potassium for plants sensitive to chlorine. Apply on acidic soil types.

Potassium-magnesium concentrate (kalimag)

• contains 19% potassium oxide and 9% magnesium, non-hygroscopic, non-caking. Recommended for light soils.

Potassium-magnesium sulfate (potassium magnesia)

• chlorine-free fertilizer, contains 30% potassium oxide and 10% magnesium oxide, recommended for use on light soils poor in magnesium.

Potassium saltpeter

• does not contain chlorine, it contains 44% potassium oxide and 14% nitrogen, it is recommended for application in the spring due to the content of easily soluble nitrogen.

Dolomite flour

• contains 20% magnesium and 28% potassium, applied primarily on light soils as a magnesium fertilizer and as a calcareous material.

Magnesium sulfate

• contains 16% magnesium, it is highly soluble in water, it passes into the exchange state in the soil. Good results gives spraying after flowering trees 2-3 times at intervals of 10 days with a 1-2% solution of magnesium sulfate (200-250g / 10l of water).

Complex fertilizers (multilateral)

Complex fertilizers are called fertilizers containing 2 or 3 main nutrients. They may also include manganese, magnesium and trace elements. They are divided into double (phosphorus-potassium, nitrogen-phosphorus, nitrogen-potassium) and triple nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium.

Compound

The labels accompanying each package of fertilizers indicate the content of the elements in them. Fertilizers that do not contain potassium (ammophos, diammophos, etc.) are used on soils rich in potassium. They are characterized by high solubility of the phosphorus component. Three-component fertilizers contain all three nutrients in different ratios.

For example, in nitrophoska, the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium can be as follows:

• 1:1:1;
• 1:1,5:1;
• 1:1,5:1,5;
• 1:2:1, etc.

In their effect, these fertilizers can be superior to mixtures of simple fertilizers.

Fertilizer mixtures are produced by the industry for fertilizing the soil in gardens. Mixtures are made from different forms mineral fertilizers with different composition of the main nutrients and micronutrient supplements. Mixtures of three grades are produced depending on the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in them:

• garden - 1: 1.6: 1.5;
• fruit and berry - 1:1.6:1.25;
• flower - 1:1.5:1.

Such fertilizers are used in spring- summer period.

It should be noted that for all fertilizers attached detailed instructions, we emphasize general rules that are important to keep in mind while working.

• Do not dilute fertilizers in dishes that are used for cooking.
• It is most safe to store fertilizers in vacuum packaging, which will further increase the shelf life.
• If the fertilizers are caked, grind them before applying, passing through a 3-5 mm sieve.
• When applying, do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended dose.
• If top dressing is carried out through the soil, the solution should not fall on the vegetative mass of the fertilized crop. Alternatively, spray the plants with water after feeding.
• Fertilizers in dry form, as well as nitrogen-containing and potash fertilizers, immediately close up in upper layer soil. Not very deep so that they are available to the root system.
• Wet the beds before applying mineral fertilizers to the soil. This will soften the concentrate.
• For achievement best result, phosphorus and potash fertilizers, apply to nitrogen-depleted soil only in combination with this element.
• For clay soil increase the dose of applied fertilizers. From phosphorus, we recommend superphosphate.
• For sandy - reduce the amount of fertilizer, but increase the amount of top dressing. Any phosphate fertilizer is better suited.
• AT middle lane In Russia, abundant in rainfall, apply 30% of the main fertilizer in the process of sowing seeds or planting seedlings in the soil in planting holes and grooves. To prevent root burns, mix well with soil.
• To increase soil fertility, alternate mineral and organic top dressings.
• If the plants in the beds have grown too large, use outside root dressing(for leaves). In fruit and berry plants, spend it in spring on young, formed foliage.
• Carry out root dressing with potash fertilizers in the fall, planting them to a depth of 8-10 cm.
• If you apply as the main mineral fertilizers, scatter them on the ground with subsequent embedding in the soil.
• Most effective method- apply mineral and organic fertilizers together. At the same time, reduce the dose of mineral by 30%.
• The most practical of fertilizers are granular. They are brought in for autumn digging.

Interesting on the topic

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

Mineral fertilizer is a substance consisting of inorganic compounds that contain nutrients, necessary for plants for normal development. 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 that you first deal with their classification.

Types of mineral fertilizers

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

Granulated mineral fertilizers

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

An undoubted plus is that granular mineral fertilizers are convenient to store: they do not crumple and do not cake (if you follow the storage conditions indicated on the package). They are easy to apply to the soil, they are not carried by the wind (the granules are quite heavy), while the powdered agent can be dispelled even by not very strong gusts.

Liquid mineral fertilizers

Mineral fertilizers in liquid form considered less harmful 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.

Due to uniform distribution and rapid penetration 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 "tuks") can be complex and simple, i.e. containing 1 nutrient. Based on what is the main active ingredient, fertilizers are divided into phosphorus, potash, nitrogen and microfertilizers (for example, boron, manganese, etc.).

Complex fertilizers contain several nutrients in the composition and affect the plant more widely. Consider the popular complex mineral fertilizers, the names of which you probably know:

Nitrogen mineral fertilizers

Nitrogen is "responsible" for the increase in the green mass of the plant and subsequently increases the yield. Quite often in the spring you can observe signs of a lack of nitrogen in the soil:

• plant growth retardation;
• shoots grow thin and weak;
• foliage noticeably shrinks, crumbles;
• in vegetable crops, the leaves brighten, 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 an overdose, since excess nitrogen in the form of nitrates accumulates in the fruits of plants, which negatively affects human health.

The group of nitrogen mineral fertilizers includes:

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

Potash mineral fertilizers

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

With a lack of potassium in the soil, the following changes are noticeable in plants:

• brown spots on the leaves;
• the edges of the leaf blade die off ("marginal burn");
• the stem is thinning;
• growth slows down;
• the leaves curl into a tube.

The group of potash 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 are wrapped, dry;
• seeds germinate poorly;
• seedlings 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 the content of the active substance in the fertilizer, the dose of mineral fertilizers applied when feeding the plants changes:

Top dressing with mineral fertilizers (as opposed to organic dressings) is held annually. However, do not worry about the cash costs - at the end of the season, your investment and efforts will pay off with an excellent harvest.

Mineral fertilizers in spring

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

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

In the summer, top dressing can be repeated, reducing the dosage of each drug by three times.

Mineral fertilizers in autumn

Fertilizers to be applied to autumn period, if possible, should not contain nitrogen. Usually on the packaging indicate information 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 site 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 plant nutrition.

Mineral fertilizers for potatoes

Potatoes, like other crops, need to receive many different trace elements for full development. Therefore, in addition to organic fertilizers for feeding potatoes, mineral fertilizers should also be applied in parallel.

In the spring, during the preparation of the soil for planting potatoes, mineral fertilizers are applied per 1 sq.m in the amount of:

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

In autumn, when digging, 30 g of superphosphate and 15 g of potassium sulfate are added (per 1 sq.m.).

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

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

Mineral fertilizers for cucumbers

Back in the fall, the following mixture is added to the site where cucumbers are planned to be planted in the future (based on 1 sq.m.): 10-25 g of potassium salt, 15-25 ammonium sulphate, 25 g of ammonium nitrate.

For the second root dressing, 2 tablespoons are dissolved in 10 liters of water. superphosphate. Also, in order to activate the flowering of cucumbers, foliar top dressing is carried out: 1/4 tsp. boric acid, 2-3 crystals of potassium permanganate are dissolved in a glass of water and the plants are sprayed.

The third dressing of cucumbers: spraying with a solution of urea (10-15 g per 1 liter of water). This will rejuvenate the leaves, improve photosynthesis, and prevent the plant from turning yellow.

Mineral fertilizers for tomatoes

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

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

Second dressing (after 10 days): 1 tsp. potassium sulfate per 10 liters of water, the 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 is relatively warm. At this time, it is important to add a sufficient amount of nitrogen: 1 tbsp is dissolved in 10 liters of water. nitroammofoski and poured under each bush 0.5-1 l of solution.

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

Mineral fertilizers for flowers

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

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

Storage of mineral fertilizers

Mineral fertilizers are stored in non-residential premises on separate shelves or racks at a relative air humidity of not more than 40%. Under no circumstances should fats be stored under open sky or leave the bags on earthen floor- fertilizers will become damp and become unusable. The exception is phosphates, they can be stored at high humidity.

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

The optimum 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 about inorganic fertilizers, feel free to start feeding plants. But do not forget that even the best mineral fertilizers will not save the crop if timely and conscientious care of the garden and vegetable garden is neglected.

Not all gardeners can boast of the presence of organic raw materials in the form of manure, litter. Not everyone has time to prepare compost and green manure.

People living in a private house, having a large farm in the form of animals and birds, as well as a large land plot– can afford to keep a source of organic fertilizer and at the same time grow vegetables and fruits.

All the rest, who occasionally travel out of town, can use mineral fertilizers - their types allow you to choose mixtures for each type of soil and for crops separately.

Mineral fertilizers are top dressings in the form of salts of inorganic origin. They are also called chemical fertilizers. The source is natural minerals that are mined industrial way, as well as substances obtained artificially.

There are one-component, two-component, three-component and multi-component compositions of mineral fertilizers. This means that the composition includes 1, 2, 3 or more components, the main of which are nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Auxiliary - calcium, sulfur, magnesium, boron and other trace elements necessary for plants to grow.

Advantages of mineral mixtures:

• are cheaper;
• easier to get;
• small doses are used;
• can be selected for specific plants and soil types.

The effect of the use of mineral fertilizers is no different from the effect of organics, but when using mineral dressings, it is necessary to strictly observe the dosages of the substance, that is, to be guided by the gardener's golden rule: it is better to underfeed a little than to overfeed and destroy the plant.

Types and characteristics of mineral fertilizers

The types can be classified as follows:

• nitrogen containing one component - nitrogen;
• potassium, consisting of potassium salts and microadditives;
• phosphoric are salts of phosphoric acid or natural minerals;
• mixtures having an equal composition of active substances or other proportions.

Video: Distinctive features and methods of applying mineral fertilizers

Most often, types of mineral fertilizers are used that have a complete composition - nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, since this eliminates the need to calculate how much and what is needed for a specific piece of land. Each type of mineral fertilizer corresponds to the type of soil on which the additives will be most effective.

Potash

Potash fertilizers contain in large numbers potassium salts, other additives may be present in microdoses. Such mono-fertilizers are recommended for all types of soils, but especially for sandy and sandy loam. Potassium salts are mined industrially from natural minerals - carnallite and sylvinite.

There are two varieties - potassium chloride and sulfate. Chloride must be applied to the soil in the fall so that chlorine harmful to plants disappears during the winter. Such a mineral fertilizer is not suitable for spring application. Potassium sulphate is suitable for all plants and can be used at any time of the year.

Phosphoric

The main mineral for fertilizers is phosphorus, isolated from natural phosphorites and apatites. There are many types of phosphorus compounds that are used in complex mixtures:

• superphosphates and double superphosphates - soluble in water;
• precipitate - dissolves in a weak acid solution;
• metaphosphate is an insoluble or sparingly soluble compound;
• tomasshlak - acid is needed for dissolution;
• ammophos and diammophos are substances that are sparingly soluble in water.

Water-soluble substances are suitable for all types of soils and plants. Semi-soluble and sparingly soluble have an advantage on acidic soils - there their action is stronger.

In order for phosphate mineral fertilizers to be well absorbed by plants, the soil must be saturated with potassium and nitrogen.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen types of fertilizers, their classification:

• nitrate forms - calcium or sodium nitrate;
• ammonia form - ammonia water;
• ammonium - sulfate or ammonium chloride;
• ammonium nitrate - ammonium nitrate;
• the amide form is urea.

Nitrogen substances, which also belong to mineral fertilizers, form the basis of plant nutrition, contribute to the set of green mass. Without sufficient nitrogen supply, the leaves are yellowish or pale green. The efficiency of nitrogen increases if the soil is well fertilized with phosphorus and potassium.

Video: How to properly feed plants with nitrogen

Nitrogen is often included in the composition of mineral fertilizers, which are called complex. In such mixtures, the amount of nutrients is maximally balanced.

Complex mixtures

Complex mineral fertilizers receive different ways – chemical reaction by mixing simple components. The concentration of active substances is very high, so the consumption of fertilizers is small. For different types of soil, you can choose the appropriate mixture for the optimal balance of nutrients.

What is a complex mineral fertilizer - these are mixtures that contain 2 or more kinds of salts. Distinguish:

• nitrogen-phosphorus mixtures;
• potassium-nitrogen;
• nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compounds.

When applying to the soil, you need to know the needs of garden crops. If necessary, you can adjust the mixture yourself, adding those substances that you need more. But with a rich choice of names and compositions of fertilizers for plants, this is not required.

Complex mineral mixtures should be applied in spring or summer, since active nitrogen loses its qualities during the winter and it will be necessary to re-fertilize the land with nitrogen fertilizer

Two-component

Apply in the spring, as the composition includes nitrogen, which is most effective in plant growth. The need for this type of fertilizer is determined by the type of soil. If the plants are constantly lacking in potassium, it is recommended to feed them with nitrogen-potassium mixtures several times during the growing season. If phosphorus is washed out of the soil, then nitrogen-phosphorus.

The names of complex mineral fertilizers that can be found in gardening stores are: potassium nitrate, ammophos, ammophosphate, nitroammophoska, diammophos, nitrophoska.

Some fertilizers that have a low percentage of nitrogen and consist mainly of phosphates can be applied in the fall.

Three-component

Mixtures, which are also called complete mineral fertilizers. All three necessary element- nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, are in it in equal proportions, or some components are more, some are less. It is necessary to focus on the needs of plants.

Complete mineral fertilizer, which includes all macronutrients, can fertilize absolutely all soils and horticultural crops. It is possible to combine types of organic and mineral fertilizers in one area, introducing minerals in the fall, organics in the spring, while reducing the dosage of minerals by 2-3 times.

Names: azofoska, ammophoska, nitrophoska, diammofoska.

Multicomponent

Multi-component nutrient mixtures consist of the main elements and microfertilizers: calcium, boron, magnesium, zinc, sulfur, copper, iron, molybdenum, manganese and others. On poor soils, such compounds are indispensable - they protect plants from diseases and allow you to get good harvest annually.

Microadditives should be considered as additional support for various types soils. For example:

• zinc - for alkaline soils;
• copper - on swampy soils and peat bogs;
• manganese - for chernozem regions with an alkaline soil reaction;
• boron - on sandy soils;
• molybdenum - for acidic soils.

Knowing the characteristics of the soil in your area, you can optimally select a multi-component mixture and use it throughout the entire period of growth and fruiting of crops.

Trace elements (microfertilizers)

Microfertilizers can be found not only in multicomponent fertilizers. One and two-component substances, complex microfertilizers are on sale.

Trace elements are consumed by plants in small amounts. They are used both for root application and for foliar top dressing - by spraying. In this way, the deficiency of a certain element can be quickly eliminated.

What can be found on sale from complex microfertilizers:

• Reacom;
• Master;
• Oracle;
• Sizam.

This type of top dressing is sold in liquid and dry form, which must be diluted with water to the desired concentration, which is described in detail in the instructions.

The effect of mineral fertilizers on the soil

Many gardeners are afraid to use mineral fertilizers because of the popular legend about the dangers of nitrates. Similar stories are told by people who violated the instructions. There is an assertion that poison differs from medicine only in dosage - the same can be said about mineral fertilizers.

There are several rules, subject to which safety for human health is guaranteed.

1. Do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dosages. If there is a need to mix several types of mineral fertilizers, then it is better to take a minimum of both. In case of deficiency, you can always make a weak solution of fertilizer and apply to the leaves.
2. 2 weeks before the removal of the fruits, feeding with mineral mixtures must be stopped.
3. Overdue mineral complexes do not use.

It is worth knowing that excess dosages have a bad effect on the plant itself - the roots can burn out if fertilizers are applied incorrectly. Moreover, this applies equally to both minerals and organic matter. You can disrupt the growth and destroy the plant by using top dressing according to the principle: the more, the better.

It is not recommended to use acidic mineral fertilizers without periodic liming. This can adversely affect plants - the number of beneficial bacteria in the soil will decrease, which will lead to a decrease in the humus part.

This happens because the microflora also needs minerals for nutrition, therefore, if their amount is not exceeded, then it will be enough to feed both plants and microorganisms.

In the case of naturally high soil acidity, it is necessary to use organic matter that shifts the pH towards alkalinity. As an option - alternate mineral and organic complexes. For example, wood ash, bone meal, which can also be bought at the store.

The balance should be observed if the soil has a neutral or alkaline reaction. On such soils, you can safely use mineral fertilizers with an acidic reaction.

Methods for making mineral mixtures

Mineral fertilizers can be used to apply to the soil for digging in the fall. To do this, it is better to select compositions with a minimum amount of nitrogen or no nitrogen at all.

In the spring, shortly before planting, dry complex mineral compositions. It should be noted that if phosphorus and potassium were introduced in the fall, then in the spring it is necessary to add only nitrogen in the form of urea or another mono-fertilizer.

If there is a shortage of mineral fertilizers, you can dilute the complex composition with water and spray the foliage. Dosages are reduced by half (indicated in the instructions). Through the foliage, plants absorb fertilizer much faster, therefore, after 2 - 3 days, the foliage will come to life and change color.

The watering method is most commonly practiced by gardeners who are afraid of dry mixes and prefer the smaller but safer principle. For this dry matter diluted in the required concentration and poured under the plants on the site.

findings

Mineral complex mixtures are an excellent replacement for organic fertilizers. With the right approach, you can save cash, strength and time, as well as not harm your health.

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Classification of mineral fertilizers

Agriculture is one of the oldest occupations. Throughout history, mankind has managed to accumulate rich experience in the use of fertilizers and develop many of their options, as chemical structure, as well as in form and function.

When purchasing fertilizer, it is necessary to pay attention to several factors: ease of use, special 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 top dressings in different state of aggregation and form (liquids, powders, pencils, aerosols), as well as 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

According to the origin, two types of fertilizers are distinguished - organic mineral fertilizers and proper mineral fertilizers. The first are the product of the vital activity of domestic animals. They, decomposing, turn into the corresponding microelements. The latter already contain the desired set of chemicals.

There is an opinion that "organics" is better than "chemistry", but this is far from the case. In organic fertilizers, often the amount useful substances too little or none at all. The use of chemical alternatives makes it possible to provide the plant with good nutrition.

Chemical classification of dressings

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

potash fertilizers

potash fertilizers are responsible for increasing plant productivity. In addition, they allow green organisms be more resistant to diseases and adverse factors external environment. Potash fertilizers are not sold as a standalone 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 that 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 sulphate - does not contain chlorides, therefore it is favorably tolerated by plants at any time. Both independent and complex mineral fertilizers are used.

Phosphate fertilizers

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

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

nitrogen fertilizers

Nitrogen is most often used in fertilizers, since its presence promotes the development of the above-ground part 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 adversely affect a person. It is best to use fertilizers for growing greens, radishes, cabbage.
2. Ammonium sulfate. The drug is used to fertilize acidic soils, since it is not absorbed in others. Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, cabbage are susceptible to it. It is introduced into the soil in autumn.
3. Amides. Urea is a vital nutrient for increasing yields 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 dressings

Not only mono-fertilizers are actively used, but also complex preparations. These are nitroammophoska, nitrophoska, ammophos and other combinations of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium.

Another group of fertilizers is microfertilizers, which allow replenishing the supply of zinc, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron and other trace elements. The norms of mineral fertilizers of this kind are quite low, so they are introduced extremely rarely.

Rules for the use of fertilizers

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

Mineral fertilizers: what rules should be remembered?

One of important rules- Fertilization time. It should be remembered that the stronger the fertilizer, the more it destroys the plant. Therefore, potash, strong nitrogen and other substances should be applied in the fall, in advance. This will allow them to enrich the soil and the excess to wash out with the water. Also in the fall, drugs are introduced that slowly dissolve in water.

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

Feeding frequency is another important factor. When choosing a drug, look on the package for how often it is recommended to use it. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and in no case exceed the dose, as this will adversely affect the plant.

Consequences of improper feeding

If the plant has an excess of fertilizer, this is also detrimental. Its leaves turn yellow, the stems are stretched in growth 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.