Mineral fertilizers characterized by high concentration nutrients and in some cases they are irreplaceable. It is important to apply them in small quantities, while simultaneously monitoring the level of nutrients in the soil. In this case, mineral fertilizers will not be able to cause significant harm to the ecology of the garden.

The chemical industry produces mineral fertilizers in various forms, therefore, depending on the complexity of the composition, they are divided into simple (one-sided) and complex (complex). In addition, there are microfertilizers containing microelements that plants use in limited quantities, but cannot do without them completely.

Simple mineral fertilizers differ in their active ingredients, i.e. the amount of the main nutrient in its composition. Therefore, simple mineral fertilizers are in turn divided into nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Potash fertilizers

Potassium fertilizers help plants gain resistance to adverse weather conditions and extreme lack of moisture, increase their cold resistance and enhance resistance to various diseases.

Potassium sulfate (potassium sulfate)

The best potassium fertilizer is potassium sulfate (potassium sulfate), which does not contain chlorine and is highly soluble in water. The level of potassium in its composition reaches 45%.

Potassium sulfate can be used as a basic fertilizer, applied under spring treatment soil, or as top dressing.

Potassium chloride

It is a saturated potassium fertilizer, since the potassium content reaches up to 63%. Chlorine contained in the fertilizer is highly soluble in water and enters the soil in an exchangeable form, which is easily accessible to plants and is therefore easily absorbed. During long-term storage, potassium chloride strongly cakes.

Potassium salts

This type is classified as a potent potassium fertilizer, since it contains up to 40% potassium. But the salts contain much more chlorine than potassium chloride and potassium magnesium.

Potassium salts are suitable for feeding many vegetable crops, but they should be used with caution when growing chlorine-sensitive crops, such as tomatoes, cucumbers or potatoes. IN in this case It is better to apply potassium salts under autumn processing soil, and the rest of the time apply very limitedly.

In some cases, gardeners use the following potash fertilizers: kainite (11% potassium), carnallite (13% potassium), ground sulvinite (22% potassium) and potash (55% potassium).

Phosphorus fertilizers

Phosphorus fertilizers contribute to the rapid ripening of crops, which is explained by the property of phosphorus to reduce growing season, which plants need for normal development root system.

Superphosphate

This is the most popular phosphate fertilizer contains up to 21% phosphorus, as well as gypsum, which serves as a source of sulfur for crops that need it. It is highly soluble in water and soil and can be used as the main fertilizer for all types of vegetable crops, as well as as a top dressing (20 g per 1 m2).

Superphosphate gives a good effect when applied to the furrows during sowing of seeds.

Double superphosphate

The fertilizer is characterized by a high content (up to 50%) of phosphoric acid in a form accessible to plants for absorption. However, this fertilizer does not contain gypsum.

Double superphosphate is used similarly to superphosphate.

Precipitate

This species is also characterized by a high content (up to 40%) of phosphoric acid in a form accessible to plants for absorption.

❧ Indicator plants help the gardener determine the depth of groundwater. In areas with close groundwater, oak, willow, gray and black alder, cinquefoil, and coltsfoot grow well, but cherry and apple trees do not do well.

Phosphorite flour, or ground phosphate rock

The fertilizer has a long-lasting effect and contains up to 20% phosphoric acid in a form accessible to plants. However, it is a sparingly soluble form of phosphorus fertilizer.

The effect of phosphate rock is enhanced in combination with acidic nitrogen and potassium fertilizers, but it should not be mixed with alkaline fertilizers. Adding phosphate rock to composts has a good effect.

Nitrogen fertilizers

Nitrogen mineral fertilizers contribute intensive growth leaves and other vegetative parts of plants. With their help you can increase the green leafy mass.

Urea

Gardeners use urea (carbamide) fertilizer more often than others. The fact is that urea contains up to 46% nitrogen, is very hygroscopic, dissolves well in water and soil, and plants absorb it easily and quickly. It is better to purchase granular fertilizer because it does not cake.

Urea can be applied as the main fertilizer for spring digging of soil, and also as foliar feeding. For feeding in the fall, prepare a solution with a concentration of 4-5%, in the spring - 1%.

Ammonium nitrate

The main nitrogen fertilizer is characterized by a nitrogen content of up to 35%. Ammonium nitrate (ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate) is very hygroscopic, easily dissolves in water and soil, and is quickly absorbed by plants.

Ammonium nitrate can be applied to the soil during digging in the spring as the main fertilizer and covered with a rake or used as a top dressing. Ammonium nitrate is most often produced in granular form.

Ammonium sulfate

This valuable nitrogen fertilizer with a nitrogen content of up to 21% is highly soluble in water and binds to the soil at normal level humidity and is slightly washed out of the soil by water.

The disadvantages of ammonium sulfate (ammonium sulfate) include its property of caking during storage.

Calcium nitrate

Calcium nitrate (calcium nitrate) is characterized by a nitrogen content of up to 17%, high hygroscopicity and excellent solubility in water and soil.

Calcium nitrate is quickly absorbed by plants, and the best effect is obtained by using the fertilizer as a liquid fertilizer. To prepare the solution, you need to dilute 100 g of saltpeter in 10 liters of water, this amount is enough to feed 1 m2 of plantings.

The fertilizer is produced in granular form, and since it tends to cake, it is best to store it in airtight packaging.

Sodium nitrate

Sodium nitrate (sodium nitrate, sodium nitrate) is a hygroscopic fertilizer containing up to 16.5% nitrogen and 26% sodium, readily soluble in water and soil with sufficient moisture levels.

Sodium nitrate can be applied as the main fertilizer for spring tillage at the rate of 50 g per 1 m2, used as a dry fertilizer (20 g per 1 m2) or in the form of a solution. Liquid fertilizing is prepared in a ratio of 20 g per 1 liter of water, which is calculated for application per 1 m 2 of soil.

It is better to use sodium nitrate in a mixture with superphosphate, since in this case it can be applied to all vegetable crops. The disadvantages of sodium nitrate include its property of caking during storage.

Magnesium and iron containing fertilizers

Magnesium is an element necessary for the formation of chlorophyll. Of the magnesium fertilizers, dolomite (21% magnesium oxide), magnesium sulfate (16% magnesium oxide) and boron-magnesium waste containing 1-2% boron and 13-14% magnesium oxide are worthy of attention.

When applying potassium fertilizers such as Kalimag and Kalimagnesia, the soil is simultaneously enriched with potassium and magnesium.

Most often, magnesium is applied when liming soils using magnesium-containing fertilizers, which helps to increase yields. It is best to carry out such events when autumn digging soil, as this will provide plants with magnesium for a long time.

Plants need iron for the formation of chlorophyll, as well as to support other vital processes. It is especially needed by those crops that remove it from the soil in large quantities: cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, beets, radishes, dill, spinach.

Usually, the natural iron content in the soil in the form of various salts is sufficient for plants. Specially ferrous fertilizers are rarely used, mainly for foliar feeding in case of obvious manifestations of iron deficiency (necrosis) on the leaves.

Dolomite flour

The substance is a lime fertilizer that neutralizes soil acidity and contains up to 56% calcium and 42% magnesium in the form of carbonates. Dolomite flour contains a number of microelements as impurities, as well as sand and clay (1.5-4%).

In spring, dolomite flour can be applied to the soil at least 3 weeks before sowing or planting crops in open ground or a greenhouse. This period of time is especially important to observe if manure has previously been applied to the soil.

Calimagnesia

Potassium magnesium (potassium-magnesium sulfate) contains up to 30% potassium, a small amount of chlorine, magnesium and sulfur and is highly soluble in water, so it is easily absorbed by soil and plants. It can be used as a basic fertilizer.

Kieserit

Kieserite (magnesium sulfate) is a valuable source of magnesium and sulfur for agricultural crops and is a water-soluble fertilizer.

Magnesium sulfate contains sodium, chlorine, iron and manganese as impurities. This is a highly effective product, the application rate of which is half that of magnesium sulfate.

Magnesium ammopium phosphate

The substance is a three-component complex fertilizer that contains 10-11% nitrogen, 39-40% phosphorus and 15-16% magnesium. All the main elements of fertilizer are available to plants, but it can be classified as a slow-acting and slightly water-soluble product.

Magnesium ammonium phosphate can be applied as the main fertilizer for all vegetable crops in large doses without harm to the plants. However, it gives a greater effect when growing vegetables in protected soil conditions.

Magnesium nitrate

This completely water-soluble fertilizer is suitable for layer feeding in greenhouses and open ground, satisfying the need of plants for magnesium during the growing season. The application rate of this fertilizer differs depending on the crops being fed and is 1 tsp. per 10 liters of water for potatoes and root vegetables, 0.5 tsp. per 10 liters of water for vegetable crops.

Epsomite, or magnesium sulfate

Novofert

A water-soluble fertilizer containing the main nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and excluding chlorine. Novofert contains a balanced complex of microelements: copper, iron, cobalt, zinc, boron and molybdenum.

Fertilizer, highly soluble in water, is easily absorbed by plants, but is not absorbed by the soil, so it can be used through foliar feeding, drip irrigation or processing of planting material.

Novofert should not be used in hot sunny weather and should be stored as far as possible from direct sunlight.

❧ Indicator plants will help the gardener determine the degree of soil acidity in the area. On soils with a high level of acidity, marsh marigolds, buttercups, meadow hearts, and European rosemary grow, but legumes do not take root here.

Complex fertilizers

Complex fertilizers contain two or three nutrients at once in one chemical compound. They are obtained through the chemical interaction of the initial components, so they can be double, such as nitrogen-phosphorus, nitrogen-potassium or phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, or triple, such as nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. According to the production method, complex fertilizers are complex, complex-mixed, or combined and mixed.

Complex fertilizers usually contain two or three nutrients. Thus, ammophos contains nitrogen and phosphorus, and potassium nitrate contains nitrogen and potassium. The ratio between nutrients in complex fertilizers is determined by their formula.

Mixed fertilizers are mixtures of simple fertilizers that are obtained in the factory or at the sites of their use using fertilizer mixing plants.

Complex mixed or combined fertilizers are obtained in a single technological process through special chemical and physical processing of primary raw materials or a variety of one- and two-component fertilizers. Each granule of combined fertilizer contains the same two or three basic plant nutrients, but in the form of different chemical compounds. Complex mixed fertilizers include: nitrophos and nitrophoska, nitroammophos and nitroammophoska, ammonium and potassium polyphosphates, carboammophos, phosphorus-potassium compressed fertilizers, liquid complex fertilizers.

The ratio between nutrients in these fertilizers is determined by the amount of materials that were involved in their production. They are distinguished by a high concentration of essential nutrients. In addition, ballast substances are either completely absent or present in a very small volume.

On the specialized market, complex fertilizers are presented mainly in the following forms:

Double nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers (ammophos, nitroammophos and nitrophos);

Double phosphorus-potassium fertilizers (potassium phosphates);

Triple complex fertilizers (ammophoska, nitroammofoska and nitrophoska).

Ammophos

Granular concentrated complex phosphorus-nitrogen fertilizer, which contains nitrogen and phosphorus in a ratio of 12: 52. The nutrients included in its composition are presented mainly in water-soluble form, which is easily absorbed by plants.

Ammophos is advantageous in that 1 kg of this fertilizer can simultaneously replace 2.5 kg of simple superphosphate and 0.35 kg of ammonium nitrate. It can be applied during sowing as the main fertilizer for all vegetable crops and potatoes. At the same time, it almost does not absorb moisture from the air, so it is sown well and does not cake.

The disadvantage of this fertilizer is that it contains much less nitrogen than phosphorus, although in practice they are usually applied in equal doses, so the required amount of one-way nitrogen fertilizer must be added.

Diammofos

Complex phosphorus-nitrogen fertilizer containing 20-21% nitrogen and 51-53% phosphorus. The effectiveness of this substance is higher than that of ammophos, so when using it there is no need to add additional nitrogen.

Diammophos is highly soluble in water, does not contain ballast substances, and therefore does not worsen the properties of the soil, although it slightly acidifies it. The fertilizer does not cake during storage.

Nitrophos and nitrophoska

Double and triple fertilizers obtained by processing apatite or phosphorite. By adding various components, carbonate nitrophoska and phosphorus nitrophoska are obtained.

In nitrophoskas, nitrogen and potassium are present in the form of readily soluble compounds. Phosphorus can be contained both in a form insoluble in water, but accessible to plants, and partially in a water-soluble form (up to 59%). This ratio may vary depending on technological scheme production.

Nitrophoska can be applied as the main fertilizer before sowing, in rows or holes during sowing, and also as a top dressing.

Azofoska

Azofoska, or nitroammofoska - granular, highly effective complete mineral fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in an easily digestible form in a ratio of 16: 16: 16. This three-component fertilizer provides a significant increase in yield; with its use, there is no need to add additional substances. In addition, it is good because it is non-hygroscopic, non-toxic and non-explosive, has 100% friability and does not cake during long-term storage.

Azofoska can be used for all crops as the main fertilizer or as a top dressing.

Nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer 13:19:19

The universal granular complex fertilizer does not contain nitrates and can be used for any agricultural crops, since its nutrients are well absorbed by plants.

The fertilizer has a good effect on plant growth in the initial period of development, rooting of seedlings when planted in the ground, increases the resistance of crops to short frosts and lack of moisture, reduces the accumulation of nitrates in fruits and vegetables, and extends shelf life.

It can be used as the main fertilizer when digging in spring or autumn and before sowing by applying it to rows, furrows or holes, as well as for feeding in dry and liquid form.

Diammofoska

Diammofoska (DAFK) is a highly effective concentrated granular fertilizer containing three main nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and macroelements such as sulfur, magnesium and calcium. In addition, in small quantities it also contains other microelements (salts of copper, zinc, manganese, iron and silicon), which increase the agrochemical value of the fertilizer.

Diammofoska can be used to feed vineyards and fruit trees. This fertilizer brings the greatest benefit with the local (belt) method of application.

Fertilizers containing microelements

Microfertilizers are fertilizers containing small amounts of boron, copper, molybdenum, zinc and other microelements.

The need of plants for microelements increases with increasing doses organic and mineral fertilizers. For example, when applying a large volume of phosphorus fertilizers, the plants' need for zinc increases, and when applying potassium fertilizers, the need for boron increases.

To replenish microelements in the soil, use different kinds microfertilizers, which are produced in the form of powders, granules and tablets. As needed, they are included in mixed fertilizers, applied together with foliar fertilizers and used for pre-sowing treatment seeds

Boric

This group is represented primarily by boron superphosphate containing 20% ​​phosphorus and 0.2% boron, boron-magnesium waste (1-2% boron and 13-14% magnesium oxide) and boric acid (17.1-17. 3% boron).

Boric superphosphate is usually applied in the spring during pre-sowing plowing at a rate of 300-350 g per 10 m2. Boric acid in the form of a 0.02-0.04% solution is used for pre-sowing treatment of seeds and foliar feeding of plants.

Copper

If necessary, pyrite cinders containing about 0.2-0.3% copper are used to feed plants. For pre-sowing treatment of seeds and foliar fertilizing, a 0.02-0.05% solution of copper sulfate is used.

❧ Plants such as stinging nettle, hazel, raspberries, and black currants grow well in slightly acidic soil. If salt marsh aster, warty quinoa, crescent alfalfa, coltsfoot or wormwood feel well on the site, then this indicates alkaline soils.

Molybdenum

They help increase productivity, increase the content of proteins, chlorophyll, ascorbic acid and vitamins in different parts of plants. Molybdenum superphosphate, containing 0.1-0.2% molybdenum, can be applied as a basic fertilizer or as a top dressing in rows.

Manganese

Manganese is involved in plant respiration and photosynthesis, so manganese fertilizers are necessary for plants to normalize redox processes. For these purposes, manganese sludge (9-15% manganese) and manganese superphosphate (2-3% manganese) are used, which are suitable for main and row application to the soil, while seed treatment and foliar feeding are carried out using manganese sulfate (21-22 % manganese), on the basis of which a 0.01-0.05% aqueous solution is prepared.

Zinc

This group, also necessary for plants to normalize redox processes, is represented by zinc sulfate (25% zinc). For foliar feeding of plants, a 0.01-0.02% aqueous solution of zinc sulfate is prepared, and for pre-sowing seed treatment - a 0.05-0.1% aqueous solution.

The application of fertilizers has one goal - increasing the yield of vegetables, berries, fruits, and better and more complete flowering of garden plants.

However, the effect of fertilizing with mineral fertilizers depends on many factors; it is not enough to know the types of fertilizers and their composition; the rules for mixing fertilizers with each other, application doses, application times and methods are important.

Thoughtless application of fertilizing can have completely unpredictable results, sometimes disastrous. Thus, excessive doses of sodium nitrate or lime (high dose of calcium) lead to magnesium deficiency. And this is the falling of leaves, weakening of growth, pale coloring of the fruit and the appearance of brown necrotic spots inside the pulp.

A lack of nutrients in the soil is no less dangerous in another way - weakened plants are not able to withstand unfavorable environmental factors - drought, winter cold snaps, are susceptible to diseases and are easily damaged by pests.

Organic and mineral fertilizers

We are accustomed to relying primarily on organic fertilizers in our gardens. Maintaining a garden and growing vegetables is simply unthinkable without the annual addition of organic matter. Mineral fertilizers, as a rule, play a second role.

Some summer residents are able to do without chemicals completely, preferring all fertilizers slurry, chicken manure, ash, green fertilizers (mash) and improving the soil composition by sowing green manure.

What is the difference between organic and mineral fertilizers:

Organic fertilizers are complex fertilizers; they contain macro and microelements: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, boron, molybdenum, copper, manganese, magnesium, calcium, etc. But in addition to this, they are a source carbon dioxide, which is formed during the decomposition of organic matter with the participation of soil microorganisms. Plants consume carbon dioxide not through their roots, but through their leaves, when it is released from the soil, so the soil should not be compacted or loosened after watering and fertilizing.

Mineral fertilizers, compared to organic ones, contain a higher concentration of nutrients, but are simpler in chemical composition. Formulas of mineral fertilizers do not always accurately reflect the true composition; in addition to the active substance, there are always minor impurities and additives.

Types of mineral fertilizers

There are two types of mineral fertilizers:

• Simple
• Complex

Concept simple fertilizer conditional, as a rule, the chemical formula of such a fertilizer suggests the presence of additional chemical elements in it, which are in very small quantities compared to the main one.

Complex fertilizers contain not one, but two or three main chemical elements in high concentrations, as well as a lot of additional ones in small quantities.

Industrial mineral fertilizers are produced in special packaging, which indicates the name, chemical formula and nutrient content in it. As a rule, instructions for use for various crops are printed directly on the packaging.

Mineral fertilizers differ not only in composition, but also in other characteristics: solubility in water, hygroscopicity. If fertilizers absorb moisture from the air too quickly, the powder or granules will soon cake and stick together into a lump. To prevent this from happening, you need to store mineral fertilizers in a closed container. Ideal for storing fertilizers plastic bottles. Be sure to stick the name of the fertilizer and a label on the bottle (you can put it in a file and stick it with tape).

Composition of mineral fertilizers

Based on their composition, mineral fertilizers can be classified as follows:

• Nitrogen fertilizers
• Phosphorus fertilizers
• Potash fertilizers
• Complex fertilizers
• Microfertilizers

Nitrogen fertilizers

Forms of nitrogen fertilizers

• Nitrate form: sodium nitrate, calcium nitrate
• Ammonium (ammonium) form: ammonium sulfate, sodium ammonium sulfate)
• Ammonium nitrate form:
• Amide form: urea

What's the difference: In addition to the concentration of the main substance - nitrogen, different forms of fertilizers are absorbed differently by the soil. For example, ammonia and ammonium forms are absorbed faster, are less washed out by precipitation, and have a longer lasting effect. Fertilizers of the nitrate form are poorly retained in the soil, quickly moving with water to deeper layers in cold weather - their active absorption occurs only in the warm season.

Which form of nitrogen fertilizer to choose depends primarily on the type of soil:

• On acidic soils(soddy-podzolic) it is better to apply nitrate fertilizers - they have an alkaline reaction and help balance the soil’s acidity, shifting its reaction closer to neutral.
• On alkaline and neutral soils, it is better to apply ammonium and amide fertilizers - they have a strongly acidic solution reaction and acidify the soil.
• On slightly acidic soils - ammonium-nitrate forms.

But not everything is so simple! The balance of soil acidity can always be achieved with any form of nitrogen fertilizer, on any soil, if you add deoxidizers along with physiologically acidic fertilizers. However, the doses of lime in each specific case are different, for example, when adding urea, you need to add 0.8 kg of lime per 1 kg of fertilizer, when adding ammonium sulfate - 1.2 kg of lime.

Types of nitrogen fertilizers

Ammonium nitrate(ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate), composition: 34-35% nitrogen (ammonium and nitrate form), formula NH4NO3. Available in powder form. Ammonium nitrate is used in the spring for digging on heavy soils, on light soils on the surface - directly during sowing, as additional fertilizing during the growing season. Before application, it is necessary to mix ammonium nitrate with lime or dolomite flour(0.6 kg of fertilizer per 1 kg of lime material). Suitable for all vegetables, but better for potatoes and beets. You can mix ammonium nitrate with potassium sulfate, potassium chloride, phosphate rock, sodium and potassium nitrate, and urea.

Urea (urea), composition: 46% nitrogen (ammonia form), urea formula NH2CONH2. Urea is used on all types of soils, it is more effective in the form of a solution (available in crystalline form, but when applied in dry form the effect is slow, some of the nitrogen is washed out), acidifies the soil, so simultaneous application of lime is required: for 1 kg of urea 0.8 kg of lime . The application rate for dry urea is 10-20 g per 1 m2. To prepare the solution, 50–70 g of dry urea must be dissolved in 10 liters of water, consumption - 10 liters per 10 m2. You can mix urea with sodium and potassium nitrate, manure, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, ammonium nitrate.

Ammonium sulfate (ammonium sulfate), composition: 20.5-21% nitrogen (ammonium form) and 24% sulfur, formula (NH4)2SO4. Available in the form of powder and granules, quickly soluble in water, does not cake, and is well fixed in the soil. Ammonium sulfate is used as the main nitrogen fertilizer and for fertilizing for any vegetables, especially potatoes and cabbage. The norms of ammonium sulfate are 30-40 g per 1 m2. Disadvantage: cannot be mixed with ash and lime. Can be mixed with potassium sulfate and phosphate rock. This is a strongly acidic fertilizer, additionally required:

• in spring and summer: adding chalk - per 1 kg of ammonium sulfate 0.2 kg of chalk,
• spring and summer: adding limestone (not lime!) - 1.2 kg per 1 kg of base substance
• in autumn: adding phosphate rock, in proportions of ammonium sulfate to flour as 1:2

Sodium nitrate(sodium nitrate), composition: 16% nitrogen (nitrate form) and 26% sodium, formula NaNO3. It is highly soluble in water and has little caking. Sodium nitrate is used only during sowing in holes or as a dry fertilizer with incorporation into the soil, in the form of a solution with watering (fertigation). It has an alkaline reaction, so it can be mixed with lime fertilizers, phosphate rock, ash, ammonium nitrate, urea (urea), as well as potassium chloride, potassium sulfate.

Calcium nitrate(calcium nitrate Ca(NO3)2, calcium nitrate) composition: 13-15% nitrogen (nitrate form), 19% calcium, as well as iodine. Soluble in water, but caking (very hygroscopic). Calcium nitrate is used during sowing in holes or as a top dressing during the growing season, including for spraying vegetables. The application rate for calcium nitrate is 30-50 g per 1 m2. Alkaline fertilizer can be mixed with other fertilizers only before filling the soil. It cannot be mixed with superphosphate, it can be mixed with phosphate rock. A good mineral fertilizer for cucumbers, beets, legumes (high need for calcium), used for feeding other vegetables.

Phosphorus fertilizers

Phosphorus fertilizers are of the following types:

• water-soluble, easily accessible to plants: simple, double, enriched or superphos
• insoluble in water, but soluble in weak acids (2% citric acid): precipitate, thermophosphates, bone meal
• sparingly soluble or insoluble in water, poorly soluble in weak acids and completely soluble in strong acids (sulfuric and nitric): phosphate rock

Superphosphate, composition: 14 to 20% phosphoric acid, contains gypsum and sulfur. Superphosphate formula: mixture of Ca(H2PO4)2*H2O and CaSO4. Characteristics: does not cake, highly soluble in water. Superphosphate is the best mineral fertilizer for vegetables: tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, potatoes, carrots, onions, cabbage, leafy greens, fruit trees and berries (strawberries, raspberries, currants, honeysuckle). Superphosphate is added during the main soil treatment in spring and autumn, and into the holes during planting. Superphosphate norms for vegetable seedlings are 40-50 g per 1 m2. For fertilizing during the growing season, the rate of superphosphate application is on average 2–3 g per bush. Fertilizer slightly acidifies the soil.

Double superphosphate, composition: up to 50% phosphoric acid, practically does not contain gypsum. Formula of double superphosphate: Ca(H2PO4)2 x H2O. The fertilizer does not cake and is highly soluble in water. Application is the same as regular superphosphate, except dosage: 1.5 times less than regular superphosphate. For vegetable seedlings 30-40 g per 1 m2, for fruit trees or berry bushes, in the fall 500-600 g per 1 m2.

Precipitate, composition: 22-37% phosphoric acid. Precipitate formula CaHPO4 2H2O. It is soluble in ammonium citrate and is well absorbed by plants. The use of precipitate is more justified on soils where it is necessary to slightly reduce the acidity of the soil (it alkalizes slightly); it is suitable for the main application to any crops.

Suprephos-NS, composition: about 25% phosphoric acid, is made on the basis of precipitate, as well as ammonium sulfate (containing ammonium nitrogen and mobile sulfur) and ammonium phosphates. In addition to phosphorus, it contains 12% nitrogen, 25% sulfur, and belongs to the nitrogen-phosphorus type of fertilizer. Suitable for all types of application: main and pre-sowing, on all types of soil. Contains calcium and slightly deoxidizes the soil.

Bone meal, composition: 30 to 35% phosphoric acid, is a by-product of processing in the meat industry, the main component is Ca3(PO4)2. Bone meal is more effective than phosphate rock; it is often used in soil cultivation and is traditionally applied in early spring or autumn. More suitable for acidic and slightly acidic soils.

Phosphorite flour, composition: 19–25% phosphoric acid, insoluble in water, but soluble in acid, so use on strongly acidic soils (for example, peat bogs) is justified; they last for a long time. It is applied for digging in the fall, at the rate of 350-500 g per 10 square meters. m. You can add phosphate rock to the compost heap for enrichment.

Potash fertilizers

Potash fertilizers never contain only pure potassium. As a rule, they contain a significant proportion of one or two elements that will determine their direction.

Thus, the popular potassium fertilizer potassium chloride contains a large dose of chlorine, which means it is unacceptable for use on plants that do not tolerate chlorine: potatoes, grapes, onions, cabbage, flax, buckwheat.

For most vegetables, the role and need for potassium is very high, for root vegetables (potatoes, beets, carrots) and fruit trees, berry bushes add potassium in a higher dose. At the same time, root vegetables are in great need of such an element as sodium - it promotes the transport of carbohydrates from the tops to the roots, so for beets, potatoes, carrots, turnips, it is better to apply potassium fertilizers containing sodium.

Most potash fertilizers offered in garden stores are concentrated fertilizers.

Potassium chloride, composition: 54–62% potassium oxide, strongly caking, contains chlorine, highly soluble in water, contains potassium in a form easily accessible to plants. Application rates are 15-20 g per 1 m2. Acidifies the soil, applied only in the fall after liming, for plants that are not sensitive to chlorine - in the spring.

Potassium sulfate (potassium sulfate), composition: 46–48% potassium oxide, does not caking, does not contain chlorine, is highly soluble in water, is considered the best potassium fertilizer for all types of vegetables and berries. Apply in autumn and spring as the main fertilizer and as a top dressing during the growing season. Potassium sulfate can be mixed with any fertilizers, but with nitrogen fertilizers only immediately before use.

Potassium magnesium (potassium magnesium sulfate), composition: 28-30% potassium oxide and 9% magnesium oxide, as well as a small amount of chlorine and sulfur, formula K2SO4 MgSO4. Does not cake, is highly soluble in water. The use of potassium magnesium is especially justified on light sandy and sandy loam soils that are poor in magnesium. They are used for all vegetables, especially cabbage, beets, potatoes, legumes, as well as berries and fruit trees as the main fertilizer and for top dressing. Much preferable to potassium chloride.

Kalimag, potassium-magnesium concentrate, composition: 18–20% potassium oxide and 8–9% magnesium oxide. It is also used as potassium magnesia.

Cement dust, composition: from 10 to 35% potassium oxide, chlorine-free fertilizer, is a cement production waste (a mixture of carbonates, bicarbonates, potassium sulfates), may contain gypsum, calcium oxide, some trace elements. It is used on acidic soils, however, due to the fact that the content of nutrients has not been precisely established, ordinary gardeners and vegetable gardeners have no respect for cement dust; its effectiveness is too unpredictable.

Ash, composition: potassium, phosphorus, calcium + minerals: magnesium, silicon, boron, iron, sulfur, calcium carbonate, etc., does not contain nitrogen. The potassium content in the ash is very unstable, depending on the composition of the burnt material: in the ash from deciduous trees(birch, linden) have more potassium, and conifers have a lot of calcium (suitable only for highly acidic soils). Wood ash can be applied as the main fertilizer on medium-heavy and heavy soils: in autumn and spring, in holes. On light soils - only in spring. In addition, the ash is used for foliar feeding. Ash is one of the best mineral fertilizers for cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, beets, carrots, onions and other vegetables; berries: strawberries, raspberries, currants. Do not mix ash with nitrogen mineral fertilizers, superphosphate, or organic matter (manure and chicken droppings). According to the rules, you first need to add manure, mix it with the soil, and then just sprinkle the ash. The composition of wood ash is approximately: 3 g of phosphorus, 8 g of potassium, 25 g of calcium per 100 g of fertilizer. There are more nutrients in straw ash - up to 16% potassium. As you can see, the spread is quite wide, so feeding with ash should never be exceeded. On average, recommended ash application rates:

• plant residues, straw 300 g per 1 m2
• wood - 700 g per 1 m2
• peat - 1000 g per 1 m2

How to calculate the dose of simple fertilizers

Knowing the needs of plants for nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium and the composition of fertilizers, it is easy to calculate how much they need to be applied in grams.

For example, ammonium sulfate contains 20.5-21% nitrogen, which means that when 100 g of ammonium sulfate is added, 21% nitrogen enters the soil (we take the maximum). If you need to add 80 g of nitrogen to marjoram, let’s make a proportion:

This means x = 80*100/21 = 381.95 g, we take 382 g of ammonium sulfate per 10 m2 or 38 g per 1 m2.

Other types of simple fertilizers are calculated in the same way.

Complex mineral fertilizers

Complex fertilizers (compound) contain two or three main components: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and are therefore classified as three-component or two-component. The application rates of complex fertilizers must be calculated according to the instructions, since the exact dosages (the difference is several percent for different brands) are indicated only by the manufacturer.

Three-component complex fertilizers

Nitrophoska, composition: 12-17% each of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Highly soluble in water. Nitrophoska is used on any type of soil: light in spring, heavy in autumn, for feeding plants during the period of growth, flowering, fruiting, for any vegetables: tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, beets, etc. Nitrophoska norms are 15-20 g per 1 m2 . In fact, nitrophoska is a variant of mixing conventional monofertilizers (ammophos, superphosphate, potassium nitrate, precipitate, gypsum, ammonium chloride, etc.). Nitrophoska is produced in different brands, for example, with NPK 16:16:16, or NPK 15:15:20, NPK 13:13:24, NPK 8:24:24.

Ammophoska, composition: 12% nitrogen, 15% phosphorus, 15% potassium, 14% sulfur, a small amount of calcium and magnesium. Ammofoska is used for any application (in autumn, spring, in fertilizing), on all types of soils as a universal chlorine-free fertilizer, but is especially suitable for saline soils, since it does not contain chlorine and sodium. Good mineral fertilizer for: tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots, etc.

Diammofoska (Diammonium phosphate), composition: 10% nitrogen (ammonium form), 26% phosphoric acid, 26% potassium, chlorine-free fertilizer. Diammofosk is used to fertilize any vegetables, fruits and berries, on all types of soil, but it is best to use the fertilizer on soils filled with organic matter (since it contains the least nitrogen). In areas with insufficient moisture, Diammofoska should be buried under digging, and in areas with excessive moisture - only on the surface.

Two-component complex complex fertilizers

Nitrogen phosphate, composition: 33% nitrogen, 3-5% phosphorus. Nitrogen in ammonium and nitrate forms, phosphorus only in water-soluble form, produced in granular form, does not cake. Nitrogen phosphate is used to fertilize any vegetables and berries, on all types of soil with equal effectiveness. Apply only in spring, when planting seedlings or preparing the soil. There are three brands with formulas: NP 33:3, NP 33:4, NP 33:5.

Ammophosphate, composition: 6% nitrogen, 45-46% phosphorus. Contains nitrogen in ammonium form and phosphorus in water-soluble form. Ammophosphate is used on any type of soil, but is more effective on acidic soils with excess moisture and contains calcium. It is applied in the spring, during planting, and used as a top dressing during the growing season of any vegetables, flowers, and berries. Ammophosphate is more of a phosphorus fertilizer, so it is always used in combination.

Ammophos, composition: 11-12% nitrogen, 44-50% phosphoric acid, formula NH4H2PO4. The granules are highly soluble in water and have little caking. Ammophos is used as a phosphorus fertilizer (phosphorus in an easily accessible form) on any type of soil for any crop.

Nitroammophosphate, composition: 21-23% nitrogen, 21% digestible phosphates, 11% water-soluble phosphates. The granules are highly soluble in water and have little caking. Nitroammophosphate is used in all application methods for any horticultural crops and vegetables.

Diammonium phosphate, composition: 18% nitrogen, 46% phosphates. Does not contain nitrates and chlorine, neutral acidity. Used as complex fertilizer on all types of soils, for any crops.

Monopotassium phosphate, composition: 23% phosphorus, 28-33% potassium. Highly concentrated nitrogen-free fertilizer. Highly soluble in water. Monopotassium phosphate is used for fertilizing vegetables, flowers, berries, in open ground, and in greenhouses.

Potassium nitrate(potassium nitrate), composition: 13-13.5% nitrogen, 36-38% potassium, 0.9-1.3% phosphorus. Potassium nitrate does not contain chlorine and is used for root and foliar feeding of any plants, suitable for all types of soil.

Nitroammophos (nitrophosphate), composition: 32-33% nitrogen, 1.3-2.6% phosphorus, highly soluble in water. The use of nitroammophos is possible on any type of soil: on light soils in spring, on heavy soils in autumn, and also for fertilizing during the growth of vegetables and fruits. Nitroammophos is produced under different brands - with different amounts of basic substances, for example with the formulas: NP 32-6; NP32:5; NP33:3.

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

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

Everyone else who occasionally travels out of town can use mineral fertilizers - their types allow you to select mixtures for each type of soil and for individual crops.

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

Mineral fertilizers are a good substitute for organic matter

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 ones being nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Auxiliary - calcium, sulfur, magnesium, boron and other trace elements necessary for plants to grow.

Pros of mineral mixtures:

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

The effect of using mineral fertilizers is no different from the effect of organic fertilizers, but when using mineral fertilizers, it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage of the substance, that is, follow 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 – these are salts of phosphoric acid or natural minerals;
• mixtures having an equal composition of active ingredients or other proportions.

Video: Distinctive features and methods of using mineral fertilizers

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

Potassium

Potassium fertilizers contain large amounts of potassium salts; other additives may be present in microdoses. Such monofertilizers are recommended for all types of soil, but especially for sandy and sandy loam. Potassium salts are extracted industrially from natural minerals - carnallite and sylvinite.

There are two varieties - potassium chloride and sulfate. Chloride must be added to the soil in the fall so that the chlorine, which is harmful to plants, will disappear over the winter. This mineral fertilizer is not suitable for spring application. Potassium sulfate is suitable for all plants and can be used at any time of the year.

Phosphorus

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 - an insoluble or sparingly soluble compound;
• Thomas slag – acid is required for dissolution;
• ammophos and diammophos are substances that are sparingly soluble in water.

Phosphorus fertilizers are varied and suitable for all types of soil

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

In order for phosphorus 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 - ammonium sulfate or chloride;
• ammonium nitrate – ammonium nitrate;
• amide form - urea.

Nitrogen substances, which also belong to mineral fertilizers, form the basis of plant nutrition and contribute to the growth of green mass.

Without sufficient nitrogen supply, the leaves turn yellowish or pale green. The effectiveness 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 mineral fertilizers, which are called complex fertilizers. Such mixtures have the most balanced amount of nutrients.

Complex mixtures Complex mineral fertilizers are obtained different ways

- chemical reaction, mixing simple components. The concentration of active substances is very high, so fertilizer consumption is low. For different soil types, you can choose the appropriate mixture for the optimal balance of nutrients. What is complex mineral fertilizer - these are mixtures that contain 2 or more types of salts

• . There are:
• nitrogen-phosphorus mixtures;
• potassium-nitrogen;

nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compositions. When applying to the soil, you need to know the needs garden crops

. If necessary, you can adjust the mixture yourself by adding those substances that you need more of. But with a wide selection of names and compositions of fertilizers for plants, this is not required.

You should try to apply complex mineral mixtures in spring or summer, since during the winter active nitrogen loses its qualities and you will have to re-fertilize the soil with nitrogen fertilizer

Two-component

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

Potassium nitrate contains two components - potassium and nitrogen

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

Three-component

Mixtures that are also called complete mineral fertilizer. All three essential elements - nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium - are found in equal proportions, or there are more of some components, less of others.

It is necessary to focus on the needs of plants.

Complete mineral fertilizer, which contains all macroelements, can be used to fertilize absolutely all soils and garden crops. You can combine types of organic and mineral fertilizers in one area, adding minerals in the fall and organic matter in the spring, while reducing the dosage of minerals by 2-3 times.

Names: azofoska, ammofoska, nitrophoska, diammofoska.

Multicomponent Multicomponent nutrient mixtures consist of basic 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 good harvest

annually. Microsupplements should be considered as additional support for various types

• soil For example:
• zinc – for alkaline soils;
• copper – on marshy soils and peat bogs;
• manganese - for chernozem areas with alkaline soil reaction;
• boron - on sandy soils;

molybdenum – for acidic soils.

Multicomponent compositions contain trace elements in addition to the main elements

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

Microelements (microfertilizers)

Microfertilizers can be found not only in multicomponent fertilizers. One- and two-component substances and complex microfertilizers are available for sale. Microelements are consumed by plants in small quantities.

They are used both for root application and for foliar feeding - by spraying. In this way, you can quickly eliminate the deficiency of a certain element. Microfertilizers can be used both for foliar feeding

, and add to the root

• What you can find on sale from complex microfertilizers:
• Reacom;
• Master;
• Oracle;

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

The effect of mineral fertilizers on 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 instructions. There is a statement that poison differs from medicine only in dosage - the same can be said about mineral fertilizers.

There are several rules that, if followed, guarantee safety for human health.

1. Do not exceed the dosage recommended by the manufacturer. 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 it to the leaves.
2. 2 weeks before harvesting the fruits, feeding with mineral mixtures must be stopped.
3. Overdue mineral complexes do not use.

Healthy soil without excess nitrates is the result of using mineral mixtures strictly according to instructions

It is worth knowing that exceeding dosages has a bad effect on the plant itself - the roots can burn 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 fertilizing according to the principle: the more, the better.

It is not recommended to use acidic mineral fertilizers without periodic liming. This can have a negative impact on 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.

Acidic mineral fertilizing is carried out along with liming

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

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

Methods for adding mineral mixtures

Mineral fertilizers can be used to add to the soil for digging in the fall. To do this, it is better to select formulations with a minimum amount of nitrogen or without it at all.

In the spring, shortly before planting, dry complex fertilizers are embedded in the soil. mineral compounds. It should be noted that if phosphorus and potassium were added in the fall, then in the spring it is necessary to add only nitrogen in the form of urea or other monofertilizer.

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). Plants absorb fertilizers much faster through foliage, therefore, after 2 - 3 days the foliage will come to life and change color.

Foliar feeding with mineral fertilizers can quickly restore plant strength

The watering method is the most commonly practiced by gardeners who are afraid of dry mixtures and prefer the principle of less, but safer. To do this, the dry substance is diluted in the required concentration and poured under the plants on the site.

conclusions

Mineral complex mixtures are an excellent replacement for organic fertilizers. With a competent approach, you can save money, effort and time, and also not harm your health.

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Mineral fertilizers (fertilizers) are substances of inorganic origin. They are traditionally used in agriculture, because are more accessible than , give a quick positive effect, and have wide range actions. They are also much more convenient and cheaper to transport.

These “quick” supplements consist of substances that do not have a carbon skeleton. The main composition of mineral fertilizers includes metals and their various connections(salts, oxides, acids). By type, mineral fertilizers can be simple or complex:

Nitrogen fertilizers

One of the main advantages is excellent diffuse properties.

Therefore, they are all highly soluble in water, and are used in both solid and liquid states. Usually this group of fertilizers is introduced into the ground very early, a month before spring plowing, so that they have time to release a significant part of the nutrients before active growth plants. But despite this general rule, individual conditions apply to each subgroup, depending on the composition and concentration.

Ammonia fertilizers

Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) contains about 34.5% nitrogen. In addition to this element, the composition includes auxiliary substances: phosphate rock, chalk, ground limestone, phosphorus gypsum.

This fertilizer is not recommended for use on podzolic soils, since its solution contains few cations for nitrogen nitrification, which neutralizes the beneficial properties of nitrate.

- the best mineral fertilizer for. It is cheap, fast-acting and effective. The yield on lands treated with this nitrogen fertilizer increases by 40-60% in the first year after application. Potatoes are less affected by various diseases (late blight, for example) and pests.

The pre-sowing application rate of ammonium nitrate is 10-20 g/m², and for foliar feeding it is used as a liquid mineral fertilizer and diluted in a proportion of 50 g per 100 liters of water. The resulting solution should be sprayed over an area of ​​about 100 m².

One of the most unique abilities of ammonium nitrate is to act when the soil has not yet warmed up. It can be scattered directly on the snow - the granules of this fertilizer will melt the snow and make their way to the ground.

Therefore, grapes are fertilized with it and fruit bushes already at the end of March - beginning of April, so that the awakened plants, which have entered the active growing season, do not experience nitrogen starvation. In this case, nitrogen nitrate is preferable organic fertilizers, which work only on warm soil.

When working with ammonium nitrate, one should not forget about its explosion hazard. That is why it is practically not sold to private individuals. to avoid accidents. It should be protected from overheating and protected from foreign impurities.

Nitrate fertilizers

Sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) – granular substance white. Intended for use on acidic, non-salinized soils, and for many others, the main condition is that it cannot be used on black soil. Application rates are about 30-35 g/m?.

There is relatively little nitrogen in sodium nitrate - about 15-17%. Therefore, for its sufficient release, the following technology for applying mineral fertilizers is used. It is scattered over the plowed land before spring plowing so that it has time to release a sufficient amount of nitrogen for the growth of young plants, and, at the same time, does not lose its useful properties due to contact with air.

The use of this fertilizer in greenhouses is strictly prohibited. During long-term storage, this substance loses most of its beneficial properties.

Sodium nitrate should be applied to beds with light soil in the spring, using the row method. On heavier loams it is better to do this ahead of time, in the fall.

Nowadays, only one brand of NaNO₃ is allowed for use in agriculture, this is “Sodium Nitrate technical mark SH."

Amide

Urea

A more correct name for this substance is nitrogen urea (NH2CONH2). This is a highly concentrated nitrogen-containing (45%) mineral fertilizer. In the soil it quickly transforms into ammonium carbonate. If you scatter it on the surface of the earth, most of the nitrogen will evaporate into ammonia gas. Therefore, it is strictly necessary to bury it in the soil to the depth of root germination.

Urea can be used both in open and closed ground for most agricultural crops. Very often it is used as a liquid mineral fertilizer, since the nitrogen in this chemical compound, when dissolved in water, is better fixed in the soil.

Urea application rates

• Vegetables – 5-12 g/m² with direct application; 50-60g per 10 liter bucket of water. water, and 3 l. per 100 m² with foliar feeding.
• Fruit and berry trees and shrubs – 10-20g/m² direct application; 20-30 g per 10 l. water - 2-fold feeding, carried out 5 days after flowering, and the second time - after 4 weeks.
• For potatoes, peppers – 20 g/m² (root).
• For peas – 10 g/m² (root).

Urea cannot be combined with lime, dolomite, chalk and simple superphosphate.

This fertilizer is used to prevent and treat nitrogen starvation in plants. It is especially useful for tomatoes, as a top dressing during the period of fruit set and growth. When using urea they improve taste qualities fetus

Calcium cyanamide

This substance is obtained as a result of the sintering reaction of calcium carbide in a nitrogen atmosphere, and is written as CaCN2. Cyanamide contains much less nitrogen than urea (19% versus 46%).

It can be applied to the soil at the end of March, since the decomposition of calcium cyanamide by water, releasing nitrogen, occurs slowly. It is very effective for use on podzolic soils, since it contains lime as an associated component.

It is produced in the form of a very light powder with low humidity. To improve user properties, petroleum oils are added to it, which is why CaCN2 develops the characteristic smell of kerosene.

This mineral fertilizer should be used with great caution.. The fact is that calcium cyanamide is a waste product from the metallurgical industry. Therefore, its prices are low. When working with it, you should use protective equipment. At high concentrations, CaCN2 is used as a herbicide.

Potash fertilizers

Potassium chloride KCl

The content of the main element in this representative reaches 50%. It is used in the fall, before digging, adding 20-25 grams to the soil. per m², since chlorine is washed into the deeper layers of the soil, and its effect on plants is minimized.

Potassium chloride is especially good for potatoes, beets, barley, and most cereal crops.

KCl is a mineral fertilizer with a high concentration of useful substances per gram, acidic, soluble in water.

The average rate of its application for all vegetable crops and cereals is about 2 centners per hectare. If you plan to plant sugar-containing crops on the prepared soil, the dose can be increased by 25-50%.

Potassium sulfate K2SO4

Another name for this element is potassium sulfate. The high content of this element makes it the best mineral fertilizer for plants experiencing severe K deficiency.

It does not contain impurities such as chlorine, sodium and magnesium.

Potassium sulfate is an ideal fertilizer for cucumbers, especially during the period of ovary and fruit formation, since it contains about 46% potassium, so beloved by these melons.

Application rates during spring digging are about 25-30 g/m², when feeding at the root – 10 g/m².

Potassium salt (KCl + NaCl)

The main two components of this mineral fertilizer are chlorides. The substance looks like dark red crystals.

In modern agro-industrial complexes, sylvinite is most often used - one of the most successful forms of potassium salt.

In spring this fertilizer is applied to all types of berry crops, based on 20 g. under one bush. In autumn it is distributed over the soil surface before plowing. The norms for continuous application of potassium salt are 150-200 g/m².

Phosphorus fertilizers

Simple superphosphate

This mineral supplement contains about 20% phosphorus anhydride. - the best mineral fertilizer for all types of soils that need this element. It is not flammable, so it does not require storage conditions.

Its application depends on the degree of soil moisture. With a high content of liquid fractions, this fertilizer can be applied as a top dressing during the growth and development of plants.

For the capricious queen of the garden, roses, superphosphate has become an ideal source of nutrition. When using it for flowers, the result can be seen very quickly. The stems become more powerful, the flower stalks become dense, and the color becomes much brighter.

Application rates are about 0.5 centners per 1 hectare. Recommended for continuous method.

Double superphosphate

This phosphate compound has a higher concentration of useful substances than its predecessor. It also differs in that it does not contain useless elements as ballast, for example, CaSO4. Therefore, it is more economical than its counterpart.

Manufacturers produce this substance based on GOST 16306-80. The amount of active ingredient phosphorus varies from a change in the place of extraction of the original product, ranging from 32 to 47%.

Double superphosphate is ideal for flowers, just like plain. For example, it should be applied to roses in the fall so that their roots are prepared for winter and can safely withstand frosts.

Phosphorite flour

Main characteristics of this mineral fertilizing described in GOST 571-74. Release standards have not changed for 40 years. This is the unchanged white powder that was used to fertilize fields even under Brezhnev.

Phosphorite flour is used on acidic soils, under all fruit and vegetable crops, as well as cereals. It helps plants fight pests and diseases by increasing the plants' own immunity. Increases winter hardiness of most crops.

The application rates for phosphate rock are about 3-3.5 centners per hectare.

Complex mineral fertilizers

Nitroammophoska (nitrophosphate)

Fertilizer in which phosphorus and nitrogen are contained in a 50/50 ratio. Use it for different types applications for fertilizing garden and vegetable crops, as well as in agro-industrial production. This substance is obtained by neutralization reaction with ammonia and a mixture of nitric and phosphoric acids. The formula of nitrophosphate looks like this: NH4H2PO4 + NH4NO3.

Manufacturers produce the following classifications of this mineral fertilizer:

• Nitrophosphate grade NP 32-6; NP32:5; NP33:3.

Nitroammophos is used on soddy-podzolic, chestnut, chernozem and gray soils with excellent results.

This is the best mineral fertilizer for clays. It is optimal to add it to clay soils with slow diffusion in autumn period, and in sandy soils - before spring plowing.

Nitrophoska

This three-element complex (N+P+K), which is used to fertilize the soil, using it as the main plant nutrition. Agronomists recommend it for almost all garden crops.

It consists of various salts - ammophos, superphosphate, potassium nitrate, potassium chloride, precipitate, gypsum, ammonium chloride and various impurities. Available in the form of small balls, soluble in water.

This is a complete mineral fertilizer that is used during spring sowing, as well as throughout the entire growing season.

Nitrophoska is actively used not only by large agro-industrial complexes, but also by ordinary summer residents on their plots. The fertilizer is very suitable for tomatoes(they become larger and sweeter), and for cucumbers, which after its use are not affected by various diseases.

Nitrophoska is very effective both with continuous and local application. A chlorine-free form is used to feed potatoes. Specifically for this vegetable, it is much more useful than nitroammophos. The tubers are larger and do not suffer from scab and other common diseases.

Ammophos

Potassium, magnesium and phosphorus are the main elements of this complete mineral fertilizer.

Its formula looks like this: (NH4)2SO4 + (NH4)2HPO4 + K2SO4. Ammaphos, unlike other representatives of this group, is used not only in unprotected soil, but also in greenhouses and greenhouses.

Another difference from other complex mineral fertilizers is that ammophos contains a rather rare but very useful substance - sulfur, and in significant quantities. The main advantage of this fertilizer is that it does not contain chlorine and sodium.

This fertilizer is produced in the form of small light granules. It is highly friable, which makes it easier to use. It is characterized by a high uniformity of distribution of elements among the granules.

Ammaphoska is used as a universal top dressing. It is especially good for flowers. Roses, after adding it to the soil, begin to bloom more abundantly and luxuriantly, and peonies and phlox reduce the growth of the vegetative mass and increase the number of flower ovaries.

Diammofos

This is a complex mineral fertilizer that includes the main nutritional elements for all plant flora.Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, like three pillars, form the basis of this mix. Diammophos has universal use, it is used for all types of crops and under any soil.

Diammonium phosphate is available in the form of small beads Pink colour. It is treated with anti-dust reagents, which increases its friability and hygroscopicity. It has a neutral pH factor, which helps the fertilizer not affect the acidity of the soil.

The remains of diammofoska are not washed out of the soil, and are subsequently used by subsequent generations of plants, which ensures a long period of aftereffect of this fertilizer. It can be used not only for pre-sowing and sowing applications, but also for foliar and root fertilizing.

Treatment with this mineral fertilizer is ideal for tomatoes during flowering. It helps the plant fight all types of pests by increasing the quality of absorption of nutrients.

How to calculate the dose of fertilizers?

The technology for applying mineral fertilizers depends on the concentration of the active substance in the entire volume used. Very often the dose has to be recalculated for the type of mineral fertilizer that will be used.

The quantity is calculated based on recommendations for application minerals for this specific plant. As the concentration increases, a ratio is determined that describes the proportion of useful elements to the useful mass of the fertilizer, and using these data, the substances are distributed in the soil.

Table: compatibility of some fertilizers

Video: example of layout and application of mineral fertilizers

Should we be afraid of mineral fertilizers?

Despite all the advantages, these fertilizers are less actively used on personal personal plots. There is an opinion among gardeners and gardeners that they cause harm to human health.

In fact, only those fruits and vegetables can harm the consumer, during the cultivation of which the technology for applying mineral fertilizers was seriously violated.

But mineral fertilizers have many advantages. For example:

• They work in cold soil and sub-zero temperatures.
• Tuki have a very fast, sometimes instantaneous effect on plants.
• They are easy to transport.
• They are cheaper and more convenient to use than organic fertilizers.

It is worth using ready-made liquid mineral fertilizers in small doses, which will not cause harm to human health, but will help to obtain a large harvest.

And the most important thing, it is necessary to stop any feeding 15-20 days before removing fruits, berries, and digging up tubers. Then their environmental friendliness is guaranteed.

Using mineral fertilizers, you can achieve high yields of any crops. With them, roses bloom brighter and apples become sweeter. By using these fertilizers for all types of plants, you can always be sure of obtaining a stable positive result.

Video: purchasing and using mineral fertilizers on 6 acres

The main component of this type of fertilizer is nitrogen, the effect of which is aimed at the development of the green part of the plant. On sale you can find the following forms of such fertilizers:

• Nitrate, produced in the form of sodium and calcium nitrate - nitrogen is contained in the form of an acid, and therefore easily dissolves. Nitrate should be added to the soil in autumn or spring. The main thing here is to apply fertilizer in small portions so as not to harm the plant. After all, if you overfeed crops with nitrate fertilizers, not very useful ones will accumulate in the plants. to the human body nitrates.
• Ammonium. The usual name for gardeners is ammonium sulfate. Such fertilizing is applied in the fall, since preparations based on ammonium sulfate do not dissolve well in the soil. In addition, before applying fertilizing, it is advisable to deoxidize the soil in advance: to do this, add 1.5 kg of lime to 1 kg of ammonium sulfate. Tomatoes, cabbage and other vegetable crops respond well to fertilizing.
• Amide. For gardeners, it is known as urea. Refers to the most concentrated fertilizers. The use of urea will significantly increase productivity. Apply it under the bushes during loosening or during watering if you are working with the product in liquid form.
• Ammonium nitrate, which is better known as ammonium nitrate. It is best suited for feeding grain crops and beets, combining especially well with potassium and phosphorus.

Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and their application

Using this type of fertilizer will significantly accelerate the growth of flowering and fruit appearance. Due to the fact that fertilizers are poorly absorbed into the soil, it is advisable to apply them in early spring during the first digging. The most well-known types of phosphorus fertilizers include:

• Simple superphosphate containing sulfur and gypsum. It can be used for berry bushes and for fruit trees.
• Phosphorus flour used when working with acidic soil.

Potassium supplements lead to an increase in yield, increase resistance to various diseases, and improve the taste of fruits. In their pure form, such fertilizers are rarely used - it is best to combine them with zinc, iron, and nitrogen fertilizers. The most famous of this type:

• Potassium chloride, which is best applied in the fall, then by the new season some of the harmful substances contained there will simply be washed out. Buckwheat, barley and potatoes respond positively to their use.
• Potassium sulfate, which does not contain chlorine, and therefore can be used for all types of garden and vegetable crops. It is combined with almost all other fertilizers, except those that contain calcium.

Mineral fertilizers: types of complex fertilizers and microfertilizers

Complex fertilizers contain several basic nutrients, due to which their capabilities and positive effect on the plants of your garden are significantly increased. The most popular include:

As you can see, the classification of mineral fertilizers is quite large, but we did not tell you about microfertilizers. They contain microelements such as manganese, zinc, copper, iodine, boron. However, such fertilizers should be used only if they are lacking in the soil - that is, you should not simply use preparations based on them. For example, peat soil has a very low percentage of copper, and turf soils do not have molybdenum.

In such cases, microfertilizers will help you solve the problem: they do root system even stronger, protecting plants from diseases and increasing productivity. Often such supplements contain some growth stimulants. As you can see, there are various types, the types of which are also different. The main thing is to know how to apply fertilizers by carefully reading the instructions.