There is often talk among gardeners about the benefits mineral fertilizers and the need for their use on personal plot to improve growth garden crops. Today, there are several types of similar preparations on the market for gardening products, differing in composition and purpose. Improper use of products and failure to take into account the composition of the soil can lead to the opposite effect, so before using them you should study the basic nuances of application.

The application of any type of fertilizer aims to increase the productivity of garden crops, improve the quality of their growth and resistance to environmental factors environment.

It is customary to divide fertilizers into two types:

• organic fertilizers- the composition contains a complex of macro- and microelements, fertilizers are supplied carbon dioxide, formed under the influence of microorganisms;
• mineral - preparations with a high concentration of substances necessary for plant nutrition.

Both types of fertilizers are used to improve the nutrition of garden crops. Mineral preparations have a higher content of elements and a simpler composition. They are a convenient means by which you can quickly adjust the composition of the soil, compensate for nutritional deficiencies and thereby increase crop yield.

Types of mineral fertilizers

Based on the complexity of the chemical composition, mineral fertilizers presented on the garden goods market are divided into complex and simple. The former contain several elements at the same time, the latter are intended to replenish one element. Depending on the form of release, fertilizers can be liquid or dry.

Manufacturers produce fertilizers in sealed packaging, without fail indicating the name, chemical formula and concentration of the nutrient. Each product is accompanied by instructions indicating the nuances of use and the required conditions to ensure personal safety when working with the drug.

What are the mineral preparations:

• nitrogen;
• phosphorus;
• potash;
• complex;
• microfertilizers.

Each of the listed types is used to achieve certain goals. A mistake and violation of soil application standards can lead to plant disease and reduced yield.

Nitrogen

The group of nitrogen-containing fertilizers includes a whole complex of fertilizers that differ in the concentration of the main active ingredient. Depending on its content, the absorption of nutrients by the soil occurs differently. The choice of a specific type depends primarily on the type of soil and its acidity.

Groups of nitrogen agents:

• nitrate;
• ammonia;
• ammonium;
• amide.

Nitrogen fertilizers are considered hazardous due to their ability to negatively affect plant growth when in excess, and they are not used for all plant species. Tomatoes, potatoes, apple trees and strawberries require sufficient active substance content. Nitrogen deficiency leads to inhibition or cessation of the development of garden crops.

The use of urea increases the acidity of the soil, saltpeter has a positive effect on the growth of beet crops, ammonia preparations promote the growth of onions, cucumber varieties, cabbage and various types of salads. The application rates of the drug depend on the type of soil, the chosen method, and the type of vegetable and fruit plants.

Phosphorus

The main element in this group of drugs is phosphorus anhydride. The drug is intended to replenish the deficiency of this element in the soil, improve the nutrition of vegetables, flowers, and berries. Classification of phosphate fertilizers:

• water soluble;
• insoluble in water;
• sparingly soluble.

The main difference between the products in this group is the percentage of the main component and the ability to dissolve in water. For example, regular phosphate contains up to 20% anhydride, double phosphate - up to 50%. Superphosphate is ideal for vegetable crops, including tomatoes, potatoes, carrots and different varieties cabbage

Respond well to feeding berry crops and fruit trees.

Potash

Potassium sulfate is used indoors and in open ground. The preparation contains 50% of the main substance and no chlorine. When it is used to increase the nutritional value of the soil, the amount of vitamins and sugar in fruits increases, the plants gain better resistance, and the risk of crop contamination with various types of rot is reduced. Plants from the Cruciferous family - turnips, cabbage, radishes - love potassium preparations.

In fertilizers of this group, in addition to potassium, there is additional element, which determines the purpose of the drug. The following types of potassium-based fertilizers are available in stores:

• potassium chloride;
• potassium sulfate;
• potassium magnesia;
• kalimag.

Some gardeners use cement dust or ash to replenish potassium deficiency. The latter is considered best view fertilizer for tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, onions and other vegetables.

Complex

Complex fertilizers are divided into two- and three-component ones. The main components are the elements whose deficiency has the greatest impact on the growth of horticultural crops. These include:

• nitrogen;
• phosphorus;
• potassium.

Two-component types include nitrogen phosphate, ammophosphate, ammophos and a number of others. The three-component ones are nitrophoska, ammophoska, and diamophoska. The main difference is the proportions nutrients in the drug.

Complex-mixed

Complex mixed preparations include nitrophoskas and nitrophases, to which the necessary additional nutrients are added in the form of phosphorus or potassium. Most common N-P-K ratio like 20:16:10. Organomineral fertilizers can be applied before sowing, directly into holes or rows during planting, or used as top dressing.

Such fertilizers are used mainly in large farms when it is necessary to cover large planting areas.

Microfertilizers

The peculiarity of microfertilizers is that the nutrients in the composition are contained in a form accessible to garden crops. They are available in the form of a powder or crystals, and can be complex or single-element. Their use helps to compensate for the deficiency of those substances that the plant needs.

Microfertilizers for crops are especially important during certain growth periods. Their advantage is that there is no need for the gardener to create a cocktail of microelements, trying to calculate the required proportions. Existing varieties of drugs are divided into types in accordance with the predominant element - copper, boron, molybdenum and a number of others.

Today there is a large selection of mineral fertilizers on sale. When choosing, you must clearly understand the purpose of using the purchased drug, which will allow you to achieve the desired result from its use. It is important to make purchases in trusted places and give preference to manufacturers who have good quality reputation and long time working in the fertilizer production sector.

When working, it is important to follow safety rules and not violate the fertilizer application standards prescribed by the manufacturer. The following recommendations should be followed:

• When calculating the amount used, take into account the area of ​​the territory, methods of application, size of plantings, type and age of garden crops;
• do not violate the instructions regarding the timing of fertilizer application;
• do not prepare feeding solutions in advance;
• take into account the expiration date and expiration date of drugs;
• pay attention to the compatibility of mineral fertilizers with each other.

Failure to comply with the deadlines for applying fertilizers to the soil is fraught with the lack of proper results. For example, nitrogen-containing fertilizers are recommended to be applied to the soil in early spring so that the elements can begin to act, and in autumn period precipitation will simply wash them out of the ground. When carrying out work to increase the nutritional value of the soil, you should never mix ash and nitrogen-containing fertilizers.

Applying fertilizers to the soil requires certain knowledge. Everything matters here: the timing, the amount and type of nutrients, the needs of the plants that will be planted in the beds. An excess of fertilizers, as well as a deficiency, leads to a decrease in yield and deterioration in product quality. This applies not only to vegetable crops, but also to ornamental crops, the beauty of which largely depends on the composition of the soil. The first thing a novice gardener needs to know is the differences between organic and mineral fertilizers.

Organic fertilizers are waste products of plant and animal origin. These are, first of all, manure, bird droppings, mullein and nettle infusions, compost and peat. They contain large quantities of phosphorus, nitrogen, calcium and potassium, as well as other elements necessary for normal development plants. Any organic materials can be used as such fertilizers:

• sawdust;

  

• grass;

  

• river silt;

  

• green manure plants;

  

• vegetable and fruit peelings;

  

• straw;

  

• feces.

  

Before adding to the soil, organic matter must be sufficiently rotted, so all waste should be composted in advance, and the duration of this process directly depends on the type of organic materials. On average, it takes from 4 to 8 months to overheat. Slurry and bird droppings are first diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10, and only then used to feed plants.

pros	Minuses
Organics contain many useful microelements	A high concentration of fertilizer has a negative effect on plants and saturates them with nitrates.
Improves the structure of the soil, making it looser	Danger of soil contamination by nematodes, fungi or helminths
Organic fertilizers are available and inexpensive	Distributing organic matter throughout an area requires some effort and time.
Slowly decomposes in the soil, which ensures a longer action	Sharp and very bad smell

Procurement of organic fertilizers requires virtually no material costs. For example, to make compost, you just need to choose a flat area on the site small sizes(1x2 m, 1.5x1.5 m) and for convenience, fence it with slate or boards.

After this, the space is gradually filled with plant debris - weeds, straw, peelings, fallen leaves. Periodically, the compost heap is watered with water so that its contents rot rather than dry out in the sun, and it is shoveled once every 3-4 months. Thanks to such actions, the compost becomes homogeneous, beneficial worms and microorganisms multiply in it.

Nutrients entering the soil bind to humus particles and penetrate into root system during complex metabolic reactions. Thanks to this, plants absorb only what they need and grow strong, resistant to adverse weather and disease. The harvest in such conditions may not be maximum, but it is environmentally friendly, stores well, and the fruits are tasty and aromatic, with a high content of vitamins and microelements.

Inorganic compounds that contain nutritional elements, found their application in agriculture a very long time ago and in some ways surpassed organics. Depending on the composition, these fertilizers are usually divided into complex and simple. If they contain at least two main elements, this is complex fertilizers: ammophos, nitrophos, potassium nitrate and others. If there is only one nutrient element, the fertilizer belongs to the second type (urea, ammonium nitrate, phosphate rock, superphosphate).

Mineral fertilizers are sold in concentrated form - granules, powder, liquid solutions. This makes working with them much easier, but at the same time requires great care, because the slightest excess of the dosage can negatively affect the future harvest. The use of such fertilizers allows you to grow various crops not only on the ground, but also on soilless substrates - sawdust, coconut fiber, perlite, vermiculite and others. These substrates are more porous than soil, which means plant roots receive more oxygen and grow more easily.

When feeding, the roots gain quick access to nutrients that come with water. In this case, the plant cannot regulate absorption and absorbs everything that is given to it. If an excess of mineral salts forms in the tissues, it is compensated by increased growth of the aerial parts. That is why crops on mineral fertilizers develop much faster than on organic matter. At the same time, the plants become watery and very sensitive to various infections, which requires additional protective measures.

The use of mineral fertilizers allows us to collect record harvests not only in quantity, but also in size of fruits. Despite their attractive appearance, such fruits contain less vitamins and are poorly stored. If during cultivation the fertilizing norm is exceeded, mineral salts accumulate in the fruits and harm human health, causing severe poisoning. But if you follow the feeding technology, no negative consequences are observed, and you can achieve stable harvests even on poor soils.

If you select fertilizers depending on the needs of a particular crop and correctly calculate the dose, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients.

There is another type of fertilizer that successfully combines all the advantages of organic matter and mineral salts, and practically does not have their disadvantages. These are organomineral mixtures consisting of processed organic waste and enriched with potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen and other components. This composition allows you to improve the soil, promoting the development of microflora, as well as accelerate the ripening of fruits and increase the yield. Since the concentration of mineral salts in these mixtures is quite low, plants receive only the necessary elements and do not accumulate harmful substances.

Combined fertilizers - description

Which fertilizer to choose is up to each gardener to decide for himself, depending on the desired results. But it’s best to be able to find a balance between chemistry and organics and know moderation in everything. Inept handling also makes its own adjustments, so before using fertilizers, carefully study how it is done.

Video - What is the difference between organic fertilizers and mineral fertilizers

The term “nitrogen-containing fertilizers” usually causes a negative reaction among summer residents who have little experience in growing garden and garden plants, as well as among supporters of organic farming. Few people think that “ecologically friendly” manure or bird droppings are organic nitrogen fertilizers, and their excess is no less harmful to human health than the so-called “chemicals”. This article will address questions about what nitrogen fertilizers are and what types of them are used in garden plots.

Nitrogen in plant life

The role of nitrogen and its derivatives in plant life is difficult to overestimate. Metabolic processes at the cellular level occur in plants with the participation of protein, which is building material during cell division, synthesis of chlorophyll, trace elements, vitamins, etc.

Nitrogen is chemical element, an important component of vegetable protein. With its deficiency, all organic processes in cells slow down, plants stop developing, begin to get sick and wither.

Nitrogen is as important and necessary for all plants as sunlight and water; without it, the process of photosynthesis is impossible.

Most of the nitrogen in bound form (organic chemical compounds) is found in soil rich in humus and waste products of worms (vermicompost). The maximum concentration of nitrogen (up to 5%) was recorded in chernozem, the minimum – in sandy and sandy loam soils. Under natural conditions, the release of nitrogen in a form suitable for absorption by plants occurs quite slowly, therefore, when growing crops, it is customary to use fertilizers containing nitrogen in a form that is easily absorbed by the roots. They contribute to:

• accelerated vegetation of crops;
• elimination of deficiency of amino acids, vitamins and microelements;
• increasing the green mass of plants;
• easier absorption of nutrients from the soil by plants;
• normalization of soil microflora;
• increasing disease resistance;
• increase in productivity.

However, it should be remembered that not only a lack of nitrogen in plants is harmful, but also its excess, which contributes to the accumulation of nitrates in vegetables and fruits. Excess nitrates consumed in food can cause significant harm human health.

Signs of nitrogen deficiency and excess in plants

The use of fertilizers directly depends on the composition of the soil, its chemical composition, fertility, acidity, structure, etc. Depending on these factors, the required amount of fertilizer is determined and fertilizing is carried out.

Nitrogen deficiency

If the nitrogen concentration is insufficient, this immediately affects the appearance of the plants and their tone, namely:

• leaves become small;
• the green mass is thinning;
• the foliage loses color and turns yellow;
• Leaves, shoots and fruit ovaries die off en masse;
• plants stop growing;
• the appearance of young shoots stops.

When such symptoms appear, it is necessary to fertilize with nitrogen-containing fertilizers.

Excess nitrogen

If the nitrogen content is excessive, all the strength of the plants is spent on growing green mass, they begin to fatten and the following signs appear:

• large, “fat” leaves;
• darkening of the green mass, its excessive juiciness;
• flowering is delayed;
• the ovaries either do not appear or there are very few of them;
• fruits and berries are small and inconspicuous.

Main types of nitrogen fertilizers

Nitrogen fertilizers are chemical compounds containing nitrogen molecules in various forms, used in agriculture to improve crop growth and increase the quality and quantity of crops. Initially, their classification implies division into two large groups:

1. Mineral.
2. Organic.

Mineral nitrogen fertilizers and their types (by groups):

• nitrate;
• ammonium;
• complex (ammonium-nitrate);
• amide;
• liquid form.

Each group includes its own types of fertilizers that have different names and special properties, effects on plants and the procedure for feeding.

Nitrate group

This group includes fertilizers that contain so-called nitrate nitrogen, its formula is written as follows: NO3. Nitrates are salts of nitric acid HNO3. Nitrate fertilizers include sodium nitrate, calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate.

The chemical formula - NaNO3, is sodium nitrate (another name is sodium nitrate), in which the concentration of nitrogen is up to 16%, and sodium - up to 26%. Outwardly it resembles ordinary coarse crystalline salt and is perfectly soluble in water. The disadvantage is that during long-term storage, sodium nitrate cakes, although it does not absorb moisture from the air well.

By consuming the nitrate component of the fertilizer, plants deoxidize the soil, reducing its acidity. Thus, sodium nitrate and its use on soils with an acidic reaction provide an additional deoxidizing effect.

The use of this species is especially effective when growing potatoes, beets, berry bushes, fruit crops etc.

Calcium nitrate

The chemical formula is Ca(NO3)2, which is calcium nitrate (another name is calcium nitrate), in which the nitrogen concentration reaches 13%. It also looks very similar to table salt, but is highly hygroscopic, absorbs moisture from the air well, and dampens. Stored in moisture-proof packaging.

It is produced in granular form; during production, the granules are treated with special water-repellent additives. Calcium nitrate copes well with excessive soil acidity, additionally providing a structuring effect. Calcium improves nitrogen absorption processes and has a general strengthening effect on almost all agricultural crops.

Potassium nitrate

The chemical formula is KNO3, it is potassium nitrate, the concentration of nitrogen is 13%, potassium is 44%. Externally it is a white powder with a crystalline particle structure. Used throughout the season, and especially during the formation of ovaries, when plants need large quantities potassium, which stimulates fruit formation.

Typically, potassium nitrate is applied to fruiting and berry crops, such as strawberries, raspberries, beets, carrots, tomatoes, etc. It is not used for all types of greens, cabbage, and potatoes.

Ammonium group

Ammonium is a positively charged NH4+ ion. When interacting with sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, ammonium sulfate and ammonium chloride are formed, respectively.

Chemical formula - (NH4)2SO4, contains up to 21% nitrogen and up to 24% sulfur. Externally, it is a crystallized salt that dissolves well in water. It does not absorb water well, so it is stored for a long time. Produced as a by-product in chemical industry. Usually has White color, but when received in the coke industry it is colored different colors impurities (shades of gray, blue or red).

Chemical formula - NH4Cl, nitrogen content - 25%, chlorine - 67%. Another name is ammonium chloride. Obtained as a by-product in the production of soda. Due to the high concentration of chlorine, it is not widely used. Many crops react negatively to the presence of chlorine in the soil.

It should be noted that ammonium group fertilizers, when used regularly, significantly increase the acidity of the soil, since plants absorb mainly ammonium as a source of nitrogen, and acid residues accumulate in the soil.

To prevent acidification of the soil, lime, chalk or dolomite flour at the rate of 1.15 kg of deoxidizer per 1 kg of fertilizer.

Ammonium nitrate group

Basic fertilizer. Chemical formula - NH4NO3, nitrogen content - 34%. Another name is ammonium nitrate or ammonium nitrate. It is a reaction product between ammonia and nitric acid. Appearance– white crystalline powder, soluble in water. Sometimes it is produced in granular form, since ordinary saltpeter has an increased ability to absorb moisture and strongly cake during storage. Granulation eliminates this disadvantage. It is stored as an explosive and flammable substance in compliance with safety standards, because it can detonate.

Thanks to the double nitrogen content in different forms is universal fertilizer, which can be used for all types of agricultural plants on any soil. Both ammonium and nitrate forms of nitrogen are perfectly absorbed by all crops and do not change the chemical composition of the soil.

Nitrate can be applied for digging in the fall, in the spring when preparing the soil for planting, as well as into planting holes directly when planting seedlings.

As a result, shoots and foliage are strengthened and crop endurance increases. To prevent acidification of the soil, acidity-neutralizing additives are added to the fertilizer - dolomite flour, chalk or lime.

Amide group

Urea

It is a prominent representative of the group, another name is urea. Chemical formula – CO(NH2)2, nitrogen content – ​​not less than 46%. Externally, it is a white salt with small crystals that quickly dissolves in water. Absorbs moisture moderately, with proper storage practically no caking. Also available in granular form.

According to the mechanism of chemical action on the soil, the amide type of fertilizer has a dual effect - it temporarily alkalizes the soil, then acidifies it. Considered one of the most effective fertilizers, comparable to ammonium nitrate.

The main advantage of urea is that when it gets on the leaves, it does not cause a burn, even at high concentrations, and is well absorbed by the roots.

Liquid fertilizers

Liquid nitrogen fertilizers are characterized by a greater degree of absorption by plants, prolonged action and uniform distribution in the soil. This type includes:

• anhydrous ammonia;
• ammonia water;
• ammonia.

Liquid ammonia. Chemical formula - NH3, nitrogen content - 82%. It is produced by liquefying its gaseous form under pressure. Outwardly, it is a colorless liquid, with a pungent odor, and evaporates easily. Stored and transported in thick-walled steel containers.

Ammonia water. Chemical formula - NH4OH. Essentially, it is a 22-25% ammonia solution, colorless, with a strong odor. Transported in sealed containers under low pressure, it evaporates easily in air. For feeding purposes, it is more suitable than anhydrous ammonia, but its main disadvantage is the low concentration of nitrogen.

UAN – urea-ammonia mixture. These are ammonium nitrate and urea (urea) dissolved in water. Nitrogen content – ​​from 28 to 32%. The cost of these types is much lower, since there are no expensive procedures for evaporation, granulation, etc. The solutions contain almost no ammonia, so they can be freely transported and applied to plants by spraying or watering. They are widely used due to their relatively low cost, ease of transportation and storage, and versatility of use.

Ammonia. Chemical composition– ammonium and calcium nitrate, urea, etc. dissolved in ammonia. Nitrogen concentration – 30-50%. Effectiveness is comparable to solid forms, but significant drawback is the difficulty of transportation and storage - in sealed aluminum containers low pressure.

Organic fertilizers

IN various types organic matter also contains nitrogen, which is used to feed plants. Its concentrations are small, for example:

• manure – 0.1–1%;
• bird droppings – 1-1.25%;
• compost based on peat and food waste – up to 1.5%;
• green mass of plants – 1-1.2%;
• sludge mass – 1.7-2.5%.

Experts believe that using organic matter alone on a personal plot does not give the desired effect, and sometimes can harm the composition of the soil. Therefore, it is preferable to use all types of nitrogen fertilizers.

How to use nitrogen fertilizers

It should be remembered that these are chemically active substances that can cause severe poisoning if they enter the human body. That is why you should strictly adhere to the recommendations on the dosage and frequency of fertilizing.

Each package contains complete information and instructions for use; they should be carefully studied before processing the beds.

When working with chemicals, you need to use personal protective equipment - gloves, goggles and suits to protect the skin and mucous membranes. When working with liquid forms of fertilizers, you must use a mask or respirator to protect your respiratory tract.

Special attention You need to pay attention to storing fertilizers and under no circumstances use them after the guaranteed shelf life and expiration date have expired. If all conditions are met, there will be no unpleasant consequences from the use of nitrogen fertilizers.

Thus, nitrogen fertilizers and their use on a personal plot can greatly increase the yield of crops, increase their resistance to diseases and pests, and also restore the structure and fertility of the soil.

As much as agriculture develops on Earth, so many people need to obtain good harvests organic fertilizers are used. The types and their characteristics must be taken into account when using, since each of them has its own characteristics. Some need to be added to the soil in the fall, others at the time of planting, and others throughout growing season. The value of organics lies in its beneficial effect on the condition of plants, in improving the soil, in increasing yields and in its low cost, because every farmer can prepare it in his personal subsidiary plot.

Organic fertilizer: what is it?

Many will immediately say manure and compost. The answer is correct, but incomplete, because organic fertilizers are human and animal waste, as well as household and even industrial waste, which contains substances necessary for the development of plants in the form of organic compounds. This may include:

Bird droppings;

Feces;

Waste from wood processing factories (sawdust, tree bark, etc.);

Green manure plants;

Compost;

Bone meal;

Humus;

Complex organics.

Chemical composition

As you can see from the list above, there are a wide variety of organic fertilizers. The types and their characteristics mainly depend on the source of receipt, and in addition, on technological process fertilizer production. Any of them contains:

Calcium;

Special (a very valuable element that improves soil structure).

In small quantities, organic fertilizers include:

Sulfurous acid;

Silicic acid;

Oxides of some metals and other chemical elements.

Let's take a closer look at what and how much is contained in each type of organic fertilizer.

Manure

This very valuable fertilizer is nothing more than the feces of domestic animals, with the exception of cats and dogs. Depending on the type of animal, organic fertilizers of different composition are obtained. The types and their characteristics also depend on the stage of the preparation process, which are as follows:

Fresh manure (applied only in the fall, the soil is immediately plowed after that);

Semi-rotted (the straw in it becomes dark and easily separates into pieces);

Rotten (homogeneous dark mass);

Humus.

The higher the stage of manure preparation, the more it loses its mass, and the better the organic matter decomposes in it and the quality improves.

It is equally important on what kind of litter this fertilizer is prepared.

As you can see from the table, pig manure has very little calcium, so lime is added to it.

Rabbit manure is also a good fertilizer. But for nutria, you can only use rotted manure or add it to compost.

Storage methods

Manure from different animals is, among other things, a variety of organic fertilizers. The types and their characteristics directly depend on how they are stored. The methods may be the following:

1. Loose styling. Stacks up to 3 m wide and up to 2 m high are made from fresh manure and are not covered with anything. With this method in stacks (t = +70 °C), the preparation process takes approximately 4-5 months, during which up to a third of the original mass is lost.

2. Tight styling. The same piles are made from fresh manure as with loose laying, but the manure is compacted tightly and covered with an airtight film. In such stacks the temperature does not rise above +35 °C even in summer. Decomposition with this method lasts about 7 months, and up to 1/10 of the original mass is lost. Dense packing is the most acceptable storage method.

3. Loose laying with compaction. A low, loose pile up to 3 m wide is made from fresh manure. On the fifth day, it is compacted, and a new loose layer is laid on top. This is repeated until the stack reaches a height of two meters, after which it is covered with film. Completely rotted manure is formed within 5 months.

How to use

The use of organic fertilizers, in particular manure, has its own little tricks. Yes, for warm beds Horse manure is ideal because it contains little water. It is buried in special trenches dug along the perimeter of the bed, and after it is no longer needed, it is scattered across the field. On light soils it is better to use manure from cows, and on heavy soils - from sheep, goats and horses. For spring crops, fresh or half-rotted soil is plowed into the soil in the fall, and humus is added in the spring. If there is little fertilizer, it is advisable to apply it not to the entire area, but only to the holes. When planting trees, it is very useful to add up to 10 kg of humus into each hole.

Important! Fresh manure should not be applied to any crops. It releases ammonia, which is harmful to plants. There are no general standards for applying fertilizers, since they are different for each crop and directly depend on the quality of the soil.

You can find manure extract in stores. It is also an excellent fertilizer, but only for plants. It is useless for improving the condition of the soil.

Liquid organic fertilizers, their types and characteristics

There are a variety of fertilizers that you can make yourself without spending money. Those who have the opportunity use manure. It can be used in solid form, or you can make liquid organic fertilizers from it - slurry and mullein. The latter is prepared by pouring water over cow excrement. It is used to fertilize absolutely any plants, even flowers. At the same time, take 1 liter of mullein per bucket of water. There is no need to prepare slurry. It is the liquid part of manure. Liquid fertilizers include herbal infusions and even human urine, but more on that below.

As can be seen from the table, there is almost no phosphorus in this fertilizer, so superphosphate (about 15 g per liter) is added to the slurry.

Litter

It is believed that the best organic fertilizers are obtained from the droppings of pigeons and chickens. The waste of geese and ducks is somewhat worse in quality.

Bird droppings should be stored in a closed container or by composting with peat, straw, sawdust, as it very quickly loses its nitrogen component. Bird grass is used to feed vegetables, fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers. It is not added in its pure form, but filled with water (1 part of organic matter per bucket of water) and left to infuse for up to 3 days. After this, dilute it again with water, taking 1 measuring part of the infusion and 10 measuring parts of water.

Human feces

Some gardeners don't even know what exotic types of organic fertilizers there are. One of them is our feces. Previously, absolutely everything was fertilized with these waste products, they were even sold. Now this type of fertilizer is not popular, although it is almost the best. It should be noted that feces refers not only to feces, but also to urine, which is also suitable as a fertilizer. The only caveat is that nitrogen evaporates from it almost instantly, so the biomaterial must be covered with soil immediately after application.

As you can see from the table, feces are ideal for improving soil quality.

Of course, many farmers are disdainful to even think about using human excrement as fertilizer. For those who are more loyal to this, it is important to know what methods exist for preparing such organic matter. To remove the unpleasant smell, the “raw materials” need to be covered with peat or, in extreme cases, leaf soil. You can also make compost heaps from leaves and plant debris, placing feces in them in layers. They must mature for at least 3 years.

Urine is used immediately as a fertilizer. For trees, it does not need to be diluted. For other crops, it is advisable to dilute with water in a ratio of at least 1:4. It is also useful to water compost heaps with urine.

Peat

To the question: “Which fertilizers are organic?” many will answer: “Peat.” It is widely advertised, all flower shops actively sell it, and many gardeners and gardeners strive to use it. However, there are not so many substances useful for plants in peat to fertilize everything indiscriminately. In addition, it must be taken into account that there are different types peat, differing significantly in quality.

As can be seen from the table, peat, especially lowland peat, is advisable to use for acidic soils. All types of peat should be used only to improve the quality of soils, regulate their humidity, as well as to create high-quality compost and for mulching any crops, but not for fertilization.

Sapropel

Some types of organic fertilizers are familiar to us from balneological procedures in sanatoriums. This is the silt of lakes, ponds, and any reservoirs with stagnant water, called sapropel. It is used especially a lot in the Rostov region due to the huge reserves in Lake Nero. Sapropel, which is plant and animal remains, accumulates in water bodies for decades. During this period, it gradually decomposes, turning into a valuable organic fertilizer, which contains a lot of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and 4 times more nitrogen than manure. Sapropel can be used unchanged or added to compost. Before adding it to the soil, it must be ventilated, shoveled and frozen so that all substances unnecessary for plants are removed from it.

Sawdust, tree bark, bone meal

There are cheap and very useful organic fertilizers for improving soil quality. Their types and characteristics are as follows:

1. Sawdust. They perfectly loosen the soil, improve its moisture capacity and air permeability, but absorb nitrogen from it. The acidity of sawdust is quite high (pH about 3-4), so before adding it should be mixed with slaked lime and complex mineral or only nitrogen fertilizers. You can also moisten them with animal urine or liquid mineral fertilizers. It is better to use rotted sawdust or add it to compost heaps.

2. Tree bark. These wastes are used to create compost. To do this, fresh bark is crushed, placed in a hole, and complex moisturizers are added. The fertilizer will be ready in about six months, during which the pit with bark must be periodically moistened and its contents shoveled.

3. Bone meal. It reduces soil acidity well and is ideal for wetlands. Bone meal contains all the elements necessary for the growth and fruiting of plants. The only caveat is that you only need to use it fat-free (evaporated and dry).

Green manure

The application of organic fertilizers may differ significantly from the methods indicated above. We are talking about green manure - plants sown on the field before planting the main crops or after harvesting. These include: sunflower, mustard, lupine, clover, legumes, oats, vetch, olive radish and other early ripening crops that produce a lot of green mass. The use of green manure is most effective on sandy and humus-poor soils, but can be practiced on any soil. In terms of the content of useful elements, green fertilizers are almost identical to manure. For example, lupine produces approximately 4 kg of green mass per 1 m2. They contain on average 18 g of nitrogen, 4.8 g of phosphorus, 6.8 g of potassium, 19 g of calcium, 4.8 g of magnesium. The technology for fertilizing a plot with green manure is as follows: after harvesting the main crop, the seeds of the selected plant are sown on the field (some can simply be scattered across the field, others need to be planted in furrows), watered if necessary, and after waiting for the buds to appear, mowed. The green mass can be plowed into the ground, placed in compost pits, and fed to livestock. Some green manures (mustard, in addition to fertilizing the soil, help destroy bacteria in it, such as root rot, nematodes, late blight and others.

Nettle

If you need to fertilize a small bed, you can make an excellent fertilizer from nettles. It is cut off, placed in a container and filled with water. Nettle fertilizer is prepared for 3-5 days, during which the contents of the container must be mixed. To eliminate the unpleasant odor, you can add valerian rhizome, and to speed up the process, add bread, yeast, and sourdough. The finished fertilizer must be filtered and used, adding 1 measuring part to 10 measuring parts of water.

Complex organic fertilizers

This is one of the best, most balanced types of fertilizers, suitable both for feeding plants and for improving soil quality. For their production, the industry uses the biofermentation method, which consists of the oxidation of organic elements with atomic oxygen. This releases a type of chemical energy that is extremely useful for needed by plants microorganisms. Produce complex organic fertilizers from litter, sawdust, manure, peat and the like natural products. The preparations “ZhTSKKU”, “Piska”, “COUD”, “GUMI-OMI”, “Biohumus” are very popular. Basically, they are all concentrated and very easy to use.

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

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

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

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

Separation of fertilizers by characteristics

Fertilizers are classified according to the following criteria:

Mineral, chemical and organic fertilizers

Organic and mineral fertilizers differ in their origin:

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

Further, fertilizers are classified according to the types of nutrients they contain.

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

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

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

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

The division of fertilizers into simple, mixed and complex indicates the method of their preparation:

• Simple, they contain only one element.
• Mixed, obtained through the process of mechanical action (fertilizer mixing).
• Complex ones are the result of chemical reactions.

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

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

Mineral fertilizers

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

• Ammonia nitrogen, introduced into soil with weak acidity, is well absorbed by plants through the root system and can remain in it for quite a long time. It is applied before sowing (in spring) and after harvesting (in autumn).
• Nitrate nitrogen is introduced into the soil in the form of a solution, so its validity is limited. Apply at the beginning of spring. It is easily absorbed by plants and can be used in the summer as a top dressing.
• Amide nitrogen is a fast-acting, soil-acidifying fertilizer. At high temperatures environment changes into ammonia form. Used mainly for fertilizing.

1. Based on phosphorus (phosphoric).

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

• Simple and double superphosphate - easy soluble fertilizer, which is used on any type of soil. Does not require thorough mixing with water, because the dissolution process occurs easily and without mechanical impact.
• Precipitate is a semi-soluble fertilizer. Insoluble in water, this is why they are used weak acids. Used on acidic soils.
• Phosphate flour is a sparingly soluble fertilizer. Available to plants only on acidic soils. When applied, it requires thorough mixing with the soil.

1. Based on potassium (potassium).

They are concentrated chloride and sulfate salts.

• Potassium chloride is highly soluble in water. Penetration into the soil is somewhat slower. Used on clayey and loamy soils, taking into account that plant roots are poorly developed and require a rapid supply of nutrients.
• Potassium salt – easily dissolves in water. It is most used on sandy soils to replenish potassium deficiency. In autumn, the use of this fertilizer is not advisable, because... rapid leaching by groundwater occurs.

1. Lime-based (limestone).

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

1. Chlorine-containing fertilizers.

Organic fertilizers

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

Organic fertilizers are made from substances that are formed as a result of the natural life processes of plants, animals and birds.

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of its state - slightly decomposed, half-rotted, rotted and humus.

• The amount of nutrients in manure can vary depending on what animal it comes from. In horse and sheep manure, for example, less water and more organic and inorganic substances than cow and pork.
• The effectiveness of manure application depends on its quality, applied volumes and soil and climatic conditions. It is used in spring and autumn depending on the stage of its condition. It is better not to use it fresh.
• Manure increases yields not only in the year it is applied to the soil, but also for several years after that.
• Depending on the technology for its production, there is litter manure (semi-liquid) and non-liquid manure (liquid). They have some differences in composition, methods of use and storage.

1. Bird droppings are considered the best organic fertilizer.

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

1. Peat does not contain many nutrients. But its use makes it possible to improve the soil structure by increasing the humus content.

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

Peat can be added at almost any time of the year. Required condition application is the addition of lime.

1. Silt is deposited at the bottom of bodies of water (ponds, lakes, rivers). Its structure contains a lot of humus and mineral elements. Before adding it to the soil, it must be well ventilated (keep it in the open air for some time). Used successfully on sandy soils.

1. Sawdust and tree bark - inexpensive remedy to increase soil fertility and improve its moisture capacity and breathability. It is applied to the soil in rotted form or with other components.
2. Green manures are tall-stemmed plants plowed into the soil. They affect the soil in almost the same way as fresh manure.
3. Complex organic fertilizers - consist of organic matter and mineral substances, which are combined by chemical or mechanically. The result of processing poultry droppings or manure using biofermentation.

Physical properties

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

After production and transportation, before use, the physical properties of fertilizers can be changed.

A very important component physical properties, is the ability of the initial product to dissolve, because plants receive all nutrients along with water.

The types of fertilizers in this regard are varied, but coarse-crystalline and granular ones come first. This is due to the fact that when applied locally to the soil, the process of natural leaching slows down, and the period of action increases with minimal loss of useful components.

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