There is often talk among gardeners about the benefits of mineral fertilizers and the need for their use in personal plot to improve the growth of horticultural 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.

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

Berry crops and fruit trees respond well to fertilizing.

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 an additional element that 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 ratio of the proportions of nutrients in the drug.

Complex-mixed

Complex mixed preparations include nitrophoskas and nitrophases, to which the necessary additional nutrients 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.

On sale today big choice mineral fertilizers. 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 with a 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.

Contents of the article

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

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

Complex additives are divided into:

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

Complex fertilizers are liquid and solid fertilizers, including a mineral complex. The main properties of complex fertilizers are highlighted:

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

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

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

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

Types of complex fertilizers and their composition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purpose of the state development program Agriculture and regulation of markets for agricultural products, raw materials and food for 2013–2020 - ensuring food independence of Russia within the parameters set by the food security doctrine Russian Federation, approved by decree of the President of the Russian Federation of January 30, 2010 No. 120 “On approval of the doctrine of food security of the Russian Federation.” The program defines accelerated import substitution in relation to meat, milk, vegetables, seed potatoes and fruit and berry products; increasing the competitiveness of Russian agricultural products in the domestic and foreign markets; reproduction and increasing the efficiency of use of land and other resources in agriculture, as well as greening production.

Over the past decades, at the turn of the century, there has been a process of decline in soil fertility. At the same time, the increased rate of decline in the main indicator of soil fertility - humus - is of particular concern.

According to the regional station of the Samara agrochemical service, by 2012, rich chernozems had disappeared in the Samara region. Compared to 1986, the percentage of soils with high humus content decreased from 16.1% to 10.9% and from 49.7% to 45.6% with average humus content, and the areas of very weakly and weakly humus soils with low organic matter content increased significantly - by (9.3%).

To maintain humus at the original level, it is necessary to add 5–7 tons of manure to the soil annually in rainfed conditions, 8–10 tons per hectare during irrigation, and 70–80 kg/ha of a.m. mineral fertilizers.

The production of mineral fertilizers is dictated by two main factors. This is, on the one hand, the rapid growth of the planet's population, and on the other, limited land resources suitable for growing agricultural crops. In addition, soils suitable for agriculture have become depleted, and the natural method of their restoration requires too long a period of time.

The production volumes of each type of fertilizer have not changed for many years. Thus, nitrogen makes up 48% of total production, potassium – 34% and phosphorus – 18%.

Nitrogen fertilizers are produced at 25 enterprises in the Russian Federation, in addition, ammonium sulfate is produced by some coke plants. The leading position in the production of nitrogen fertilizers is occupied by OJSC Nevinnomyssk Azot (Stavropol Territory) and OJSC NAC Azot (Novomoskovsk, Tula Region). Both enterprises are part of the EuroChem holding and provide it with a 22% share in Russian production nitrogen fertilizers.

OJSC Togliattiazot (Samara region) is a modern enterprise (built in 1974). The company's production capacity allows the production of ammonia 3 million tons per year, urea - 1 million tons, liquid carbon dioxide - 2 million tons, dry ice - 2.5 thousand tons, urea-formaldehyde resin - 6 thousand tons, etc.

The Russian Federation's share in global production of phosphate fertilizers is 6.5%. Phosphorus fertilizers in Russia are produced at 19 enterprises, the total capacity of which is about 4.5 million tons.

The main producers of phosphate fertilizers in Russia are the following enterprises: Ammofos OJSC (Cherepovets, Vologda Region), Meleuzovskoe Minudobreniya Production Association JSC (Republic of Bashkortostan), Phosphorit OJSC (Kingisepp, Leningrad Region), Phosphorit OJSC (Kingisepp, Leningrad Region), OJSC Balakovo Mineral Fertilizers" (Saratov region), OJSC "Voskresensk Mineral Fertilizers" (Moscow region).

In the production of potash fertilizers, the main costs are associated with ore mining, and therefore the location of Silvinit OJSC (Solikamsk) and Uralkali OJSC (Berezniki) directly near the Verkhnekamsk deposit has a positive effect on the development of production of this type of fertilizer.

The total world production of mineral fertilizers is characterized by a slow but stable annual growth of 3–4%. In 2014, about 184 million tons were produced worldwide.

Fertilizer is one of the main factors in the intensification of agriculture, since without them it is impossible to conduct agriculture rationally. The use of fertilizers allows you to optimize plant nutrition, regulate the speed and direction of growth processes, the size and quality of the harvest, and increase the resistance of plants to unfavorable conditions, influence the reproduction of soil fertility. Without the application of mineral fertilizers, it is impossible to grow food and feed in sufficient quantities.

Nitrogen fertilizers are most effective on chernozem soils of the Samara region. In studies of the Samara State Agricultural Academy, 1 kg of nitrogen pays for itself in grain yield
winter wheat from 10 to 26 kg/ha. Increases in grain yield from phosphorus fertilizers range from 18 to 26%. As a result of significant differences in soil-climatic, agrotechnical and material-technical conditions, the effectiveness of fertilizers even for the same crop varies greatly among individual farms and regions.

Concerning optimal parameters application of mineral fertilizers, it is necessary to focus on the recommended zonal doses for the Samara region, taking into account the agrochemical properties of the soil. For example, to obtain a grain yield of winter wheat of 4 t/ha and reproduce soil fertility, it is necessary to add 30 t of manure and 120 kg/ha of nitrogen and phosphorus, and 30–60 kg/ha of potassium.

In accordance with this, it is necessary to create flexible systems of modern technologies, taking into account the characteristics of each variety and each specific field.

The importance of fertilizer properties

Obtaining the maximum possible crop yield directly depends on the action of a complex of numerous factors, among which fertilizers play an important role.

For each mineral fertilizer supplied for agriculture, the state standard (technical conditions) establishes a certain
a set of requirements: for example, appearance and color, nutrient concentration (no less), moisture content (no more), particle size (granules).
Fertilizers must contain aggressive impurities within acceptable limits - free acidity, active chlorine, fluorine compounds, biuret, heavy salts
metals Failure to comply with any indicators from certain GOST quality characteristics for a particular fat is not allowed.

The requirements established by the standard are not accidental. They contribute high quality many technological work, including transportation of fertilizer, preservation of the properties of fertilizer during storage, quality of application, high fertilizing effect. Therefore, successful work ensuring the safety
the quality of fertilizers on the farm, their effective use with minimal labor and cost, ensuring maximum increases in productivity without damage to nature and the environment requires deep knowledge of all the properties of fertilizers. These include not only the form of the nutrients contained, but also
physical, physicochemical and chemical properties.

Each mineral fertilizer is distinguished by a certain set of properties determined by the nature of the salt, depending on the technology of production, forms of supply of fertilizer, which can change during the period from production (receipt) to application to the soil. Knowledge of the characteristics of individual fertilizers is the key to the safety without loss of the fertilizers themselves, their nutrients, the strength of the granules, and flowability. A specialist must know how to create the necessary storage regime, when it is best to apply this fertilizer, the possibility of combining it with other fertilizers, the ability to add manure, peat, and other organic fertilizers. Accounting various properties mineral fertilizers, knowledge of their composition will allow you to determine which crop is best applied to, choose the method of application to obtain the highest effect, and achieve the best quality indicators of the crop.

The use of individual fertilizers also requires knowledge of many physical, physicomechanical characteristics, such as hygroscopicity and caking, granulometric composition and size of granules, their strength and flowability, a number of others, including free acidity or alkalinity, undesirable impurities.
It is necessary to take into account those natural processes that can occur during long-term storage (moistening, volatilization or leaching of nutrients
substances, loss of flowability), fire, explosion hazard. This will allow you to determine the choice of warehouse, the placement of individual packages in it, the height of the pile, the stack, etc.
safe storage conditions. The same information is necessary when choosing certain fertilizer spreaders in the field.

Range and main properties of mineral fertilizers

The chemical industry of the Russian Federation produces and supplies a wide range of mineral fertilizers to the domestic market.

Mineral fertilizers are industrial or fossil products containing nutrients for plant growth and development and used to increase soil fertility. Nutrient elements contained in the plant body in significant quantities (from hundredths to whole percent) are called macroelements - N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S.

Types of fertilizers– one-component: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; complex - complex, complexly mixed, mixed and fertilizers with microelements. Among the species there are different forms.

Fertilizer forms:
nitrogen - nitrate, ammonium, ammonia, ammonium-nitrate, amide, liquid, slow-acting;
phosphorus - soluble, semi-soluble, insoluble;
potassium - chlorine-containing, sulfuric acid.

Taking into account the level of natural fertility of fields, other agricultural lands, the production plan of agricultural enterprises, the availability organic fertilizers, the size of the planned harvests, as well as the further growth of agrochemical soil indicators, farm specialists calculate the annual need for fertilizers.

A batch of fertilizers imported to the farm is accompanied by a consignment note indicating the name of the product, the weight of the cargo and a copy of the passport-certificate characterizing the compliance of the fertilizer with the requirements of GOST or TU for quality.

Fertilizer packaging. Non-hygroscopic (potassium chloride, ammonium sulfate, superphosphate) and low-hygroscopic fertilizers supplied to agriculture from
loaded without containers (in bulk). This allows you to significantly reduce the cost of disposable containers and completely mechanize loading and unloading operations at all levels from the supplier plant - temporary storage (rail warehouses) - to loading them into sowing machines and applying them to the fields.

Highly hygroscopic fertilizers (saltpetre) are supplied in polyethylene or 5-6-layer bitumen bags weighing about 50 kg.

In recent years, enterprises have been delivering supplies in soft specialized containers, which, in conditions of only approximately 50% supply in standard warehouses, makes it possible to sharply reduce losses of mineral fertilizers, ensuring high level mechanization of loading and unloading operations with them.

There are soft reusable containers (MC), made of rubber and cord, with a capacity of about 1.7 cubic meters. m (fertilizer weight – up to 2 tons);
disposable use (MKR) - polyethylene container, volume about 1 cubic meter. m (fertilizer weight up to 1 t); as well as negotiable ones - limited service life
(MKO) - polyethylene fabric with a polyethylene coating, its working volume is up to 0.85 cubic meters. m with a carrying capacity of about 1 ton of fertilizer mass.

Containers are stored in open areas (near a warehouse or directly in the field), stacked in 1–2 tiers. For loading and unloading operations on the farm, it is necessary to have a tractor container loader or a self-loader with a jib crane.

Urea, ammophos, diammophos, double superphosphate, potassium chloride, as well as nitrophos, nitrophoska, diammophos and other granular complex fertilizers are supplied in soft containers of the MKR type. Supplier plants guarantee the quality of mineral fertilizers determined by GOST (TU), as a rule, for 6 months from the date of manufacture of the product. Therefore, if there is a lack of standard storage containers, fertilizers should not be stored in excess of their annual requirement.

Nitrogen fertilizers

Characteristics of the main forms of nitrogen fertilizers

Basic properties. All of them have a crystalline structure and are characterized by increased hygroscopicity. When stored for a long time in unsatisfactory conditions, they become moistened, lose their flowability and cake into lumps. Of the main range of nitrogen fertilizers, calcium and ammonium nitrate are subject to the greatest hygroscopicity and caking, while ammonium sulfate and sodium ammonium sulfate are the least susceptible.

To increase flowability, reduce the degree of caking and improve physical and mechanical properties, organics (petroleum oils, fuchsins,
fatty acids) or mineral (dolomite, phosphorite) additives, which, isolating fertilizer particles, protect against caking. This is facilitated by
and granulation. All nitrogen fertilizers are highly soluble in water (Table 1).

Table 1: Solubility of nitrogen fertilizers

Since nitrogen fertilizers are highly soluble in water, hygroscopic and prone to caking, this requires special attention when storing them in warehouses. Optimal conditions storage preserves the properties of fertilizers.

The practice of using fertilizers shows that nitrogen is an element of the first minimum. Nitrogen fertilizers, as a rule, determine the level of yield.

Ammonium nitrate NH 4 NO 3– GOST grade “B” contains at least 34.4% nitrogen. Its share of those produced is approximately 20% of nitrogen supplies, and in
will decrease slightly in the future. Supplied in 5–6-layer paper bitumen or polyethylene bags weighing up to 50 kg.

Fine crystalline substance white, highly hygroscopic, caking, therefore it is produced in granular form (1–4 mm). It dissolves well in water. Granules of regular spherical shape, glossy. During granulation, various conditioning substances are added (phosphorite flour, gypsum, fatty acids and their amines), which give the granules the appropriate color. Their color is white or yellowish, pink with a glossy tint. The granules are very hygroscopic, “wet”, low-flowing. When the fertilizer is stored for a long time, they are angular, “prickly”, and when taken in the hand, a chill is felt.

The fertilizer quickly absorbs moisture from the air, the granules become larger, become angular, and the product cakes into very strong, large lumps. During storage, the fertilizer increases in volume and breaks the bag. When dissolved in water, this fertilizer sharply cools the solution.

Ammonium nitrate requires special attention when warehousing and storing it in a compartment separate from other materials. It is highly flammable and explosive. At
When heated to 200–270°C, the fertilizer begins to decompose, releasing heat and oxygen, which promote combustion. With rapid heating to 400–500°C
Explosive decomposition occurs. Ammonium and other nitrates are stored in a separate compartment from other fertilizers on flat pallets of fireproof construction with
anti-corrosion coating, in 2 tiers 2 m high. Without pallets, can be laid in 8–10 rows to a height of up to 1.8 m.

The weight of an individual stack is up to 120 tons. The distance between stacks is 3 m, to the wall – 1 m. In this case, the place where it is stored in the warehouse on the farm must be
permanent.

For crushing, you cannot use a spark-producing tool (they are crushed by machines like ISU-4). Placers are collected, stored separately, repacked in clean bags, and used first.

Ballast-free fertilizer. Contains two different shapes nitrogen, which makes it possible to vary the methods and timing of application. Universal fertilizer: applied to all crops on all soils as the main, pre-sowing fertilizer and top dressing. The main application is in the fall on heavy soils in conditions of insufficient moisture, in the spring - on light soils in conditions of excessive moisture. When sowing, apply in small doses (up to 10 kg/ha) using combined seeders. Top dressing: early spring winter crops using surface and root methods, root feeding for row crops.

Urea (urea) CO(NH 2) 2 for agriculture – grade “B”. This is the most concentrated dry nitrogen fertilizer - no less than 46.2% nitrogen. Agricultural enterprises receive approximately 25% of all nitrogen fertilizers. As a rule, it arrives without containers, and sometimes in five-layer paper bags (crystalline salt) or in plastic bags. In addition, urea can be supplied in a flexible, reusable (MP) or single-use (SUR) container.

White crystalline substance, soluble in water. It cakes during storage and is therefore produced in granular form (1–3 mm). Granules of regular spherical shape, matte. Granular urea has good physical properties.

The granular product is characterized by good flowability, has dry, smooth, well-flowing spherical granules (granules are available in two fractions: 0.2–1.0 and more often 2.0–2.5 mm). Granulated urea should contain no more than 0.9% biuret, an increased concentration of which is toxic to seedlings.

A distinctive feature of urea, both crystalline and granular forms, is that it “soaps” when taken on wet fingers. It has a significantly lower volumetric mass (0.65 t/m3) compared to ammonium nitrate (0.82–0.90 t/m3).

Universal fertilizer. As a basic fertilizer, it is equivalent to ammonium nitrate and others nitrogen fertilizers, but has advantages in conditions of excess moisture and irrigation. Use during sowing may slow down germination and emergence of seedlings as a result of the formation large quantity ammonia. Surface fertilizing of winter crops can only be carried out with immediate harrowing in order to avoid losses of nitrogen in gaseous form. Good fertilizer for carrying out basal and root feeding.

In the fertilization system for winter crops, early spring fertilizing provides a great effect. In addition, the protein content in grain increases late (during
heading) fertilizing with an aqueous solution of fertilizer.

For foliar feeding, you can use a 30% urea solution, which does not burn the leaves; in addition, urea is absorbed by leaf cells in the form of a whole molecule, without prior ammonification, through direct involvement in the cycle of transformations of nitrogenous substances. Urea supergranules measuring 8–10 mm in size were tested, which practically do not caking. Mixing urea with other fertilizers (superphosphate, potassium fertilizers) is possible only before making.

Ammonium sulfate (NH 4) 2 SO 4 according to GOST 9097-82 must contain at least 21% nitrogen. This fertilizer is produced in amounts up to 2% of all nitrogen fertilizers. Supplied in bitumen paper or polyethylene bags of 50 kg. By agreement with the consumer, they are usually shipped in bulk.

By appearance– fine-crystalline salt, similar to granulated sugar; usually white or yellowish in color. Depending on the production technology, the product can be gray, pink, yellow, greenish, bluish and even blackish. Low hygroscopic, highly soluble in water and almost non-caking.

It differs from ammonium nitrate in its smaller, dryer, free-flowing and shiny crystals (ammonium nitrate has angular and gray granules). Ammonium sulfate, produced as a by-product in the production of chemical and man-made fibers, comes in bulk and contains 20.5% nitrogen. Outwardly, it looks like river sand (gray and light brown).

This fertilizer is best used on neutral soils. Preferably used as a basic fertilizer. Suitable for application on loamy soils not only in spring, but also in autumn.

It is advisable to combine fertilizing with ammonium sulfate with harrowing of the crops: early feeding winter crops It is possible to fertilize row crops (on light soils and with irrigation). Do not apply during sowing, as this can lead to ammonia poisoning of plants. The best nitrogen fertilizer for solonetz soils. A good fertilizer for potatoes, because it contains sulfur, which helps increase the starch content, and, in addition, potatoes are not afraid of acidification (optimal pH level 5.5).

Stored in stacks (piles) up to 4 m high, separately from other fertilizers. Before sowing, it can be mixed with almost all fertilizers.

Calcium nitrate Ca(NO 3) 2 TU-2181-018-324964-45-00. The liquid, supplied in 60-liter polyethylene barrels, contains 8% nitrogen and 13% CaO.

The same solid product - 15.5% nitrogen and 26.5% CaO - in 50-kilogram polyethylene bags. Highly hygroscopic salt in the form of 3–6 mm flakes. Brownish in color. Used in industrial vegetable growing.

Sodium nitrate NaNO 3- a relatively rare fertilizer. Contains at least 16% nitrogen. Supplied in five-layer bitumen paper bags weighing about 50 kg.

Externally - very small (much smaller than ammonium sulfate) shiny crystals of white or yellowish color. Hygroscopic, caking, highly soluble in water. Like all nitrates, it is flammable and explosive. Store separately, the height of the stack of bags is up to 2 m.

Sodium nitrate is used for sowing and fertilizing. The main application is limited (due to the high mobility of nitrate nitrogen). Apply when sowing sugar and fodder beets and when feeding winter crops. Sodium, which is part of the fertilizer, promotes the outflow of carbohydrates from the leaves to the roots, thereby improving the quality of sugar beets and other root crops.

Liquid nitrogen fertilizers

Their advantage is low energy costs during production (evaporation and granulation are excluded); one-time use of containers is not required. It is possible to mechanize all work – from delivery to application to the field.

Liquid fertilizers provide no less fertilizing effect than solid fertilizers. Therefore, their energy coefficient is 2–2.5 times higher than that of ammonium nitrate or urea.

However, the use of liquid forms requires significant one-time costs for metal containers and application machines. Higher required
“agronomic culture”, including compliance with safety regulations at all stages of work. There is also a seasonal nature of supplies - mainly during the warm period of the year.

Liquid (anhydrous) ammonia NH 3. This promising, most concentrated fertilizer makes up about 10% of supplies. Contains 82.3% nitrogen. Supplied in sealed railway tanks with a capacity of 50 cubic meters. m, designed for high pressure (16–20 atmospheres). It corrodes non-ferrous metals (copper, zinc and their alloys), but is practically neutral in relation to ferrous metals and aluminum alloys.

This fertilizer is stored in containers made of ferrous metals or their alloys. In order to reduce high pressure elastic vapors, the outer surface of the containers should be painted white or silver. Ammonia is a colorless gas-liquid mixture with a pungent odor and a density of 0.77 kg/m3. At a temperature of minus 33.4°C and above in conditions atmospheric pressure boils. Its specific gravity at 0°C is 639 kg/m3. At temperatures of minus 77.8°C and below, it hardens and turns into a snow-like mass.

A potent toxic substance, a mixture with air at an NH3 concentration of 15–27% is explosive. If ammonia comes into contact with the skin, it causes burns, and if it evaporates, it can cause frostbite. It is supplied in railway tanks and via the Tolyatti – Odessa ammonia pipeline. The largest ammonia producer in our country is the Togliattiazot corporation. Liquid ammonia is the cheapest nitrogen fertilizer.

When introduced into the soil, it turns into a gas and is physically positively adsorbed by the soil for a short time, then dissolves in soil moisture and turns into ammonium hydroxide. A high concentration of ammonia is created at the point of application, the pH shifts to 9. The microflora dies. The radius of distribution of ammonia is 7–10 cm. Nitrification of ammonia nitrogen begins from the periphery and gradually (after 2–4 weeks) the number of microorganisms and pH are restored.

Without aqueous ammonia They are applied only subsoil using a special set of machines (anhydrous ammonia filler - ZBA-3.2-817, MZHA-6; application unit - ABA-0.5, ASHA-2.0, AZHA-1.0). The distance between the working parts of the cultivator is 20–25 cm. The depth of application is determined by the granulometric composition: on heavy soils – 10–12 cm, on light soils – 14–18 cm. Sowing and subsequent tillage of the soil are possible 10 hours after applying ammonia. Sowing is carried out perpendicular to the application of fertilizer. Ammonia is better absorbed in heavy, organic-rich, normally moist soils.

Can be used for basic application in autumn and spring and for root feeding of row crops. Its use causes temporary neutralization of acidity, promotes the mobilization of soil phosphates and potassium, and enhances ammonification and nitrification of the soil.

Ammonia water (aqueous ammonia) NH 4 OH– one of the cheapest fertilizers. Provides I and II grades with a nitrogen content of 20.5 and 18.0%, respectively.
It arrives in sealed railway containers in the form of a colorless or yellowish liquid with a pungent odor. When using ammonia water, it is important to strictly follow safety precautions. Workers must be instructed to have a gas mask, safety glasses, overalls and rubber gloves. It is better to organize the work of introducing it into the soil in a group way (2-3 units), so that machine operators can help each other both in case of technical problems and in case of damage from ammonia.

It is advisable to apply ammonia water into moist soil, placement depth: on light soils 12–14 cm, on medium soils 10–12 cm, on heavy soils – at least 8–10 cm, and placement perpendicular to the future direction of sowing, which promotes uniform distribution. It is almost equivalent to dry nitrogen fertilizers. They are applied using POU-type machines as the main fertilizer (during the fall or in the spring), and as a top dressing.

On farms, ammonia water is stored in horizontal containers of 25–50 cubic meters. m, designed for low pressure. The filling limit for containers is 85% of their internal volume. Elimination of nitrogen losses in the form of ammonia is achieved by filling the surface with 2–3 cm of ammonia water GSPS - a sealing self-flowing film-forming composition.

UAN (urea-ammonium mixture) NH 4 NO 3 + CO(NH 2) 2 + H 2 O– stable liquid fertilizer. According to the standards, this is a light-colored liquid (with a yellowish or yellow-greenish tint), density 1.26–1.34 g/cm3, pH 6–7. Contains 28–32% nitrogen. It consists of melt (unevaporated solutions of ammonium nitrate - 38-42.7% and urea - 31-42%) with the addition of small amounts of ammonia (0.2-0.3%) and phosphoric acid (0.1-0.2 % P 2 O 5).

Store in ferrous metal containers with a lid. Used as the main fertilizer, but especially effective as a regular or foliar feeding using machines such as POU, OPSH-15, PSh-21.6 or ON-400 by spraying over the field or sowing.

KSAAS – CO(NH 2) 2 + (NH 4) 2 SO 4 + NH 4 NO 3 + H 2 O – urea, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate – a transparent liquid of a yellowish-greenish color. According to TU 113-03-41-17-90, it contains at least 18% nitrogen. It contains (mass fraction, %): urea - 25, ammonium sulfate - 25, ammonium nitrate - 5, water - 45. This is a stable solution, density 1.25 g / cubic meter. cm. At temperatures up to 18°C ​​it does not form sediment. Properties and application are similar to CAS.

Slow-release fertilizers

Ureaforms. Urea-formaldehyde fertilizer (NH 2 CONHCH 2) n – MFP.

Condensation product of urea and formaldehyde. White powder with particle size less than 0.5 mm. It has good physical properties and does not cake. Contains 38–40% N, of which 8–10% is in soluble form.

Encapsulated fertilizers. Water granules soluble fertilizers covered with films through which aqueous solutions penetrate slowly and difficultly. Paraffin, polyethylene emulsion, sulfur compounds, and resins are used as coatings. Such fertilizers are less hygroscopic and do not caking. By selecting the composition and film thickness, it is possible to obtain fertilizers with different rates of nitrogen release, that is, prolonged action, taking into account biological features and frequency of nutrition of agricultural crops.

Slow-acting fertilizers are promising for areas with excess moisture and on irrigated lands, as well as when applied under vegetable crops, grassland grasses, grass stands on sports grounds and lawns. Apply in high doses (do not create excessively high harmful concentrations) once every two to three years, without fear of nitrogen leaching. Nitrogen nutrition is provided to the first crop and a significant after-effect of the fertilizer on subsequent crops is observed.

Phosphorus fertilizers

General properties. Phosphorus fertilizers are powdered. They are light gray (superphosphates, precipitate, thermophosphates) or dark (phosphorite
flour, phosphate slag) coloring. Even easily digestible water-soluble phosphates (superphosphates) are little or almost insoluble in water. When moistened they
smear, prone to caking (except for phosphate rock). All phosphates are stored in regular warehouses. When working with dusty fertilizers, workers must wear special clothing and respirators.

Powdered simple superphosphate Ca(H 2 PO 4) H 2 O + 2CaSO 4 2H 2 O. In the range of phosphates it has a small specific gravity (up to 5%). Contains at least 19% digestible P 2 O 5 . The free acidity of the fertilizer (in terms of P 2 O 5) should not exceed 5%. It comes in bulk.

Externally, it is a loose powder of light gray (from apatite) and dark gray (from phosphorite) color, with a specific unpleasant odor of volatile oxides (the higher the free acidity of the fertilizer, the stronger smell). The smell of this fertilizer is easily distinguished from all powdered fertilizers.

It can be used as a basic fertilizer for all crops. Before sowing, it can be mixed with all fertilizers.

Granulated simple superphosphate Ca(H 2 PO 4) H 2 O + 2CaSO 4 2H 2 O. Contains at least 19% P 2 O 5, free acidity should not exceed 2.5% P 2 O 5. Supplied in 4-5-layer bitumen paper bags weighing about 50 kg or in bulk.

Externally – light gray or gray granules of uneven size (1–4 mm) with an unpleasant odor. Unlike powder, it has good physical properties– weakly cakes, scatters well across the field. Application – similar to powdered superphosphate. In addition, it is advisable to apply it when sowing as a row fertilizer or as a root dressing.

Double (concentrated) superphosphate Ca(H 2 PO 4) 2 H 2 O. The output of this fertilizer is 25% phosphates, in the future it will decrease to 13%. Grades “A” and “B” are provided with a content of at least 46 and 43%, respectively.
water-soluble phosphorus available to plants, the free acidity of the fertilizer calculated as P2O5 should not exceed 2.5–5%. Supplied unpacked or in 5-layer paper bitumen (polyethylene) bags of about 50 kg,
as well as in soft containers.

Outwardly it is very similar to simple granulated superphosphate, but has larger granules that are more uniform in size. In addition, their color is darker (gray or dark gray). The product is low hygroscopic, but requires good conditions storage. Its action is approximately equivalent to that of a simple
superphosphate. The economics of its use (costs of transportation, storage, application to the soil) are higher. The application dose for crops is reduced by approximately 2 times compared to a simple one.

Application - as a main application (scattered or locally), as well as as a row fertilizer.

Superfos, or superphosphate-phosphorus fertilizer (slow-release phosphorus fertilizer), contains at least 38% available phosphorus, including 50–65% water-soluble.

Externally – durable gray, low-hygroscopic, free-flowing granules measuring 2–3 mm. Suitable for various fertilizer mixtures. A new promising phosphorus fertilizer is obtained by incomplete decomposition of phosphorites with phosphoric acid. Double superphosphate is produced in this way. The innovation is that less phosphoric acid is taken, so the decomposition is only partial. In terms of its effect on the crop, superphosphate is not only not inferior to precipitate, but also approaches double superphosphate - the best among all phosphate fertilizers.

On acidic and calcareous soddy-podzolic soils it is approximately equivalent to superphosphate. On average, over a series of experiments on these soils, the effect of superphosphate was 95.0% of the effect of double superphosphate. The main application of superfos is more effective for barley, oats, buckwheat, winter crops, and rye. It also gives a good effect as a pre-sowing fertilizer.

Precipitate CaHPO 4 2H 2 O (fertilizer). Contains at least 38% P 2 O 5. Supplied in 4-layer paper bags weighing about 35–50 kg. Limited edition.

Externally – light gray, odorless, free-flowing powder. The fertilizer contains citrate-soluble phosphorus (soluble in weak acids), practically insoluble in water.

Use only as a basic fertilizer on acidic soils.

Phosphate slag 4CaO P 2 O 5 CaSiO 3– waste from the steel industry. Contains at least 8–10% P 2 O 5 .

Externally it is a thin, heavy, dusty black powder. As a rule, it comes in bulk. This fertilizer has a low specific gravity (about 1% of all phosphates) and is used mainly in areas adjacent to metallurgical plants. Use only as a basic fertilizer.

Monocalcium phosphate (feed grade). Depending on the variety, it contains at least 55 and 50% P 2 O 5.

Supplied in 4-5-layer paper and plastic bags weighing about 50 kg. In terms of granulometric composition, it is very similar to powdered superphosphate, but has a darker (dark gray) color, with a specific
"superphosphate" smell. Virtually no fluoride.

The product can be used not only as a means mineral fertilizing livestock, but also as a phosphorus fertilizer. It is applied as the main fertilizer in the spring, but it can also be used as a root feeding.

Phosphorite flour Ca 3 (PO 4) 2. Four grades of phosphate rock are available, the total phosphorus content per P2O5 is as follows: premium– 30%, the first – 25, the second – 22, the third – 19, with a particle grinding fineness of no more than 0.17 mm. As a rule, it comes in bulk. It is allowed to supply this fertilizer with a content of 16% a.i.

Externally, it is a thin, heavy powder (weight 1 m3 - 1.7–1.9 tons) of a dark gray (earthy) color. The fertilizer is odorless, does not dissolve in water, is not hygroscopic, and does not cake. Can be stored under cover. It can be successfully used not only on acidic sod-podzolic, gray forest and peat soils, but also on leached chernozems in the southern regions of the Non-Black Earth Region. It is a good component for composts.

Used only as the main fertilizer, applied in advance, before the fallow season, effectively used in fallows (1–2 t/ha) for lupins and other legumes, buckwheat, winter rye and oats. During phosphorite treatment and complex agrochemical cultivation of fields, it is added based on its effect for a number of years
1–2 t/ha.

Potash fertilizers

Potassium has a multifaceted effect on plants, productivity and product quality. The more nitrogen used, the higher the need for it. In the last 8–10 years, the supply of soil with available potassium has sharply decreased, which has led to a decrease in the utilization rates of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers and a drop in the yield of forage and row crops. In intensive farming, the potassium balance should be positive or zero.

Basic properties. Potassium fertilizers have a well-defined crystallinity (except for kalimag, which is a powder fertilizer). They are low hygroscopic and good storage almost undetectable.

Solubility in water is significant: 283 g of potassium chloride or other fertilizer dissolves in a liter of water at 0°C, and 563 g at 20°C. Potassium fertilizers provide the highest efficiency when mainly used on light and peaty soils.

Potassium chloride KSI– the main potash fertilizer, the supply of which currently accounts for 80% of all potash fertilizers. Depending on the production technology, a number of brands of fertilizers are produced:

grade “K” is obtained by crystallization from solution, grade “F” is obtained by flotation of potash ores. Depending on the varieties, it contains (at least): grade “K” – highest grade – 62.5%; Grade I – 62.0%; II grade – 60.0%; brand “F” – II grade – 60%, III grade – 58.1% K 2 O.

Grade “K” is a very fine crystalline salt of white, grayish, pinkish, reddish or other colors. Characteristic feature This fertilizer is uniform in color.

The product is hygroscopic, prone to caking, and generates a lot of dust when dry.

To reduce the degree of caking, various organic additives (amines or synthetic fatty acids) are added to the fertilizer, which color the product.

Grade “F” is a coarse crystalline salt of pink or red color, containing at least 80% with particles of 2–4 mm.

It has relatively good physical properties - practically no caking, good flowability and dispersibility.

Our industry produces non-caking, coarse-grained potassium chloride - brown or red particles measuring 4-6 mm. In addition, granular potassium chloride is supplied in the form of gray granules (2–4 mm).

In accordance with TU 113-13-4-93, it is possible to supply coarse-crystalline, dust-free (1–3 mm), granulated (2–4 mm) and pressed (with irregularly shaped granules 1–4 mm from grayish-white to red-brown colors) with 100 % friability.

Universal – grains of red-brown or grayish-white colors with a diameter of about 3 mm.

Dust-free – similar to it, 1–3 mm.

Special – 62% K 2 O, grayish-white crystals.

All varieties of brands are applied before sowing (before the fall or in the spring under pre-sowing treatment soil). On the day of sifting, coarse-grained forms of fertilizer can be mixed with nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, in advance - with ammonium sulfate, and fine-crystalline forms - with phosphorus flour.

Mixed potassium salt 40%, KCl + (mKCl nNaCl) TU 6-13-77 contains 40% K 2 O, 20% NaO and 50% Cl.

It is obtained by mixing flotation potassium chloride with sylvinite. A mixture of variegated crystals of small and medium size.

It is used only for the main application of crops that are responsive to sodium: sugar beets, fodder and table root crops, tomatoes, cabbage, cereals.

Potassium chloride electrolyte KCI with an admixture of NaCI and MgCI 2 (spent). TU48-10-40-76 provides for the production of light-colored crystalline salt gray and granules of the same color. Fertilizer grade “A” contains at least 45.5% K 2 O and up to 6% MgO;
grade “B” – 31.6% K 2 O. Supplied in 4-5-layer paper bags of about 50 kg or in bulk. Outwardly, it is very similar to potassium chloride grade “K”, light in color, but has a specific “iodide” odor. Its effectiveness is approximately equivalent to potassium chloride.

Potassium sulfate K 2 SO 4. According to TU 2184-044-00196368-95 it contains at least 46% K 2 O. It comes in bulk. Currently the supply is 5% of the output. Externally –

a fine-crystalline substance of white color, sometimes with a yellowish tint, does not cake. The crystals are dry, free-flowing, and almost non-hygroscopic. This is better
It does not contain chlorine.

The main application for chlorophobic crops: grapes, buckwheat, potatoes, tobacco. They are mainly used in greenhouse vegetable growing.

Potassium magnesium K 2 SO 4 · MgSO 4 . According to TU 2184-022-32496445-00, it is planned to produce grades “A” and “B” containing 28 and 25% K 2 O, respectively,
as well as 9% magnesium oxide. Chlorine should be no more than 15%. For exceeding this amount of chlorine, a discount is given from the wholesale price. Usually arrives without
containers.

Granular product in the form of large (2–6 mm) granules of irregular angular shape. Powdered - in appearance, crystalline salt of a snow-white color with dry shiny crystals. The fertilizer has good physical and mechanical properties: non-hygroscopic, almost no caking, highly soluble in water, and has good flowability. It is easy to disperse evenly across the field. It is preferable to use for chlorine-sensitive crops (buckwheat, legumes), especially on soils with light mechanical composition. It is more advisable to use it as the main fertilizer in the spring.

Kalimag K 2 SO 4 2MgSO 4(potassium-magnesium concentrate) TU6-13-7-76. Grainy, non-caking powder of gray or light gray color, supplied in bulk. It contains at least 18.5% K 2 O and 9% MgO. There are granular and non-granular brands.

Use is similar to potassium magnesium in double doses.

Cainite enriched. TU 6-13-8-83 allows the supply of natural ground ore containing at least 17.5% K 2 O and 9% MgO.

Externally – large pinkish-brown crystals or coarsely ground gray salt (there may be yellowish-brown inclusions). Prone to tracking. Use under beets and other root crops, in meadows and pastures.

Complex fertilizers

Their advantage over one-component macrofertilizers, containing only one main element, is their high content of active substance (from 36 to 52% and higher), as well as better physical and mechanical properties.

Compared to one-component fertilizers, they contain less ballast and the constituent components are evenly distributed in the granule (molecule). Their use does not require additional costs for fertilizer mixing.

These fertilizers are expected to include up to 26% nitrogen, 50% phosphorus and 24% potassium supplied as part of mineral fertilizers. In the range of complex fertilizers, the main share of supplies falls on fertilizers with a ratio of the main elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) equal to 1:1:1; 1.5:1:1; 1:1.5:1; 1:1.5:1.5 and 1:1:0.5. These are nitrophoska, nitroammofoska, azofoska, karbammofoska - their specific gravity is over 45% of all complex ones, of which about 22% are in forms with a leveled ratio of elements equal to 1:1:1. These trends in the range of complex fertilizers will continue, but in the future the share of forms with an equalized ratio of the main nutrients will increase to 36%. However, a large proportion falls on ammonium phosphates: ammophos, diammophos, ammophosphate, liquid fertilizers and others with a wide ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus (1:5:0; 1:4:0; 1:3.5:0; 1:2.5 :0), which now account for up to 35% of all complex fats. In the future, only a slight decrease in the supply of ammophos is planned (1: 4: 0), but the specific weight with the uneven ratio of the main nutrients in the supply will remain.

These packages are stored in a separate compartment; when received without containers, they are stored in bulk up to 3–4 m high; when delivered in bags on pallets, they are laid crosswise
in stacks of 20–25 bags.

Ammophos NH 4 H 2 PO 4. The product is supplied granulated (grade “A”) and powdered, non-granular (grade “B”) - both contain 44–50% phosphorus and 10–12% nitrogen. It comes in bulk, less often - in plastic bags or in soft containers. Due to the high content of active substance (up to 56–64%) and good physical properties, it has an advantage over one-component fertilizers and fertilizer mixtures.

The difference from superphosphate is that the crystallinity of the product is noticeable. It is advisable to apply grade “A” locally or scattered before sowing as a starting, row fertilizer. Brand “B” is used as the main fertilizer, as well as for feeding continuous crops, for example, many summer grasses, natural forage lands.

Diammophos (NH4)2HPO4– brands similar to ammophos, containing 18% nitrogen and 47% phosphorus. Used in the same way as ammophos.

Ammophosphate– a new phosphorus-nitrogen fertilizer, produced with less consumption of sulfuric acid and energy resources, and more rational use of the initial phosphate raw materials. There are brands: “A” – 46% P 2 O 5, 7% nitrogen and “B” – 39% P 2 O 5, 5% nitrogen. Approximately 60–70% of the total phosphorus is water soluble. The granules are dark gray in color, strong and smooth, they are mostly 3–4 mm in diameter and practically do not cake. Application - similar to ammophos.

Potassium nitrate KNO 3. GOST 19790-74. A finely crystalline substance of white color, soluble in water, non-hygroscopic, does not caking, contains 46% K 2 O and 13.5% nitrogen. Supplied in plastic or paper bags.

Due to its excellent physical properties, potassium nitrate is suitable both for the preparation of mixed fertilizers and for direct application to the soil. The main application of this fertilizer is possible only in the spring; it is used as a top dressing. Valuable fertilizer for crops sensitive to chlorine. This fertilizer is used mainly for vegetable crops, especially in greenhouses.

Ammonium metaphosphate NH 4 PO 3– contains 14% N and 32% P2O5. The fertilizer is insoluble in water. Therefore, nutrients are not leached from the soil, but due to hydrolysis they gradually become available to plants. Mixtures prepared with metaphosphates have satisfactory physical properties. Used for basic application.

Potassium metaphosphate (KPO 3)– chlorine-free concentrated fertilizer (60% P 2 O 5 and 40% K 2 O), practically insoluble in water. Externally it is a powder similar to potato starch. In experiments conducted in our area, it is superior to other phosphorus fertilizers. Promising for use on light and medium-textured soils as the main fertilizer for chlorine-sensitive crops.

Magnesium ammonium phosphate (phosphoammomagnesia) MgNH 4 PO 4 H 2 O. A triple compound fertilizer containing 10.9% N, 45.7% available phosphorus and 25.9% magnesium. Nitrogen in this fertilizer is presented in a water-insoluble form, and phosphorus and magnesium are in lemon-soluble form. Therefore, it can be considered as a long-acting fertilizer. It is advisable to use on light sandy soils (where significant losses of nitrogen from soluble fertilizers are possible and where there is a deficiency of magnesium) as the main fertilizer for potatoes, root crops and vegetable crops. It is of interest for irrigated agriculture and greenhouses when growing vegetables hydroponically.

Ammonium polyphosphate. Obtained by ammoniation of polyphosphoric acids. Until recently, the production of superphosphate, ammonium phosphate, was based
on phosphoric acid– H 3 PO 4, which contains no more than 54% P 2 O 5. Polyphosphoric acids contain from 70 to 82% P 2 O 5, which makes it possible to obtain more
concentrated fertilizers ( general formula their Нn + 2РnО 3 n + 1). Triple superphosphate (55% P 2 O 5) is obtained from polyphosphoric acids.
Ammonium polyphosphate contains 13–15% N and 60–65% P 2 O 5 .

Available in granular form. Externally similar to double superphosphate (with smaller, dark gray granules). A good component for fertilizer mixtures and the preparation of liquid and liquid fertilizers. Based on superphosphoric acid, it is possible to produce other complex solid fertilizers, for example, potassium polyphosphate containing 57% P 2 O 5 and 37% K 2 O.

Hydrolysis processes (under the influence of microorganisms) of polyphosphates to orthophosphates occur in the soil. Hydrolysis is more intense, the higher the biological activity of soils. At low temperatures(7–12°C) it proceeds slowly, and intensifies with increasing temperature. Plants absorb phosphorus from polyphosphates somewhat more slowly than from orthophosphates. During the growing season there is some advantage in the absorption of P 2 O 5 by plants
belongs to polyphosphates, in which retrogradation is less pronounced than in orthophosphates. Suitable for all crops on any soil. Used as the main fertilizer.

Nitrophos NH4 NO3 + CaHPO4 + Ca(H2PO4)2. Grade “A” contains 23% nitrogen and 17% phosphorus, grade “B” – 24% nitrogen and 14% phosphorus. Granules are mainly 2–4
mm dark gray or Pink colour. Apply before sowing or as a starter fertilizer on soils well supplied with potassium, or on organic background
fertilizers

Nitrophoska CaHPO 4 2H 2 O + Ca(H 2 PO 4) 2 H 2 O + NH 4 NO 3 + NH 4 Cl + KCl + KNO 3 + CaSO 4 2H 2 O. Provides for the production of granular nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer with an equalized ratio of nutrients. The amount of nutrients is not less than 33%, grade “A” is produced - 16:16:16; "B" -
13:10:13; “B” – 12:12:12. Phosphorus in nitrophoskas should be 55% of the total content in water-soluble form.

Supplied without containers or in 4–5-layer paper bitumen (polyethylene) bags or in soft containers weighing up to 1 ton. Externally, it is a granular product (2–4 mm) of gray, pale blue or light pink color.

It is hygroscopic and, if stored unsatisfactorily, cakes into strong lumps. It differs from simple superphosphate in its lack of odor. When taken in
a damp hand feels cold, and during long-term storage, crystals will melt on the granule, which indicates the crystalline nature of the fertilizer. It is used as the main fertilizer before sowing, as a starter fertilizer or when sowing at 50–200 kg/ha; it can be added to the root feeding of winter crops.
In terms of their effectiveness, nitrophoskas are almost equivalent to an equivalent amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.

Nitroammophos NH 4 NO 3 + NH 4 H 2 PO 4. More often it comes in bulk, less often in bags. Granules 2–4 mm. Grade “A” – 23–25% nitrogen and phosphorus each, grade “B” – 16% nitrogen and 24% phosphorus, grade “B” – 25% nitrogen and 20% phosphorus. Application is similar to nitrophos.

Nitroammophoska NH 4 NO 3 + NH 4 H 2 PO 4 + KNO 3 + NH 4 Cl. There are two brands: “A” – 1:1:1 and “B” – 1:1.5:1.5 with the amount of nutrients 51% each, including brands 17-17-17 and 13-19- 19. The size of the angular granules is 1.5–3.5 mm. Supplied in polyethylene, paper bitumen bags weighing 50 kg or soft containers, as well as without packaging. It is very similar to nitrophoska, but has good physical properties. Used similarly. Phosphorus is almost completely soluble in water, which determines the best effect against nitrophoska in the year of application.

Carboammophoska NH 4 H 2 PO 4 + CO(NH 2) 2 + KCl– complete fertilizer, depending on the brand, contains 17–20% nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In appearance - light gray granules 2–4 mm, characterized by good flowability. Contains water-soluble forms of nutrients. Used as the main fertilizer.
Azofoska (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer, complex). TU 6-08-508-82 provides for the release of the main brands: 16:16:16 and 10:20:20; 21:11:11 and others that have nutrients in water-soluble forms. Supplied without packaging, in plastic bags, as well as in soft containers. Packaging is possible in 5 kg bags, packed in 10 pieces in plastic bags. Externally – light gray round granules 2–4 mm. They flow well and are durable.

Complex nitrogen-phosphate fertilizer (NAFU)– a new non-flammable nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer (31% nitrogen and 5% P2O5), obtained by neutralizing nitric acid with ammonia and introducing superphosphoric (or orthophosphoric) acid into the solution.

Externally - granules similar to light or pinkish ammonium nitrate. It is characterized by increased hygroscopicity and very good solubility in water.

A new form of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer has the ability to release nutrients more evenly over time. growing season, which ensures optimal plant development. NArFU is used on any type of soil for basic application and for feeding during the growing season for all types of crops.

When fertilizing winter crops in early spring due to phosphorus, it gives slightly greater increases than ammonium nitrate.

Urea phosphates CO(NH 2) 2 H 3 PO 4– large spherical granules (2.5–3 mm), containing 27% nitrogen and phosphorus each, or 16% N, 48% P 2 O 5, respectively.

They are characterized by good flowability and low hygroscopicity. They are highly soluble and can be used in all ways for many agricultural crops. The exception is meadows and pastures, since surface application causes loss of nitrogen, which reduces the effectiveness of the fertilizer. You can additionally introduce ammonia and add potassium chloride. The fertilizer is suitable for application on solonetz soils.

Liquid complex fertilizer(HMC) NH 4 H 2 PO 4 + (NH 4)3HPO 2 O 7 + (NH 4)5P 3 O 1 0 2 H 2 O and other ammonium polyphosphates. Provides for the production of a base solution 10-34-0, which in terms of phosphorus content accounts for more than 10% of phosphate supplies, and in the future - up to 12%. Externally, it is a stable, light-colored, slightly viscous liquid, density 1.35–1.40 g per cubic meter. cm, does not thicken or crystallize at temperatures down to –18°C.

Grade 11-37-0 is also available, which has approximately the same properties and works well on all types of soil. Promising supplies of suspended fertilizer type 12-12-12, used in a similar way.

Liquid and liquid fertilizers have a high effect on soils that are moderately and well supplied with potassium. The introduction of a potassium component (chlorine, potassium grade “K” or potassium sulfate) into a solution, even in small quantities (50–80 kg/t) in clean solutions, creates inconvenience: needle-shaped crystals of potassium nitrate are formed, which settle at the bottom of the container. Then they distinguish between salting out, which leads to a loss of fluidity of the solution at low temperatures. Crystal deposits in the conductive organs of machines are very difficult to remove.

Mortar (crystalin), brands “A”, “A1”, “B”, “B1”. Fertilizer for greenhouses. Produced in accordance with OST 10193-96. This is a granular fertilizer (granules
1–4 mm) soft white color. The granules are not strong, they are rubbed between your fingers. Chemical composition presented in Table 2.

table 2
Chemical composition of various brands of mortar

Indicators	Stamps
	"A"	"A1"	"B"	"B1"
appearance	mixture of granules and powder
total nitrogen,%	10,0	8,0	18,0	16,0
including N-NH2	-	-	-	-
including N-NH4	5,0	4,0	9,0	8,0
including N-NO3	5,0	4,0	9,0	8,0
Р2О5, %	5,0	6,0	6,0	16,0
K2O, %	20,0	28,0	18,0	16,0
МgO, %	5,0	3,0	-	-
microelements,%	Zn-0.01; Cu-0.01; Mn-0.1; Mo-0.001; B-0.01
pH value	3,0-4,5	3,0-4,5	3,0-4,5	3,0-4,5
insoluble residue,%	<0,1	<0,1	<0,1	<0,1

Mortar is a complex water-soluble fertilizer with a full set of nutrients, including microelements in chelated form, intended for growing crops in open and closed ground, including for low-volume technologies for growing vegetables and drip irrigation of gardens.

Solutions are used in greenhouse vegetable growing through sprinkling and watering systems. The presence of several brands allows you to vary feeding depending on the phase of plant development. For example, if a tomato plant lags in growth after planting the crop, grade “A” mortar is used. After harvesting the first fruits, plant growth increases, so it is more advisable to use grade “B” solution. The range of fluctuations in the concentration of the solution during irrigation is 0.1–0.5%, depending on the growing conditions and age of the plants. The optimal concentration is 0.2%.

The solution can be used for foliar feeding. In this case, nutrients in water-soluble form are absorbed faster and better by plants, making it possible to quickly adjust plant nutrition during certain periods of growth.

Solutions are becoming increasingly widespread in open ground, where they are used for foliar feeding of vegetable, grain, industrial and fruit crops. The high efficiency of solutions has been determined when used in tank mixtures with pesticides on winter wheat, corn, apple orchards, and vineyards.

Mixed mineral fertilizers (fertilizer mixtures). These are complex mineral fertilizers obtained by mechanical mixing of ready-made powder, crystalline or granular single-component or complex fertilizers. Fertilizer mixtures are of great importance and involve
reduction in energy costs compared to separate application of different forms of fertilizers.

Typical factory fertilizer mixtures. Along with complex (complex, combined fertilizers containing 2 or 3 main nutrients, or the presence of microelements in them, fertilizer mixtures based on one-component mineral fertilizers are supplied. Fertilizer mixture (mechanical compound of fertilizers), prepared using a dry method at the request of the farms of the region (district) for individual crops (potatoes, flax, grains). Fertilizer mixtures are prepared in order to select the optimal concentration of nutrients for the specific nutrition of a particular agricultural crop, climatic conditions, and average agrochemical soil parameters.

To prepare fertilizer mixtures, fertilizers corresponding to GOST (TU) humidity are used. In addition, the granulometric composition of the initial components should be similar (preferably 2–3 mm), that is, without dust and large particles. To neutralize increased acidity and increase flowability, particle isolating additives (phosphorus flour, defluorinated phosphate, dolomite flour or other neutralizing products) are added. The mixture must maintain friability for a specified period.

When selecting fertilizers for fertilizer mixtures, it is necessary to pay attention to the equal particle size distribution of the components and follow the rules for mixing fertilizers (see diagram). In this case, chemical compatibility of the fertilizers is achieved without deteriorating the physical properties of the components. The efficiency of such fertilizer mixtures is no lower than factory complex mixtures. In many cases, their payback is higher.

Microfertilizers

Microelements are important in plant nutrition, crop formation and its quality: boron, manganese, copper, molybdenum, zinc, cobalt, iodine. Plants need trace elements in very small quantities. However, their deficiency, as well as their excess, disrupts the activity of the enzymatic apparatus, and, consequently, the metabolism of the plant.

Microelements accelerate the development of plants, the processes of fertilization and fruit formation, the synthesis and movement of carbohydrates, protein and fat metabolism.

They are more often needed on light, infertile soils. However, when planning high yields, it is necessary to take into account that crops may experience an increased need for certain microelements. Therefore, it is important to know the plants’ need for each microelement and optimally satisfy it.

The feasibility of their application is determined by agrochemical cartography or the results of soil research.

Granular boron superphosphate– light gray granules containing 18.5–19.3% P 2 O 5 and 1% boric acid (H 3 VO 3).

Double boron superphosphate contains 40–42% P 2 O 5 and 1.5% boric acid.

Boron superphosphates are used primarily for application into rows when sowing and planting plants at the rate of 0.5–1.5 kg of boron per 1 ha. As the main fertilizer, 200–300 kg per 1 ha is applied.

Boric acid– fine-crystalline white powder. Contains 17% boron. Easily dissolves in water.

Seed treatment before sowing is carried out by spraying or dusting. Spraying is carried out with a solution of boric acid with a concentration of no more than 0.05%. To prepare it, dissolve 1 g of boric acid in 2 liters of water. This solution is sprayed with 1 quintal of seeds.

Foliar feeding of plants is carried out with a solution of boric acid (100–150 g per 300–400 l of water) using ground sprayers. When feeding by air, the same dose of boric acid is dissolved in 100 liters of water. It is better to pre-dissolve boric acid in a small volume of water.

Fertilize agricultural crops with a solution of boric acid when the vegetative mass is well developed: sugar beets before the tops close in the rows, corn - in the panicle sweeping phase; clover, alfalfa, peas and other crops - during the period when plants begin to flower. Spray plants in
windless, dry weather, preferably in the morning and evening hours.

Boromagnesium fertilizer H 3 BO 3 + MgSO 4. TU 113-12-151-84. There are grades “A”, “B”, “C”, “G” containing 14, 17, 20 and 11% boron, respectively
acids and 15–20% magnesium oxide.

The powder is light gray in color, odorless, insoluble in water. When hydrochloric acid is added, it turns yellow-green in color. Comes in bags.

Apply 60–75 kg/ha as the main fertilizer. On light sandy soils, where crops are very responsive to magnesium. When applying this fertilizer randomly and incorporating it into the soil before sowing, the dose is up to 100–150 kg/ha. It is better to mix this fertilizer and apply it along with mineral fertilizers.

Seed dusting is carried out with boron-magnesium fertilizer at the rate of 300–500 g per 1 centner of seeds. It is advisable to combine this technique with treating seeds with pesticides. When applied during sowing of agricultural crops, the dose of boron-magnesium fertilizer is 30–35 kg/ha.

Seed dusting is carried out with boron-magnesium fertilizer at the rate of 300–500 g per 1 centner of seeds. It is advisable to combine this technique with treating seeds with pesticides.

Borodatolite fertilizer is obtained from datolite rock (2CaO B 2 O 3 2SiO 2 2H 2 O) by decomposing it with sulfuric acid. As a result, boron transforms into a water-soluble form (H 3 VO 3). This fertilizer contains about 2% boron or 12–13% boric acid. Borodatolite fertilizer is a light gray powder with good physical properties.

In most cases it is used for soil application, but can also be used for seed treatment.

Manganese fertilizers

Manganized superphosphate– light gray granules containing 1.0–2.0% manganese and 18.7–19.2% P 2 O 5, obtained by adding
granulation to conventional powder superphosphate 10–15% manganese sludge. Manganized superphosphate (50 kg per 1 ha) is used for pre-sowing application.

Manganized nitrophoska, in addition to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, contains about 0.9% manganese, which is well absorbed by plants. Can be used for main and pre-sowing application.

Manganese sulfate MnSO 4 5H 2 O– pale pink crystalline powder, highly soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol, containing 19.9% ​​Mn, used for pre-sowing treatment (soaking or dusting) of seeds (50–100 g/c seeds) and for foliar feeding ( 0.05% salt solution at a consumption rate of 400–500 l/ha).

Manganese sludge– waste from manganese production with a manganese content of 10 to 17%. They also contain about 20% calcium and magnesium, 25–28% silicic acid and a small amount of phosphorus.

Manganese sludge can be applied before sowing for the main tillage (300–400 kg/ha) or into the soil when fertilizing row crops (50–100 kg/ha).

Copper sulfate CuSO 4 5H 2 O– fine-crystalline salt of bluish-blue color, contains 25.4% copper, highly soluble in water.
Copper sulfate can be used for foliar feeding and pre-sowing seed soaking. To fertilize 1 hectare of crops, dissolve 200–300 g of copper sulfate in 300–400 liters of water. Salt consumption for pre-sowing treatment is 50–100 g per 1 kg of seeds.

The greatest effect is achieved when used on light or peat soils as the main fertilizer (20–25 kg per 1 ha).

Pyrite cinders represent an industrial waste from the production of sulfuric acid with a copper content of 0.3–0.7%. The composition also includes iron and some trace elements (manganese, cobalt, zinc, molybdenum, etc.). In appearance it is a fine crumbly powder of dark brown color.

Pyrite cinders are applied once every 4–5 years in the fall for autumn tillage (0.8–1.5 kg of copper per 1 ha) or in the spring, no later than 10–15 days before sowing. The fertilizer application rate is 3.5–6.0 c/ha.

A serious disadvantage of pyrite cinders is the presence of arsenic, lead and other toxic elements in them. Therefore, when using them, it is necessary to systematically monitor their possible contamination of soil, plants and agricultural products.

Molybdenum fertilizers

Ammonium molybdate NH 4 MoO 4 (ammonium molybdate). Contains at least 52% molybdenum. Supplied in boxes weighing from 2 to 5 kg. It is a white or pinkish crystalline salt with good solubility.
in water.

The fertilizer is used to treat legume seeds: dissolve 50–100 g of fertilizer in 1–2 liters of water and treat a hectare norm of seeds or take 1.2–1.5 times more when dusting with powder. This operation is combined with inoculation (nitraginization). For foliar feeding, legume crops are treated with a 0.05–0.1% solution (200–600 g of salt per 1 ha).

For 1 quintal of alfalfa seeds, take 500–800 g of ammonium molybdate, which is dissolved in 3–5 liters of water, but the seeds must be treated evenly and so that the entire solution is absorbed by the seeds. Per hectare norm of vegetable seeds, depending on their size and seeding rate, use from 50 to 100 g of ammonium molybdate, and a dose of 100 g applies to crops with small seeds.

Molybdenated simple and double superphosphate (0.1 and 0.2% molybdenum, respectively) and waste from the electric lamp industry (0.3–0.4% molybdenum in water-soluble form).

Molybdenum superphosphate are introduced into the rows during sowing (with a usual dose of phosphorus of 10–15 kg/ha, 50–75 g of Mo per 1 ha are added), and those containing molybdenum
industrial waste is used before sowing (0.5–1.5 kg Mo per 1 ha). The effectiveness of molybdenum increases with a good phosphorus-potassium background.

Zinc fertilizers

Zinc sulfate ZnSO 4 7H 2 O contains 25% zinc and is a white crystalline powder, highly soluble in water.

Zinc sulfate is used for foliar feeding (100–150 g of salt per 1 ha in the form of an aqueous solution) and pre-sowing seed treatment (50–100 g of salt per 1 kg of seeds). To feed fruit trees, they are sprayed in the spring, on the blossoming buds, with a solution of zinc sulfate (200–500 g per 100 liters of water) with the addition of 0.2–0.5% slaked lime to neutralize it and avoid leaf burns.

Zinc polymicrofertilizers (PMF)- This is slag waste from chemical plants.

Externally, they appear as a fine dark gray powder; their composition is variable. On average, zinc PMUs contain 25% zinc oxide and 17.4% zinc silicate, 21% iron oxide, small amounts of aluminum, copper, magnesium, manganese, calcium, silicon, traces of molybdenum and other trace elements. The dose of applying PMF to the soil is most often 50–150 kg/ha, when sowing - 20 kg per 1 ha.

The main chemical ameliorants used on solonetzes are gypsum and phosphogypsum (waste from the production of double superphosphate and complex fertilizers). Industrial wastes such as calcium chloride (waste from soda production), iron sulfate (waste from the paint and varnish industry), and defecate (waste from the sugar industry) can also be used for gypsuming. Natural calcium-containing materials – chalk and clay gypsum – are also used. All these fertilizers are powdery, from light colors - white, light gray, to dark gray or brown. The quality requirements for gypsum and phosphogypsum are given in Table 3.

The best effect is achieved when used in steam fields, under plowing snow. Apply taking into account the degree of acidity of the soil (doses are calculated according to agrochemical
cartogram of acidity in the field).

Table 3: Quality requirements for gypsum and phosphogypsum

Application of mineral fertilizers

The fertilization system for crops depends on their biological characteristics, soil fertility and the size of the planned harvest.

Soil diagnostics makes it possible to specifically determine the supply of soil with digestible forms of nutrients for calculating doses of fertilizers. In the absence of soil diagnostic results, the average zonal doses recommended for the Samara region are used (Appendix 1–3), which are adjusted depending on the availability of nutrients in the soil (Appendix 4) using the method of correction factors (Appendix 5).

The scientifically based need and effective use of mineral fertilizers are the most important factors in solving the food problem. The highest efficiency of fertilizers can be ensured only against the backdrop of a high culture of agriculture, including the availability of qualified personnel and adherence to technical discipline.

Instructions for quality control of the application of mineral fertilizers and chemical ameliorants in production conditions allow deviations from the established application dose of no more than 10%.

For modern fertilizer seeders, the limit values ​​for unevenness of sieving are set at no more than 15%, and for spreaders with centrifugal
devices – no more than 25%. The quality of sifting granular fertilizers with a uniform particle size is better.

For local application of fertilizers, it is important that they also have a very uniform granulometric composition, and in fertilizer mixtures the components differ in particle diameter of no more than 1 mm.

Before starting work, check the technical condition of the machines (spreaders) and eliminate any faults. During test passes, measurements are taken of the sown fertilizers and the distance traveled (fertilized area), and adjustments are made to the actual dose. It should not differ from the specified value by more than ±5%.

Taking into account the topography and configuration of the field, the most advantageous directions for the movement of the unit are determined, marking the turning lanes. The unit must be equipped with a marker or trail indicator. Fertilizer sowing should be carried out using the operating gear of the tractor recommended in the instructions, for which the given dose is calculated. The tractor driver must monitor the straightness of movement, make turns with the working parts raised, and load fertilizers in a timely manner. After finishing work, the bunkers of fertilizer sowing machines and seeders should be cleared of fertilizer residues.

Appendix 4: Grouping of soils according to the content of easily hydrolyzed nitrogen, mobile phosphorus and exchangeable potassium

Note: The optimal content of available forms of nutrients in the soil during intensive cultivation of crops has been identified.
For potatoes and root crops, the degree of soil availability of mobile phosphorus should be 1 class higher, and for vegetable and industrial crops – 2 classes higher.

Fig, fig, fig tree - these are all names of the same plant, which we firmly associate with Mediterranean life. Anyone who has ever tasted fig fruits knows how delicious they are. But, in addition to their delicate sweet taste, they are also very beneficial for health. And here’s an interesting detail: it turns out that figs are a completely unpretentious plant. In addition, it can be successfully grown on a plot in the middle zone or in a house - in a container.

Quite often, difficulties in growing tomato seedlings arise even among experienced summer residents. For some, all the seedlings turn out to be elongated and weak, for others, they suddenly begin to fall and die. The thing is that it is difficult to maintain ideal conditions for growing seedlings in an apartment. Seedlings of any plants need to be provided with plenty of light, sufficient humidity and optimal temperature. What else do you need to know and observe when growing tomato seedlings in an apartment?

Delicious vinaigrette with apple and sauerkraut - a vegetarian salad made from boiled and chilled, raw, pickled, salted, pickled vegetables and fruits. The name comes from the French sauce made from vinegar, olive oil and mustard (vinaigrette). Vinaigrette appeared in Russian cuisine not so long ago, around the beginning of the 19th century; perhaps the recipe was borrowed from Austrian or German cuisine, since the ingredients for Austrian herring salad are very similar.

When we dreamily sort through bright packets of seeds in our hands, we are sometimes subconsciously convinced that we have a prototype of the future plant. We mentally allocate a place for it in the flower garden and look forward to the cherished day of the appearance of the first bud. However, buying seeds does not always guarantee that you will eventually get the desired flower. I would like to draw attention to the reasons why seeds may not sprout or die at the very beginning of germination.

Spring is coming, and gardeners have more work to do, and with the onset of warmer weather, changes in the garden occur rapidly. The buds are already beginning to swell on plants that were still dormant yesterday, and everything is literally coming to life before our eyes. After a long winter, this is good news. But along with the garden, its problems come to life - insect pests and pathogens. Weevils, flower beetles, aphids, clasterosporiosis, maniliosis, scab, powdery mildew - the list could go on for a very long time.

Breakfast toast with avocado and egg salad is a great way to start the day. The egg salad in this recipe acts as a thick sauce that is seasoned with fresh vegetables and shrimp. My egg salad is quite unusual, it is a dietary version of everyone’s favorite snack - with Feta cheese, Greek yogurt and red caviar. If you have time in the morning, never deny yourself the pleasure of cooking something tasty and healthy. You need to start the day with positive emotions!

Perhaps every woman has at least once received a blooming orchid as a gift. It’s not surprising, because such a living bouquet looks amazing and blooms for a long time. Orchids cannot be called very difficult to grow indoor crops, but failure to comply with the main conditions for their maintenance often leads to the loss of the flower. If you are just starting to get acquainted with indoor orchids, you should find out the correct answers to the main questions about growing these beautiful plants at home.

Lush cheesecakes with poppy seeds and raisins prepared according to this recipe are eaten in no time in my family. Moderately sweet, plump, tender, with an appetizing crust, without excess oil, in a word, exactly the same as my mother or grandmother fried in childhood. If the raisins are very sweet, then you don’t need to add granulated sugar at all; without sugar, the cheesecakes will be better fried and will never burn. Cook them in a well-heated frying pan, greased with oil, over low heat and without a lid!

Cherry tomatoes differ from their larger counterparts not only in the small size of their berries. Many cherry varieties are characterized by a unique sweet taste, which is very different from the classic tomato taste. Anyone who has never tried such cherry tomatoes with their eyes closed may well decide that they are tasting some unusual exotic fruit. In this article I will talk about five different cherry tomatoes that have the sweetest fruits with unusual colors.

I started growing annual flowers in the garden and on the balcony more than 20 years ago, but I will never forget my first petunia, which I planted in the country along the path. Only a couple of decades have passed, but you’re amazed at how different the petunias of the past are from the many-sided hybrids of today! In this article, I propose to trace the history of the transformation of this flower from a simpleton into a real queen of annuals, as well as consider modern varieties of unusual colors.

Salad with spicy chicken, mushrooms, cheese and grapes - aromatic and satisfying. This dish can be served as a main dish if you are preparing a cold dinner. Cheese, nuts, mayonnaise are high-calorie foods; in combination with spicy fried chicken and mushrooms, you get a very nutritious snack, which is refreshed by sweet and sour grapes. The chicken in this recipe is marinated in a spicy mixture of ground cinnamon, turmeric and chili powder. If you like food with fire, use hot chili.

All summer residents are concerned about the question of how to grow healthy seedlings in early spring. It seems that there are no secrets here - the main thing for fast and strong seedlings is to provide them with warmth, moisture and light. But in practice, in a city apartment or private house, this is not so easy to do. Of course, every experienced gardener has his own proven method of growing seedlings. But today we will talk about a relatively new assistant in this matter - the propagator.

The Sanka tomato variety is one of the most popular in Russia. Why? The answer is simple. He is the very first to bear fruit in the garden. Tomatoes ripen when other varieties have not even bloomed yet. Of course, if you follow the growing recommendations and make an effort, even a novice grower will receive a rich harvest and joy from the process. And so that your efforts are not in vain, we advise you to plant high-quality seeds. For example, such as seeds from TM “Agrosuccess”.

The task of indoor plants in the house is to decorate the home with their appearance and create a special atmosphere of comfort. For this reason, we are ready to take care of them regularly. Care is not only about watering on time, although this is important. It is also necessary to create other conditions: suitable lighting, humidity and air temperature, and make a correct and timely transplant. For experienced flower growers there is nothing supernatural about this. But beginners often face certain difficulties.

Tender chicken breast cutlets with champignons are easy to prepare using this recipe with step-by-step photos. There is an opinion that it is difficult to make juicy and tender cutlets from chicken breast, but this is not so! Chicken meat contains virtually no fat, which is why it is a bit dry. But, if you add cream, white bread and mushrooms with onions to the chicken fillet, you will get amazingly tasty cutlets that both children and adults will like. During mushroom season, try adding wild mushrooms to the minced meat.

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 are 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, containing urea.

• 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 ambient temperatures it 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 is an easily soluble fertilizer that is used on all types 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. It is insoluble in water; weak acids are used for this. 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. It is used on clay 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. Horse and sheep manure, for example, contains less water and more organic and inorganic matter than cow and pig manure.
• 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 of ​​the land, due to the high content of nitrogen in the nitrate form. The use of bird droppings in liquid fertilizers 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. A prerequisite for use 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 are an inexpensive means of increasing soil fertility and improving 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 minerals, which are combined chemically 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 of 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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Video - Classification of fertilizers