What is fertilizer?

Fertilizers are substances containing elements necessary to nourish plants or regulate soil properties. Ultimately, fertilizers are substances whose purpose is to increase the yield from the cultivated field by improving plant nutrition.

As we already know, all factors influencing the life of plants are divided into two groups - cosmic and terrestrial. At present, humanity cannot exert any significant influence on cosmic factors (light and heat).
But the earthly factors (water, air and nutrients contained in the soil) we may well regulate in one way or another.

This article will talk about nutrients ah, which plants extract from the soil different ways. These substances (essentially plant food, their food)– macro- and microelements.
Macroelements are substances that are vitally necessary for plants in relatively large quantities, and microelements are substances, a tiny amount of which will completely satisfy the needs of a particular plant. Wherein (remember the laws of agriculture on the equivalence and irreplaceability of plant life factors) Both macroelements and microelements play equally important roles in the development and well-being of plants. That is, a lack of, for example, potassium or phosphorus in plant food is no more important than a lack of manganese, boron or cobalt.
It’s just that smaller amounts of microelements are needed for plants to thrive, but this does not diminish their importance.

So, we come to the main question of the article - what are fertilizers for? However, most readers understood this without explanation. The role of fertilizers is to fill that niche in plant nutrition that, for one reason or another, the soil of a given field, plot or farming region cannot provide - depletion as a result of illiterate crop rotation or too intensive exploitation, wind or water erosion, regional scarcity of soil cover, etc. n. In these cases, the soil is fertilized artificially.

And now more details.

Plant cells contain more 70 chemical elements - almost everything present in the soil. But for normal growth, development and fruiting of plants, only 16 of them.
They can be presented in the form of groups:

• elements absorbed by plants from air and water - oxygen, carbon and hydrogen;
• elements absorbed from the soil, among which there are macroelements - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur;
• trace elements - molybdenum, copper, zinc, manganese, iron, boron and cobalt.

Some plants require others for normal growth and development. chemical elements. For example, sugar beets need sodium to produce a high yield of root crops. It also accelerates growth and improves development of fodder beet, barley, chicory and other crops. Silicon, aluminum, nickel, cadmium, iodine, etc. have a positive effect on the metabolism of some plants.

The nutritional needs of agricultural crops are most fully satisfied by applying fertilizers to the soil. No wonder they are figuratively called field vitamins. Fertilizers contain nutrients in a bound form, that is, in the form of their compounds. Plants absorb these compounds from the soil, and ion exchange occurs.

Fertilizer classification

By chemical composition fertilizers are divided into:

Mineral (inorganic) fertilizers:

• Nitrogen fertilizers;
• Phosphorus fertilizers;
• Potash fertilizers;
• Microelements;
• Complex fertilizers;
• Specialized complex chlorine-free fertilizers.

Organic and organomineral:

• Humic fertilizers;
• Liquid humic organomineral fertilizers and fertilizers;

Bacterial:

• Phytohormones;
• Growth stimulants;
• Meliorants and drainage.

Mineral fertilizers

Mineral fertilizers are substances of inorganic origin, i.e. those in the formation of which living nature did not take part. In fact, these are ordinary minerals (components of rocks), in which certain chemical elements play the most important role.

For the manufacture of mineral fertilizers use natural raw materials (phosphorites, nitrate, etc.), as well as by-products and waste from some industries, for example ammonium sulfate - a by-product in coke chemistry and the production of nylon.
Mineral fertilizers are obtained in industry or by mechanical processing of inorganic raw materials, for example by grinding phosphorites, or using chemical reactions. They produce solid and liquid mineral fertilizers.

Mineral fertilizers contain nutrients in the form of mineral salts. They are mainly obtained artificially from natural compounds or synthesized industrially.

Mineral fertilizers can be simple (unilateral) and complex (multilateral).
Simple fertilizers contain one main nutrient: nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium.
Complex fertilizers contain two or more components.

According to the active nutrient element, mineral fertilizers are divided into macrofertilizers: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and microfertilizers (boron, molybdenum, etc.).
Macrofertilizers - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur - elements that are part of plants and, therefore, are consumed in significant quantities.
Microfertilizers (boron, zinc, manganese, etc.) contain chemical elements that are involved in plants in very small quantities. Accordingly, the consumption of these elements by plants is much lower, but the need for them is by no means less.

Nitrogen fertilizers

Nitrogen is part of those complex compounds that make up protein - the basis of all living things. Nitrogen is necessary to create chlorophyll and vitamins. With poor nitrogen nutrition, the chlorophyll content in the leaves decreases, they lose their intense green color, become light green, the size of the leaf blade decreases, and shoot growth weakens.
Plants absorb nitrogen unevenly during the growing season. Largest quantity it is consumed during the period of increased growth of leaves, shoots and fruits. The intensity of nitrogen consumption depends on weather conditions and soil moisture. During drought, an abundance of nitrogen is not needed; it even harms plants.

A significant lack of nitrogen reduces the winter hardiness of plants, since they cannot accumulate enough carbohydrates necessary for a good winter. However, excess nitrogen in autumn period addictive growing season, and the plants do not have time to complete growth in a timely manner and acquire the necessary winter hardiness. To prevent excess nitrogen from causing harm, it is useful to increase phosphorus and potassium nutrition.

Nitrogen fertilizers are produced from ammonia and nitric acid in chemical plants.
Ammonium nitrate NH 4 N0 3- quite concentrated nitrogen fertilizer(34.5% nitrogen) is obtained by the reaction between ammonia and nitric acid.
This fertilizer is produced in fine crystalline form or in the form of granules. It is one of the best nitrogen fertilizers and is suitable for use on acidic and alkaline soils. Further improvement of the ammonium nitrate production technology should go in the direction of improving its physical properties: to prevent the nitrate from caking, it is important to increase the strength of the granules, which would allow ammonium nitrate to be mixed mechanically with other fertilizers.

Urea is also an effective form of nitrogen fertilizer. It has a high nitrogen content (46%) and caking less than ammonium nitrate.
Liquid ammonia is a highly concentrated fertilizer (82% nitrogen). In agriculture, liquid ammonia is used directly, as well as ammonia products obtained by dissolving ammonium nitrate or a mixture of ammonium and calcium nitrate in it.

Phosphorus fertilizers

Phosphorus enhances the ability of cells to retain water and thereby increases the resistance of plants against drought and low temperatures.
With sufficient nutrition, phosphorus accelerates the transition of plants from the vegetative phase to the time of fruiting. Phosphorus has a positive effect on the quality of fruits - it helps to increase sugar, fats, and proteins in them. With a lack of phosphorus, there is a danger of disruption of protein metabolism - plants do not absorb nitrogen fertilizers well.

Particularly sensitive to phosphorus deficiency annual plants. An increased amount of phosphorus is necessary at the beginning of plant growth, when seedlings and shoots appear, as well as when the plant enters the fruiting season.

It is better to apply phosphorus fertilizers in mixtures with humus, and on strongly acidic soils, liming is necessary to improve plant nutrition.
Phosphorus fertilizers are obtained by processing ores containing phosphorus (phosphorites and apatites), from animal bones in small quantities and metallurgical waste (slag).

Simple superphosphate Ca(H 2 P0 4) 2 + 2CaS0 4 obtained by reacting phosphate rock or apatite flour with sulfuric acid.
It is used to feed almost all crops.
The disadvantages of simple superphosphate include the presence of gypsum CaS0 4, which is ballast and thereby increases the cost of transporting fertilizer from the plant to the field. Therefore, it is of particular importance for crops that require, in addition to phosphorus, gypsum (clover and other legumes).
The best form of its use is granulated simple superphosphate.

Double superphosphate Ca(H 2 P0 4) 2 differs from simple superphosphate in that it does not contain gypsum. Available in powder and granule form.
Precipitate CaНР0 4 2Н 2 0 receive by interaction N 3 P0 4 obtained by extraction, with milk of lime or chalk.

Recently, the possibility of using red phosphorus as a fertilizer has attracted great interest. It is non-toxic and is the most concentrated phosphorus-containing product (229% in terms of R 2 0 5). It can be added to the soil as a reserve for a number of years. Agrochemical studies have shown that of the total amount of red phosphorus applied to the soil per season, it passes into the plant 15-17% , the rest remains in the soil and is used in subsequent years.

Potash fertilizers

Potassium helps plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air, promotes the movement of carbohydrates (sugars), increases winter hardiness and drought resistance, and has a positive effect on shelf life (ability to be stored) fruits With a lack of potassium, plant resistance to fungal diseases decreases.
Potassium plays the greatest role in life woody plants: fruit trees and berry bushes. When applying potassium fertilizers, it is advisable to add some kind of alkaline fertilizer, for example dolomite or lime flour.

The main raw material for the production of potash fertilizers is the mineral sylvinite. KS1 NaCl, the richest deposits of which are located in Solikamsk. Here in the depths of 100 before 300 m billions of tons of sylvinite occur.
The most common types of potash fertilizers: Potassium chloride (K 20...60%), Potassium sulfate (K 20...52%)

Microelements

As mentioned above, the need for microelements for plant nutrition is very small, but the absence of even one microelement in the soil can negate all the gardener’s efforts. A lack of microelements causes metabolic disorders in plants, which changes appearance: suberization of fruits occurs, the so-called “summer breath”, death of young shoots, “transparency” of the crown, mottling and small leaves, rosette, “witches’ brooms”, interveinal chlorosis.

Magnesium increases the content of sugar, starch, and vitamins in fruits WITH And D. It is part of chlorophyll, and with its deficiency, the formation of chlorophyll is delayed, which leads to a change in the color of the leaves. A lack of magnesium limits the absorption of other substances.

Iron is necessary for the formation of chlorophyll; if it is deficient, plants suffer from chlorosis.

Boron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Cobalt are part of vitamins. Without these elements, enzymes responsible for the biochemical reactions that take place in plants and regulate their growth cannot be formed; without them, photosynthesis slows down, which sharply deteriorates the quality of the fruit.
Microelements are necessary for normal fertilization of flowers, they help plants fight fungal diseases and have a positive effect on the shelf life of fruits.

Examples of micronutrient fertilizers: Potassium permanganate, Boric acid, Zinc sulfate, Cobalt sulfate, Humate, Magnesium sulfate, Ammonium molybdate, Garden sulfur, Cocktail

Complex fertilizers

These fertilizers contain two or more nutrients.
In various types of these products, the elements necessary for plants - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sets of microelements are contained in various combinations. The complex of nutrients in these fertilizers is balanced, which greatly facilitates the work of amateur gardeners.

Examples complex fertilizers : Nitrophoska, Azofoska (Nitroammophoska), Gomel fertilizer

Specialized complex chlorine-free fertilizers

Different plants require different amounts of nutrients at each stage of their life.
It is difficult to choose the right components; what will provide for some plants optimal conditions development, for others it will be insufficient, and for others it will be excessive. Currently, there are many types of specialized complex fertilizers with optimal selection nutrients for each crop.
Fertilizers of this type greatly facilitate the work of an amateur gardener and reduce costs.

Examples: specialized complex chlorine-free fertilizers "Gera".



Organic and organomineral fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are substances of plant and animal origin.
In organic fertilizers, nutrients are bound in organic substances of plant and animal origin. Organomineral fertilizers contain both organic and mineral components. They are obtained by mixing.

Organic fertilizers include manure, bird droppings, composts, peat, brown coal, green manure etc. All these materials are local fertilizers because Basically, they are not imported, but accumulated and prepared on site.

Organic fertilizers have a multifaceted effect on the most important agronomic properties of the soil and correct use dramatically increase crop yields.
These fertilizers primarily serve as a source of nutrients for plants. With them, all the macro- and microelements necessary for plants enter the soil. They are not only a source of nutrients for plants minerals, but also carbon dioxide. Under the influence of microorganisms, these fertilizers decompose in the soil and release a lot of carbon dioxide, which saturates both the soil air and the ground layer of the atmosphere. Consequently, the air nutrition of plants improves dramatically.

Organic fertilizers are an energy source and a food source for soil microorganisms. With systematic application of large doses organic fertilizers the soil is cultivated, it is enriched with humus, its biological, physical, chemical, physicochemical properties, water and air conditions are improved.

The anti-erosion value of fertilizers is extremely important. They contribute to the accelerated emergence of seedlings, protecting soils from water and wind erosion.
Fertilizers improve the development of above-ground vegetative mass of plants. Under the influence of fertilizers, the root system of plants that binds the soil develops better.

Examples of organic fertilizers: Manure, Straw, Peat and peat composts, Dry bird droppings, Mullein.

Manure.
Its significance for fertilizing agricultural crops is enormous.
Manure applied to the soil is a source of organic matter; when used systematically, it increases the humus content in the soil, improves its physicochemical properties: buffering capacity, absorption capacity.
Manure is a constant source of microorganisms that mineralize organic matter and increase the content of mobile forms of nitrogen; V 1 g well-rotted manure is located around 90 billion microbes.
Manure microorganisms activate mineralizing organic processes in other organic fertilizers if they are mixed (compostable) with manure.

Slurry.
This fertilizer is a liquid excrement of animals, diluted with water used in farmyards and precipitation. During the stall period, from each head of cattle you can collect approximately 2 tons slurry. On average it contains about 0,1-0,4% nitrogen and 0,3-0,6% potassium Poor storage and severe dilution reduce the amount of nitrogen and potassium.

Slurry is a valuable nitrogen-potassium fertilizer. All slurry, not absorbed by the litter, should be captured in liquid collectors and, as it accumulates, used for fertilizer, or for watering manure or peat in storage facilities, or for preparing composts.
When fertilizing slurry with meadows, vegetables and industrial crops, it is diluted in 2- 3 times and applied with automatic liquid spreaders (ANZh-2) and other devices and immediately sealed.

Bird droppings.
Bird droppings are a very valuable organic fertilizer.
On average, per year one chicken gives 5...6 kg droppings, duck 8...9 kg, goose 10...11 kg. For every thousand chickens, a farm can have up to 5 t raw droppings containing approximately 75 kg nitrogen (N) 90 kg phosphate (P 2 O 5), 45 kg potassium oxides (K 2 O), 150 kg calcium and magnesium compounds (CaO+MgO).
The droppings can be dried and ground. The nutrients in dried manure are approximately 2 times more than in raw.

Peat .
IN national economy peat is used in a wide variety of ways. In agriculture, it is widely used for bedding or as fertilizer in the form of composts.
Peat differs in the conditions of formation, the nature of the vegetation composing it, and also in the degree of decomposition (mineralization).

Composts.
This is a mixture of various organic or organic and mineral fertilizers, in which, during storage, biological processes occur that increase the availability of nutrients contained in the organic and mineral components to plants.
Composting works best in the spring-summer and summer-autumn periods.
The moisture content of peat as a component of composts is acceptable 50-70% . For composting with liquid substances (feces, slurry) Drier peat should be used. But the drier it is, the longer this process takes. For compost to mature, it requires 3 before 9 months.

Green manure.
This is the green mass of plants grown to be plowed into the soil as fertilizer. This technique is called green manure, and plants cultivated for fertilizer are called green manure. The use of green fertilizer allows you to add organic matter to the soil, grown right there on the spot without special costs for transportation. This organic matter is usually easily mineralized and can serve as a significant source of nutrition for crops.

Legumes are most often used as green manure, capable of not only producing a high yield of green mass, but also absorbing nitrogen from the air.
Thus, green manure from legumes enriches the soil with organic matter and nitrogen.
The green mass of lupine contains 0,45-0,50% nitrogen. When this crop is harvested 20 t With 1 ha this element is introduced into the soil about 100 kg. In addition, some nitrogen and other nutrients remain in the roots.

Straw.
According to the economic structure, many rural enterprises have surplus straw - a valuable organic material. It contains 0,5% nitrogen, 0,25% phosphorus, 0,8% potassium, 35-40% carbon, as well as boron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, cobalt.
At proper organization works, straw cuttings obtained during combine harvesting are buried to depth 8-10 cm and apply bedding-free manure. As a result, not only does the nutrient content in the soil increase, but its physicochemical properties and General terms plant nutrition.

Other sources.
Every year the importance of urban waste and sewage sludge as a fertilizer increases.
An indispensable condition for their use is composting to decompose organic matter and disinfection, sometimes with the addition of peat, sawdust, tree bark, and waste from the wood processing industry. The latter currently have independent importance as an organic fertilizer.

The effectiveness of all these types of organic matter and their combinations is determined by the amount and solubility of nutrients, as well as the degree of decomposition of organic matter for the purpose of disinfection. These fertilizers are not inferior in nutritional value to manure.

Humic fertilizers

The origin and properties of these substances vary significantly, but they are united by the presence of humic substances in their composition.
Humic substances are a special group of organic compounds, the origin of which is associated with the processes of biochemical decomposition and transformation of plant litter (leaves, roots, branches), animal remains, protein bodies of microorganisms. In the modern historical period, they are formed and accumulate in soils. They contain humic acids, fulvic acids, salts of these acids - humates and fulvic acids, as well as humins - strong compounds of humic acids and fulvic acids with soil minerals.

The use of humic fertilizers significantly changes the soil nutrition conditions of plants, causing an active intensification of the processes of mobilization of nutrients in a form digestible by plants. Soils where humates are added are characterized better conditions nitrogen and phosphorus regimes with the accumulation of humus compounds in them due to the new formation of humic acids.
Wherein:

• The mobility of soil phosphorus increases;
• The processes of nitrogen formation in the soil are intensified, which contributes to a significant increase in total and protein nitrogen and the predominance of nitrate content over ammonia nitrogen against the backdrop of an increase in nitrification capacity and an increase in the release of carbon dioxide from the soil. Photochemical nitrogen fixation and the availability of soil organic nitrogen to plants also increase;
• The entry of ammonia and amide forms of nitrogen and phosphorus into the plant accelerates, as a result, an increase in the content of nitrogen and phosphorus in the plant and their removal is observed;
• The concentration of iron, calcium, aluminum increases with a decrease in the amount of magnesium, i.e. Humates have a significant effect on the content and dynamics of soil cations, except for potassium.

Humic fertilizers are more effective in weather conditions unfavorable for plants. A greater effect from such fertilizers is observed when at least one of the plant growth and development factors deviates from the optimal one.
Finally, there is evidence that humic fertilizers exhibit protective properties: radioprotection, protection from the phytotoxic effects of herbicides, adsorption properties in relation to harmful impurities and pesticides in the soil.

Thus, the effect of humic fertilizers on soil fertility and productivity can be represented as a complex of interrelated processes:

• The influence of fertilizers on the physicochemical and physical properties of soil.
• The direct impact of fertilizers on life activity higher plants and microorganisms.
• Strengthening the processes of intrasoil metabolism: adsorption of soil nutrition elements by fertilizers, improving the nutritional regime of plant development and increasing biological activity.
• The end result of this impact is increased soil fertility and increased productivity.

Liquid humic fertilizers and fertilizers

In organic farming, liquid fertilizers - infusions from plants - are widely used. They contain potassium and nitrogen, are easily and quickly absorbed and are therefore very effective as fertilizers during the growing season.
Fertilizers are applied to the soil or used for spraying (foliar feeding).
Example of liquid humic fertilizer: Liquid humic fertilizers "Gera".

Bacterial fertilizers

Bacterial fertilizers are preparations containing a culture of microorganisms that improve plant nutrition. They do not contain nutrients.
Bacterial preparations do not directly serve to nourish plants, but only promote the development of beneficial microorganisms that affect the nutritional regime of the soil.

To prepare bacterial preparations, as a rule, pure cultures of certain bacteria are taken, multiplied in some favorable environment and released in the form of peat mass or dry powder with a high content of certain types of bacteria.

Currently in production and has practical use mainly nitragin, which contains a culture of nodule bacteria that multiply on the roots of leguminous plants and live in symbiosis with them.

Most legumes (clover, soybeans, beans) inherent in certain specific races of nodule bacteria. Some races live simultaneously on several types of plants, for example, the same race of nodule bacteria is suitable for peas, vetch, lentils, and beans. The same race of bacteria is characteristic of alfalfa and sweet clover, or lupine and seradella.
The specificity of nodule bacteria is stable and inherited.

Phytohormones

Phytohormones (from Greek phyton - plant and hormones)- plant hormones, physiologically active organic compounds that act in negligible quantities as regulators of growth and development. Formed mainly in areas intensive growth, sometimes in tissues that have completed growth.

Synthesized in some organs or zones of the plant, phytohormones influence others, thereby ensuring the functional integrity of the plant organism.
There are 5 types of phytohormones, for which the chemical structure and basic mechanism of regulatory action have been established: auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins (stimulants), as well as abscisic acid and ethylene (inhibitors). It is assumed that higher plants also have other phytohormones, for example anthesins, responsible for the initiation of flowers.

Different phytohormones, on the one hand, have a simultaneous and different effect on all processes of plant growth and development, and on the other hand, they interact with one another. Thus, auxin induces ethylene synthesis and promotes the synthesis of cytokinins, and the action of gibberellin is accompanied by an increase in auxin content.
Therefore, what is important for plants is not the content of any one phytohormone, but the ratio between them (hormonal balance). A change in the ratio of phytohormones determines the transition from one age state to another.
For needs Agriculture produces gibberellins, analogues of auxins and cytokinins, and ethylene producers.

Areas of application of phytohormones and their analogues: propagation of valuable varieties using tissue culture (auxins, cytokinins); rooting cuttings (auxins); stimulation of pre-harvest fruit abscission, defoliant and herbicidal effect (auxin analogues and ethylene producers); increasing the yield of tomato and seedless grape varieties, and the yield of flax fiber; stimulation of germination of seeds, bulbs and tubers.

Growth stimulants

Growth stimulants, or more precisely, growth regulators, are becoming very popular among gardeners and gardeners. The fact is that they contribute to a significant increase in crop yields. Growth stimulants provide increased quality of agricultural crops; they are successfully used in horticulture, viticulture and vegetable growing to accelerate rooting during reproduction, reduce pre-harvest fruit drop, to delay flowering, thinning flowers and ovaries.
The economic benefits from the use of synthetic growth stimulants and phytohormones many times exceed the costs of their acquisition.
Examples of plant growth stimulants: Bison, Sticks for indoor plants, Root feeder, Kornevin, Root mixture, Micrass.

Reclamation and drainage

When growing plants, you often have to take care of the formation and maintenance of optimal soil structure. Many crops do not like acidic and heavy soils and do not do well in areas where water stagnates. To neutralize high acidity, ameliorants are used, and expanded clay drainage is used to improve water metabolism.
Examples of ameliorants and drainages: Dolomite flour, Lime flour, Expanded clay drainage.

Based on the information provided about fertilizers, we can conclude that humanity is modern stage The development of science can significantly influence the increase in yield only by improving the fertile properties of the soil, diversifying the “menu” of plants with the most “favorite” and vital elements.
But this method requires a very competent and subtle approach, since both excess and deficiency of macro- and microelements in plant nutrition negatively affects productivity. This statement is entirely based on one of the postulates of agriculture, called the law of optimum, minimum and maximum.

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

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

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

We will highlight nitrogen fertilizers as a separate topic, since their importance is great precisely at the beginning of the growth of the future crop.

Types of nitrogen fertilizers

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

• Amides are urea, combinations of urea with formaldehyde, calcium cyanamide; Well accepted by all vegetable crops.
• Ammonia - ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate and bicarbonate; These include long-maturing plants such as onions, cabbage, tomatoes and cucumbers.
• Nitrate - sodium, potassium and calcium nitrate. Suitable for plants with a short ripening period - radishes, dill, parsley, lettuce, early ripening cabbage.

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

Organic fertilizers - their types and characteristics

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

One of the most budget and effective fertilizers, especially in the countryside, is manure. All the most important substances are contained in it in optimal concentration. In addition, manure improves the structure of the soil, and, when decomposed, gives carbon dioxide and helps plants absorb the necessary elements. Fresh manure is brought to the garden in the fall and dug up, but the rotted manure can wait until spring. In spring, it is advisable to use fresh manure to warm the earth, since its temperature reaches 70 0.

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

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

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

Types of potash fertilizers

Potassium in fertilizers is most often found in combination with other elements. It increases the shelf life of fruits, increases plant resistance to diseases, and promotes full ripening of the crop. Distinguish potash fertilizers with and without chlorine. Chlorine-containing substances include potassium chloride, potassium sulfate and potassium salt. These additives are used in the fall to avoid harmful influence chlorine for planting. For nightshades, choose potassium fertilizers without chlorine. Neutralize soil acidity caused by chlorine by pre-applying lime.

Types of liquid fertilizers

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

Organic liquid fertilizers are used in the form of infusions of herbs, mullein, special starters from some food products(onion, garlic, pepper, yeast, sugar, bread – folk recipes a bunch of).

Chemical liquid fertilizers are divided into nitrogen and complex. They are all solids dissolved in water.

Types of fertilizers and methods of applying them– the topic is very extensive. Focus on the characteristics of the soil in your area, the crops you grow and, of course, common sense- everything is good in moderation!

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If there is a lack of one or another element in the soil, plants begin to develop worse and are susceptible to diseases and pest attacks. Crops growing in poor soils, as well as plants that do not have a typical growing climate, especially need fertilizing. Without additional efforts from the gardener, the flowers lose their decorative effect, and the harvest turns out puny and tasteless. In this case, organic and mineral fertilizers will only benefit summer residents.

When starting the fertilizing procedure, the gardener involuntarily thinks: what is the difference between organic fertilizers and mineral fertilizers, which one is the most effective. In order not to harm the plants, you need to know what elements the plantings require during the season. Horticultural crops need:

You need to feed plants wisely. Each type requires a strictly defined dosage and type of application (under the root or by spraying). Both deficiency and excess lead to disastrous results: crops become stretched, bear fruit worse, or wither. Incorrectly selected composition of fertilizing affects the quality and taste of the crop.

Organics: types, pros and cons of application

The waste products of some living organisms mixed with plant residues are organic fertilizers. Their types and characteristics must be studied before use, since there is a misconception that natural fertilizer cannot cause harm to plantings. It is worth immediately noting that the incorrect use of organics can be as harmful as mineral preparations.

Significant advantage of organics:

• lasts for a long time;
• It is always a complex product and contains more nutrients than mineral mixtures;
• improves and restores soil composition.

Disadvantages include slow action, the need to apply large volumes and the inability to fertilize with individual elements. There is also no exact dosage, unlike mineral complexes.

Types of organic fertilizers that summer residents use most often:

• manure,
• liquid mullein,
• peat,
• sawdust and ash,
• bird droppings,
• green manure.

Manure in competition with mullein

Most popular organic product– manure. It represents livestock feces. The use of manure is possible in several forms: fresh, semi-rotted and rotted. The final stage of processing is called humus. The higher the processing stage, the smaller the volume of manure, but the better the absorption of nutrients. The properties of the fertilizer depend on the source material.

Cow manure is more suitable for light soils, and goat, sheep and horse manure for heavy soils.

Fresh manure is applied only in the fall, then the soil is plowed. Humus is added to planting pits in spring, up to 10 kg per tree. If on site acidic soils, then get carried away with introducing cow dung not recommended as it will aggravate the situation. It is changed to horse lime (5 kg per 1 m²) or added in limited quantities along with lime. For example, horse is better suited; when using chicken, the solution is diluted in larger quantities with water.

Liquid organic substance – mullein. It is prepared from cow dung and water. 1 liter of mullein requires a bucket of water. Mullein, unlike slurry, is a fermented mass with bubbles on the surface. Leave the mixture in a closed container for 2 weeks, stirring daily. After 7 days it brightens, and large particles sink to the bottom. Before use, the composition is diluted with water 1:10. To enrich the solution with phosphorus and potassium add:

• 100 g superphosphate;
• 0.5 kg of ash, leave for an hour.

Crops that abundantly consume nutrients from the soil respond positively to mullein. These include tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, onions, cucumbers, etc. For example, for onions, mullein will be effective in May and June, when foliage is growing. For 1 m² of bed, 2-3 liters are enough. Cabbage is more voracious, requiring 0.5-1 liters per bush.

Feed with organic solution fruit trees and shrubs should be planted in the spring, since at this time they are actively growing. Mullein is bred in a ratio of 1:5. For an adult tree, 2-3 buckets are required, for a young tree - 1 bucket. Sharing or alternation is recommended, which can be learned from previous articles.

Wood sawdust and ash

Sawdust is in most cases used to loosen the soil. Due to their high acidity, they are mixed with lime, complex or nitrogen fertilizers. Fresh sawdust cannot be used, since when they decompose, numerous colonies of microorganisms and bacteria appear in their grains, taking away useful elements from plants for their vital functions.

It makes more sense to use fresh sawdust for mulching before the first ten days of July, when moisture rapidly evaporates from the soil surface. Then by autumn, due to the activity of worms and loosening, it will be significantly crushed. Wood scraps are ideal for compost pits. They rot within a year, enriching the compost with nutrients.

Wood ash is used by summer residents everywhere. It contains more than 30 elements, and nitrogen is not among them. It is used in the form liquid fertilizer and dry:

1. A solution for feeding flower beds, shrubs, and beds is prepared at the height of the season from a bucket of water and 2 cups of powdered product.
2. Dry fertilizer is usually applied to planting holes and holes. Most crops require ¾ cup per 1 m². Moreover, during the rainy season, there is no point in adding powder to sandy soil; it will all be washed away with water.

For best results you need to use wood ash in company with humus and peat. It is impossible to add to fresh bird droppings and manure, as nitrogen will turn into ammonia and burn root system.

Peat in the company of green manure

The content of microelements differs in different types of peat. There are lowland peat, high peat and transitional peat. The lowland variety is more nutritious. Peat is used mainly as mulch to improve soil properties. If it is decided to take it as the main organic additive, then the prepared mass will have to be placed on the bayonet of a shovel. An essential feature of this type of organic matter is its tendency to change the acidity of the soil, so lime, dolomite flour or ash are additionally used (1 kg per 10 kg of peat).

Green manure is beneficial for improving the soil composition in areas large area. With the help of such crops, summer residents reduce the number of weeds and attract worms. Favorable time When cutting mature crops, the period before the formation of buds is recognized.

In demand among experienced gardeners and nettle infusion:

1. The collected raw materials are poured with water and infused for several days.
2. For irrigation, use a solution in a concentration of 1:10.

If you don’t have time for frills, then it’s worth purchasing complex organic preparations, for example the preparation “Biohumus”. Such products are designed both for feeding plants and for improving the soil. They are easy to use as they come with instructions.

Advantages and rules for applying mineral fertilizers

Such fertilizers are specially mined or obtained chemically. They are based on metals and their salts, oxides and acids. Among the significant advantages it should be noted:

• act faster;
• all mineral salts are contained in the form in which plants consume them;
• sold in convenient packages and dosages;
• affordable price;
• are concentrated (if used inappropriately, this property can become a disadvantage);
• compositions can be selected from special parameters for each crop.

Video about using different fertilizers on the site.

The disadvantage of mineral preparations is that they are dangerous in case of overdose. Too concentrated a liquid can burn the root system. Over-saline soil will block the flow of new nutrients.

The rules for fertilizing with mineral fertilizers are written on the packages. Some gardeners prefer to reduce the concentration by half to minimize the risk of overdose.

Popular solid and liquid mineral fertilizers:

1. Ammonium nitrate contains nitrogen (up to 34.5%), chalk, phosphate rock, gypsum and ground limestone. Saltpeter is especially effective for potatoes. Its application increases productivity by 40-60%. The pre-sowing application rate is 10-20 g/m2. For foliar liquid fertilizer, prepare a solution of 50 g of nitrate per 100 liters of water. Quantity ready mixture designed for 100 m2.
2. Urea is a concentrated nitrogen fertilizer. The drug is applied to the soil to the depth of root germination. Urea is suitable for most garden plantings. Application rate for vegetables: up to 12 g/m2 with direct application, for preparing a solution - 50-60 g per 10 l.
3. Potassium sulfate, or potassium sulfate, contains up to 46% of this element. Particularly useful for melons and melons. In the spring, when digging, 30 g/m2 is applied; for root feeding, 10 g/m2 is sufficient.
4. Superphosphate is a phosphorus fertilizer. Useful for flowering plants, used during the growth period. Affects the duration and beauty of flowering. For 1 hectare the norm is 50 kg.
5. Nitroammophoska is a phosphorus-nitrogen composition, successfully used for vegetable crops. Indispensable for clay soils; added to sandy soils in spring.

Organic or mineral: how to choose?

Based on the data presented, we can conclude that the differences between the two types of fertilizers are significant. The main advantage of organics is its long-lasting and complex action, which can last up to several years. Mineral complexes provide more tangible result, but the effect does not always last long. Organic matter improves the composition of the soil, making it loose and moist, which also has a positive effect on crop growth. The advantage of mineral complexes is their availability and ease of use.

It cannot be said that a certain type of feeding can replace others. For excellent results, gardeners do not limit themselves to one type of fertilizer, but alternate organic matter with mineral compounds.

Correct and timely tillage of the soil quality fertilizers is the basis for obtaining healthy plants and a bountiful harvest, any agricultural technician can confirm this. The question of choosing fertilizers plagues gardeners and gardeners around the world. Organic and mineral fertilizers are presented on the market in an assortment, produced by various companies, in a wide price range. It is important to make a thoughtful, correct decision.

Organic fertilizers

Many adherents of this type of fertilizer consider it the only acceptable and natural, without chemicals. Organic matter has a positive effect on soil composition, improves development and increases yield. However, all types organic fertilizers after being introduced into the soil, they break down into the same elements as mineral ones. The main difference is that the decomposition process occurs evenly, while mineral preparations contain ready-made elements.

Manure. It is considered the most valuable organic compound. Settled manure (from 5 months to 3 years) is used to enrich all types of soils. When digging the soil, the mixture is added at a rate of 6–9 kg per 1 sq. m. meter.

After applying manure, some crops can only be planted the next year (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, etc.).

A mixture of manure and water is used for all types of garden, garden and indoor plants.

Peat. It increases the looseness and airiness of the soil, but does not have a sufficient amount of useful elements. Usually, various mineral components are added to peat to improve its properties. You can collect peat yourself in swamps. Peat is usually added in the fall.

Bird droppings. It has a nutrient-rich composition, but use it carefully. Excess droppings can cause nitrate accumulation in fruits. Average rate usage: 500 gr. raw fertilizer and 200 gr. dry per 1 sq. meter of soil. The application rate depends on the type of bird.

Compost. It usually consists of a mixture of fallen leaves, sawdust, peat, etc. To enrich the compost with nutrients, various mineral additives are often added.

Bone flour. An excellent source of calcium and phosphorus. Apply directly to the soil. An aqueous solution is used for monthly feeding of plants. For 5 liters of boiling water, use 250 g. bone meal, a week later the solution must be filtered. Ready-made solution dilute with water in a ratio of 1:5 and water the plants at the root.

Nowadays, flower shops sell special organic fertilizers, concentrated, in liquid form, and odorless. Such bottles can be safely used at home for potted flowers. The solution is diluted with water according to the recommendations on the package.

Main types of mineral fertilizers

The most common mineral constituents are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in varying proportions. In spring, at the beginning of growth, the formation of shoots and stems and before the appearance of the first flower buds nitrogen is needed. Next comes increased phosphorus consumption and potassium is needed in preparation for frost.

Nitrogen. Necessary for increasing the fertility of all types of soils. Nitrogen is consumed by all types of garden and vegetable crops, trees and shrubs, as well as indoor flowers. The rate of application of nitrogen fertilizing depends on the type of soil and plant. With sufficient content in the soil of other mineral elements, the productivity of nitrogen compounds is enhanced.

In the absence of nitrogen, plants grow slower, leaves turn pale and yellow.

Phosphorus. Increases fruit quality and overall yield. Particularly important for fruit, grain, berry and most vegetable plants. With a lack of phosphorus, plants acquire a bluish-pink or brownish-green tint, and the process of fruit formation worsens and slows down. The method of application and dosage depends on the type of phosphate fertilizer (phosphates, superphosphates, phosphate flour, etc.).

Potassium. They nourish plants, help synthesize various substances, increase frost resistance and disease resistance. All potash fertilizers are soluble in water. The type and amount of fertilizing depends on the type of soil.

Complex mineral fertilizers. A common type of feeding, it contains two or more components. High content of nutrients. Different complex preparations have different ratios of nutrients. It is necessary to select fertilizer based on the type plant crops and soil. These types of fertilizers often have a list of gardening or gardening properties on the packaging. indoor crops for which they are most suitable.

Organo-mineral fertilizers

The addition of organic and mineral fertilizers together significantly enhances their overall effectiveness. The soil becomes loose and airy, the amount of nutrients and humus increases, the quality and fruiting of plant crops increases. It is used for all types of soils and plants during sowing and as a root fertilizer. In liquid form it is used for foliar feeding.

Often mineral supplements supplement the lack of nutritional components in organic ones. Organo-mineral compounds are obtained by physical and chemical combination of elements. Such balanced formulations come in liquid and powder form, capsules, and granules.

Complex organomineral compounds can be formed in natural environment, for example, sapropel. Fertilizer is formed at the bottom of reservoirs and consists of organic matter (residues of plants and animals) and mineral components.

Fertilizing is an indispensable source of nutrition for every plant in open ground, greenhouse or flower pot. Correct application of organic and mineral fertilizers will nourish the plants and become the key to bountiful harvest. Before applying any type of fertilizer, you must carefully study the instructions and packaging. It should be remembered that an excess of some types of fertilizers can harm plants.