Delicate pumpkin puree with zucchini and apples. Fertilizers for plants: types, influence, nutrition and proper feeding What are organic and mineral fertilizers

Oddly enough, the main widely available organic fertilizer with potassium is furnace ash.
The ash contains potash K2CO3, also known as potassium carbonate. Its amount strongly depends on the types of fuel burned.

For example, the ash of young deciduous plants contains up to 14% potassium oxide. In old conifers, it is less.

Ash can be called a complex fertilizer, because, in addition to potassium, it contains phosphorus. The presence of potassium oxide in the ash allows it to be used on soils with high acidity.

The second most important source of organic potassium is slurry - a quick-acting nitrogen-potassium fertilizer. It is used mainly as top dressing: it is diluted with water 5–6 times and applied to the soil after preliminary watering in about a day.

Let's go ahead and see what other organic fertilizers contain potassium?

This is a well-known pond and lake silt. Silt is an excellent organic fertilizer with potassium, because in terms of potassium content it is second only to furnace ash. In addition to the source of organic potassium, ash has another 70 substances useful for plants.

Sludge contains up to 30% humus, up to 2% nitrogen, 8% potassium and 5% phosphorus. Moreover, the upper layers of silt are richer in nutrients than the lower layers.

lake rich in silt

It contains about 15% of water and 85% of valuable nutrients needed to improve soil fertility - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, manganese, sulfur, boron, copper, zinc, molybdenum.

However, when the straw decomposes, it loses a lot of nitrogen, and some more is washed out of the soil, so it is better to use straw in composts or in the form of straw cutting.

As we can see, the potassium content in it is significantly small compared to the above fertilizers and is no more than 1%.

If you add a large amount of banana peel to it, then the potassium content in the humus will grow and we will get a more valuable substrate. Besides .

In all other cases, potassium is extracted by processing potash ores and natural salts. Sylvinite, langbeinite, and schenite are leaders in potassium content (about 25%).

Liquid herbal fertilizer - contains the more potassium, the more green raw materials it contains. Potassium is easily washed out of plant tissues into an aqueous solution. Young plants are predominantly rich in potassium, including ordinary young grass, regardless of its name.

However, there are wild plants that are especially rich in potassium. These are dandelion, comfrey, nettle, bracken, yarrow, horsetail.

Organic potash fertilizer from dandelions.

Dandelion leaves contain 397 mg. potassium for every 100 gr. weight of the green mass of the plant. The absolute champion in the content of potassium in the ground part of the plant is parsley; it contains exactly 2 times more potassium than dandelions. But of course, parsley is best eaten, but dandelions can be used to make a first-class potash fertilizer.

To do this, take a 10 liter plastic bucket and fill it halfway with dandelion leaves. And the remaining space is filled with non-chlorinated water. Of course, you don’t need to pour water straight to the edge of the bucket. Because it will be inconvenient to stir sugar in this water later. Which you need to put there 50 gr. and microbiological fertilizer Baikal. Which you need to pour 150 ml.

After everything is mixed, the bucket must be closed with a lid. Or make an impromptu cover from a plastic bag. Pulling him to the bucket with a rope.

When our fertilizer acquires a specific smell of decaying residues, it is ready for use for plant nutrition.

To feed plants with this fertilizer, you must first shed your plantings with plain water. Because in addition to the nutrients, our fertilizer will contain a large number of beneficial microbes. And I want them to live in the soil for some time, and not die immediately.

Then we take 1 liter of our microbiological fertilizer from dandelions, dilute it in 10 liters of water and water our plants.

Potassium in plant life.

Potassium helps plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and nitrogen from the soil. Increases their winter hardiness and drought resistance, and is also necessary for plants to create a strong cell membrane. It is contained mainly in the leaves of the plant, and in its roots it is quite small.

The introduction of this element not only increases the yield of crops, but also improves the quality of fruits and grains. Also, this element takes part in the synthesis of vitamin C; in case of a lack of this vitamin, the fruits lose their color and aroma.

Potassium deficiency causes many metabolic disorders in plants, the activity of a number of enzymes is weakened, carbohydrate and protein metabolism is disturbed, and the cost of carbohydrates for respiration increases. As a result, the productivity of plants falls, the quality of products decreases.

Externally, potassium starvation manifests itself primarily on the leaves of the lower tier. The leaves turn yellow prematurely, starting at the edges, then the edges turn brown, and then die off and collapse. As a result, the leaves look like burnt, this phenomenon is called "marginal burn".

With severe potassium starvation, the shoots die off by the end of the season, grapes are especially sensitive to a lack of potassium.

Excessive potassium nutrition of plants also negatively affects their growth and development. It manifests itself in the appearance between the veins of the leaves of pale mosaic spots, which eventually turn brown, and then the leaves fall off.

Potash and potash fertilizers Video:

Plants, trees and bushes in the garden, garden, garden need nutrients. You can get them in different ways, but top dressing with organic and mineral substances is the main channel for obtaining trace elements.

Top dressing is a fertilizer or dressing of garden and garden crops in autumn or spring. The dosage depends on the season, the type of soil, the characteristics of the region, the condition of the plants, the desire of gardeners and gardeners to harvest. Top dressing is the main or auxiliary. The first type is designed to saturate the crops with the necessary elements as much as possible, especially during the growing season. The second is the maintenance of plants during the growing season or fruiting.

There are several ways to use top dressing. The following groups of fertilizer application are distinguished:

Non-root and root. Foliar top dressing is a spraying of plants, foliage. Rooting is carried out by direct application of mineral or organic substances to the soil.
Organic or mineral, depending on the type of fertilizer chosen.
Dry and liquid. From the former, solutions and mixtures are prepared for spraying crops and plants, and are also used to introduce into the soil, to carry out foliar top dressing. Liquid are used for watering and spraying.

These types of dressings allow you to transfer to garden and garden crops those nutrients that plants need at the moment. This helps not only bushes and trees to grow, bloom, bear fruit, but also give a quality crop, maintain a beautiful appearance. Timely top dressing with fertilizers preserves the root system of plants, normalizes the condition of the soil.

Features of fertilizers: types and forms

Top dressing is carried out by two main types of substances - mineral and organic. Mineral fertilizers include various chemical compositions, substances, mixtures that are quickly absorbed by bushes, trees and garden crops. The use of fertilizers must be precise so that the plants do not get sick and die. It is impossible to violate the established norms, otherwise top dressing will harm.

Made from natural ingredients and materials. Organic has a mild effect, but quite effective. Many summer residents are confused by the smell that comes from organic fertilizers, as well as stains that remain on the foliage or soil.

Organic fertilizers include:

Green plants.
Manure.
Compost.
Peat.

Manure is considered the best nutrient for various crops. It is cow, pig, horse. The latter - the most valuable, is used together with other organic fertilizers. Manure, like other organic matter, can be used in dry and liquid form. It is necessary to fertilize the soil either in spring or autumn. Before starting field work, they are applied to the soil in regions where there is a high level of humidity, while in dry areas they are used after harvesting the entire crop from the field.

Usually top dressing is carried out in the first part of the growing season. Once is not enough, it is recommended to apply the substances at least two or three times. In the second half of the growing season, it is not worth using mineral fertilizers for plants, so as not to cause prolonged fruiting or bud set, which reduces the immunity of plants and their protective properties.

Substances for feeding differ in the form of release. They are divided into four groups:

Granular - substances in this form are suitable for feeding fruit and berry plants, bushes and trees. They are introduced as foliar top dressing in soils in which decorative flowers grow.
Liquid are concentrated mixtures or solutions that are diluted with water before being applied to the soil or before spraying.
Soluble - mineral fertilizers, which are produced in the form of a powder, diluted with water, and then applied before watering.
Tablets or candles - they are laid in the soil next to the plants. During irrigation, substances dissolve, but this process is uneven.

Classification by scope and composition

Top dressing for use is of the following types:

Universal - the use of appropriate fertilizers, in which trace elements are contained in the same proportions.
Special - to eliminate one or more imperfections in the soil, on trees or crops.
Broad spectrum of action. So fertilizers for trees are suitable for fruit and berry crops, and garden plants can be fed with the same substances as ornamental plants.

Differences can only be in small details. Standard chemicals or organics are divided into top dressing for non-flowering and flowering crops.

What gardeners need to know

The choice of one or another type of fertilizer for top dressing depends on the type of plant that needs to be saturated with substances and trace elements. Take into account seasonality, climate conditions, terrain features.

Gardeners must adhere to the following rules:

It is forbidden to independently increase the recommended dose or concentration of elements. It is impossible to deviate from the instructions so as not to harm the plants.
It is not recommended to fertilize completely dry soil, which can cause the development of diseases or the appearance of burns on the foliage.
Plants that have recently been transplanted from one place to another do not need to be fed.
Take into account the growth rate of the plant. If they grow slowly, then top dressing should be rare, and for fast-growing crops - frequent.
For winter plant species that bloom and bear fruit in winter, mineral replenishment should be carried out all year round.
All flowering plants are fertilized just before the start of the flowering period.

Top dressing of horticultural crops will be effective and useful if a number of factors and indications are observed, the correct dosage is chosen and the plants are regularly watered.

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

Types, composition, application of mineral fertilizers

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

Simple fertilizers (single-sided)

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

Urea (urea)

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

Ammonium nitrate (ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate)

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

Ammonium sulfate (ammonium sulphate)

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

sodium nitrate

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

Calcium nitrate (calcium nitrate, calcium nitrate)

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

Nitrogen

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

Ammonia

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

Superphosphate powder

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

Superphosphate granulated

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

Double superphosphate (granular)

contains 42-49% soluble phosphorus oxide.

Phosphorite flour

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

Potassium chloride

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

Potassium salt

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

Potassium carbonate (potash)

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

Potassium-magnesium concentrate (kalimag)

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

Potassium-magnesium sulfate (potassium magnesia)

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

Potassium saltpeter

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

Dolomite flour

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

Magnesium sulfate

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

Complex fertilizers (multilateral)

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

Compound

Fertilizer	Approximate nitrogen content,%	Approximate phosphorus content,%	Approximate potassium content,%
Ammophos	10-12	40-50	—
Diammophos	19	49	—
Nitroammophos	16-25	20-24	—
Nitroammophoska	14-16	14-16	16-18
Nitrophos	24	14-17	—
Nitrophoska	11-17	9-17	10-17
Carboammophos	19-32	16-29	—
Carboammophoska	14-24	12-21	10-17

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

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

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

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

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

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

Such fertilizers are used in the spring and summer.

It should be noted that detailed instructions are attached for all fertilizers, but we will emphasize the general rules that are important to follow when working.

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

Interesting on the topic

Modern agriculture actively uses all the developments of the chemical industry to achieve good harvests. Fertilizers (litter, ash) were used by the first land farmers, and today there are various fertilizer compositions for fields, orchards and orchards of different soils and all kinds of climatic conditions.

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

Complex additives are divided into:

By composition - double (nitrogen-potassium, nitrogen-phosphorus), triple (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium).
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 distinguished:

a chemical compound includes 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, in fact, salts, in which the proportion of the content 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 must be applied to the soil for top dressing depends on the concentration of the main component. The more it is, the less it needs to be applied. When complex fertilizers are applied, the components are evenly distributed in the soil and reduce costs by 15%.

Types of complex fertilizers and their composition

Compound 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, as well as nitrogen is a constituent of lipoids, alkaloids and other substances important for plants. Nitrogen - for rapid growth.

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

Potassium. The organic composition of the soil does not contain potassium, although it is necessary for the yield and endurance of plants, which is why it is used as a fertilizer. Increased resistance of plants to drought, low temperatures. Potassium affects the growth and formation of fruits. A lack of potassium leads to darkening of the leaves, lethargy and weakness of the buds and inflorescences. More than others, sunflower, buckwheat, beets, potatoes, wheat and other grains need fertilizers rich in potassium.

Magnesium. This element, like nitrogen, is included in the structure of chlorophyll and carries out the main organic processes of the plant. Magnesium also facilitates the absorption of phosphorus. Magnesium carries out carbohydrate metabolism in tubers, roots, seeds, fruits. With a lack of magnesium, wilting and dying off of unripe fruits can be observed.

The combination and use of the main components for soil in fertilizers:

Ammophos. It consists of nitrogen with phosphorus, which are highly soluble in water, such are its properties. It is applied when sowing all types of crops and as top dressing for vegetable, field and other crops.
Diammophos. Also contains nitrogen and phosphorus. It is used as ammophos, and in animal husbandry 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. Applicable to all cultures, large doses are possible, harmless. Effective in sandy lands, for potatoes, root crops with abundant watering.
Nitrofos or nitrophoska. Nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus. Slightly soluble in water. Ineffective as an ordinary top dressing.
Nitroammophos. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. It dissolves quite well. Valuable general purpose supplement.
Sulfoammophos. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. The additive is actively used.
Potassium nitrate. A popular nitrogen and potassium fertilizer. Gives effective nourishment to plants. Found in natural form. It is applicable in vegetable growing and in cultivation of the cultures sensitive to the content of chlorine.
ammonium metaphosphate. Also includes phosphorus, nitrogen. It is introduced as the main effective fertilizer for acidic soil.
Carboamophos and carboamophoska. High saturation with nitrogen and phosphorus. Due to the gaseous combination of nitrogen, nitrogen loss is possible, therefore a quick turning into the soil is necessary.
Superfoska. The combination of phosphorus and potassium. Can be a basic fertilizer.
potassium metaphosphate. Phosphorus, potassium in it are highly soluble in the soil. Good physical performance and application.

For high yields and proper development, plants require air, light, heat, water, as well as nutrients. The creation of these conditions in the field or garden guarantees success in growing crops and high yields. The soil that accepts the seed of a plant cannot provide it with all the necessary substances in the right amount, so the use of fertilizers is necessary.

Complex fertilizers solve the problem of mutual digestibility of various elements, increase the useful properties of the components, reduce consumption and labor costs for tillage.

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

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

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

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

Mineral fertilizers are a good substitute for organics

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

Advantages of mineral mixtures:

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

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

Types and characteristics of mineral fertilizers

The types can be classified as follows:

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

Video: Distinctive features and methods of applying mineral fertilizers

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

Potash

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

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

Phosphoric

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

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

Phosphate fertilizers are varied and suitable for all types of soil

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

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

Nitrogen

Nitrogen types of fertilizers, their classification:

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

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

Video: How to properly feed plants with nitrogen

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

Complex mixtures

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

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

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

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

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

Two-component

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

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

Potassium nitrate contains two components - potassium and nitrogen

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

Three-component

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

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

Names: azofoska, ammofoska, nitrophoska, diammofoska.

Multicomponent

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

Micro-additives should be considered as additional support on various soil types. For example:

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

Multicomponent formulations contain trace elements in addition to the main elements

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

Trace elements (microfertilizers)

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

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

Microfertilizers can be used both for foliar top dressing and added under the root.

What can be found on sale from complex microfertilizers:

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

The effect of mineral fertilizers on the soil

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Acid mineral dressings are carried out along with liming

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