Mineral fertilizers are almost the entire periodic table, substances that plants feed on and which have a more rapid and extensive positive effect in agriculture than organic. Let's look at the main types of mineral fertilizers and their characteristics.

Classification of mineral fertilizers

Conventionally, all mineral fertilizers can be divided into 2 large groups:

• simple;
• complex.

According to this classification, simple fertilizers have one component, complex fertilizers have two or more.

Depending on the main nutrient element, all mineral fertilizers are divided into:

1. Nitrogen– help actively develop the above-ground parts of plants. All types nitrogen fertilizers highly soluble in water, applied to the soil a month before spring digging. They have 4 forms:

• nitrate (sodium and calcium nitrate);
• ammonium (ammonium sulfate);
• amide (urea);
• ammonium nitrate (ammonium nitrate).

2. Phosphorus– significantly accelerate the onset of plant flowering and fruit set. They are introduced either in the fall or in early spring in the process of digging. The decomposition period of such fertilizers is one and a half to two months; they are poorly soluble in water. The most popular types of phosphate mineral fertilizers are the following:

• simple superphosphate;
• double superphosphate;
• phosphate rock.

3. Potash– contribute to the growth of plant productivity and increase their resistance to diseases, improve the taste of fruits and increase their shelf life. All potash fertilizers are highly soluble in water. They are quite rarely used in pure form, are often combined with nitrogen, phosphorus and some microelements. The most common fertilizers are potassium based.

Now it is impossible to do without application of mineral fertilizers - concentrated and fast-acting chemical compounds that contribute to the rapid growth of biomass and increase plant resistance to pests and diseases.

Especially need application of mineral fertilizers plants of vegetable, flower and other annual crops in the initial phases of their development.

The most important elements of plant nutrition

Mineral fertilizers

There are three main groups of simple mineral fertilizers : nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The nutritional elements in each of them are, respectively, nitrogen (denoted by the Latin letter N), phosphorus (P2O5) and potassium (K2(E).

Nitrogen fertilizers

Ammonium nitrate(ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate) - ammonium nitrate, one of the most common strong universal fertilizers . Produced mainly in the form of white small balls (granules), processed special composition, which prevents saltpeter from absorbing water vapor. Contains 33-34% nitrogen - half in nitrate, half in ammonia form. Bring in better in spring before sowing or planting, widely used for fertilizing all vegetable crops. When systematically applying nitrate, the soil is slightly acidified.

Ammonium sulfate(ammonium sulfate) - small crystals of grayish-green color. Contains 20-21% nitrogen. Little tracking. His nutrients They are weakly washed out of the soil, so they can be applied in the fall before digging the site. Use for fertilizing only in the absence of nitrate. It strongly acidifies the soil, and therefore on acidic podzolic soils its application should be combined with the use of lime.

Ammonium chloride(ammonium chloride) - white crystals. Contains up to 26% nitrogen. It is recommended to apply before the autumn digging of the site. It acidifies the soil, so its application is combined with liming. Excess chlorine in the fertilizer inhibits some crops; it is not recommended to apply it to potatoes, peppers, eggplants and other nightshades. It is also undesirable in fertilizing.

Urea(urea) - white balls (granules). It contains about 45% nitrogen. It is used on all soils in advance and only when necessary - as a fast-acting surface fertilizer when fertilizing in the form of solutions.

Sodium nitrate(sodium nitrate, sodium nitrate, Chilean saltpeter) - white or yellowish crystals. Contains 16% nitrogen. Good for all crops. Acts as a physiologically alkaline fertilizer, recommended mainly for acidic soils. Cannot be mixed with superphosphate, but can be mixed with potash fertilizers. Easily soluble, quickly absorbed by plants, it is very useful to apply it when seedlings emerge to accelerate growth. It is not recommended to use this fertilizer on solonetz soils, since the sodium it contains further deteriorates these soils.

Calcium nitrate(calcium nitrate, calcium nitrate) - white or pink-yellow mass, quickly cakes. Contains up to 15.5% nitrogen. Particularly effective on acidic and saline soils.

Phosphorus fertilizers

Superphosphate- it can be simple, powdery - gray, almost non-caking powder containing 14-20% water-soluble phosphorus; granular - with a ball diameter of 2-4 mm and a phosphorus content of up to 22%; granular double - up to 45-50% phosphorus. Often found enriched with microelements, which, depending on the element introduced, is called manganized, boron, molybdenum. It is applied both before digging the site and during fertilizing.

Precipitate- powder, white or gray, non-caking fertilizer containing 27-35% phosphorus. It is applied for digging in the fall on different soils, but better on acidic ones.

Phosphorite flour. Contains 15-20% phosphorus. It is recommended to apply mainly acidic soils for digging, since the phosphates contained in this fertilizer are converted into a form accessible to plants only in an acidic environment. Good results It can be achieved by adding it to peat composts.

Thomas slag or open hearth slag. Contains about 14% phosphorus. It is used in the same way as phosphate rock. It must be applied in advance, 1.5 - 3 times more than superphosphate, since it provides plants with phosphorus for several years.

Bone flour- a product of processing animal bones. Contains 30% phosphorus, 38% calcium. It is considered a valuable calcium fertilizer. Often added to superphosphate. Most effective on swampy, podzolic and solonetzic soils. Apply long before sowing.

Potash fertilizers

Potassium chloride(potassium chloride) - gray in color, strongly cakes. Contains 52-60% potassium. Mixes with other fertilizers. It is not recommended to apply under potatoes, tomatoes and other nightshades.

Potassium sulfate(potassium sulfate) - white non-caking mass. Contains 45-52% potassium. It is used for crops that cannot tolerate even traces of chlorine in the soil (mainly nightshades, as well as beans).

Potassium nitrate(potassium nitrate, potassium nitrate) - white crystalline mass. Contains 44% potassium and acts simultaneously as a nitrogen (13% nitrogen) fertilizer.

Potassium salts- red-yellow crystals, noticeably caked. Contain up to 30-40% potassium. It is better to apply before digging the site in the fall.

Cainite- crystals of different sizes, yellowish-grayish-white, sometimes reddish in color, slightly caked. Contains 8-12% potassium. It is not recommended to use other nightshades under potatoes.

Calimagnesia- grayish crystals, do not cake. The potassium content reaches 24-25%. It is recommended to apply under potatoes and all vegetables.

Potassium - electrolyte- White powder. Contains up to 32% potassium. It is not advisable to use it under potatoes.

Kalimag- 16-19% potassium. It does not contain chlorine, and therefore is best applied under nightshades.

Silvinite- white, noticeably caking powder. Contains 12-18% potassium, a lot table salt and can cause soil salinization and alkalinization.

Potash(potassium carbonate). Contains up to 57-60% potassium. Cakes heavily.

Permanent application of mineral fertilizers will affect the composition of the soil in the future, and therefore deposit mineral fertilizers th into the soil should not go thoughtlessly!

Video: Norms for applying mineral fertilizers

Calculation of fertilizer doses for the planned harvest.
Removal of mineral elements by agricultural crops, coefficient of use of elements from soil and fertilizers

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

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

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

Potash fertilizers

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

Potassium sulfate (potassium sulfate)

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

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

Potassium chloride

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

Potassium salts

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

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

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

Phosphorus fertilizers

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

Superphosphate

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

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

Double superphosphate

Fertilizer is different increased content(up to 50%) phosphoric acid in a form accessible to plants for absorption. However, this fertilizer does not contain gypsum.

Double superphosphate is used similarly to superphosphate.

Precipitate

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

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

Phosphorite flour, or ground phosphate rock

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

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

Nitrogen fertilizers

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

Urea

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

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

Ammonium nitrate

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

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

Ammonium sulfate

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

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

Calcium nitrate

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

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

The fertilizer is released in granular form, and since it tends to cake, it is best to store it in an airtight container.

Sodium nitrate

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

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

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

Magnesium and iron containing fertilizers

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

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

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

Plants need iron to form chlorophyll and also support other vital functions. important processes. It is especially needed by those crops that remove it from the soil in large quantities: cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, beets, radishes, dill, spinach.

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

Dolomite flour

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

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

Calimagnesia

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

Kieserit

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

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

Magnesium ammopium phosphate

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

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

Magnesium nitrate

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

Epsomite, or magnesium sulfate

Novofert

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

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

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

❧ Indicator plants will help the gardener determine the degree of soil acidity in the area. On soils with increased level Marsh marigold, buttercups, meadow hearts, and European rosemary grow in acidic conditions, but legumes do not take root here.

Complex fertilizers

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

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

Mixed fertilizers are mixtures simple fertilizers, which are obtained in the factory or at the places of their use using fertilizer mixing plants.

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

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

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

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

Double phosphorus-potassium fertilizers (potassium phosphates);

Triple complex fertilizers (ammophoska, nitroammofoska and nitrophoska).

Ammophos

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

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

The disadvantage of this fertilizer is that its nitrogen content is much less than phosphorus, although in practice they are usually applied in equal doses, so it is necessary to add required quantity one-way nitrogen fertilizer.

Diammofos

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

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

Nitrophos and nitrophoska

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

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

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

Azofoska

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

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

Nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer 13:19:19

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

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

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

Diammofoska

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

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

Fertilizers containing microelements

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

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

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

Boric

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

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

Copper

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

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

Molybdenum

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

Manganese

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

Zinc

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

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

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

Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and their application

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

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

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

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

Mineral fertilizers: types of complex fertilizers and microfertilizers

Complex fertilizers contain several basic nutritional elements, due to which their capabilities and positive influence on the plants in your garden increase significantly. The most popular include:

As you can see, the classification of mineral fertilizers is quite large, but we did not tell you about microfertilizers. They contain microelements such as manganese, zinc, copper, iodine, boron. However, such fertilizers should be used only if they are lacking in the soil - that is, you should not simply use preparations based on them. For example, in peat soil a very low percentage of copper content, and there is no molybdenum in turf soils.

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

Centuries-old practice of using fertilizers has proven beneficial effect them on the soil, improving the taste of the crop and restoring an environment in the soil favorable for plant growth. Many centuries ago, the only fertilizer was manure, which is still successfully used in the agricultural sector today. But technology has stepped forward and now various types are available in assortment. Let's consider the classification of fertilizers and recommendations for their use.

All fertilizers, according to differences in their origin, are divided into the following groups:

• mineral;
• organic.

Organic and mineral groups of fertilizers each have their own subgroups and are divided according to the composition of active substances.

All fertilizers can be divided into 2 groups - organic and mineral

Classification of mineral fertilizers, their use

Mineral fertilizers are industrial products. Such fertilizers do not contain a carbon base and are chemical components of inorganic nature. Fertilizers of this type contain mineral compounds: salts, acids, oxides and others.

Mineral fertilizers as a type are divided into:

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

They assist in the absorption of carbon dioxide by plants and in the movement of hydrocarbons, increase the resistance of crops to frost and drought. Common potash fertilizers include potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, and potassium salt. Potassium sulfate does not contain magnesium, sodium, or chlorine that are harmful to plants. Potassium chloride is added to the soil in the fall during digging. Potassium sulfate is ideal for fertilizing cucumbers. Potassium salt is an excellent fertilizer for all varieties of berry crops; it is added to the soil before autumn plowing.

Potassium fertilizers improve the quality and taste characteristics of garden crops

They are offered by the manufacturer in three subtypes: ammonia (in the form of ammonium sulfate), amide (), nitrate (ammonium nitrate). Nitrogen fertilizers have the excellent property of quickly dissolving in liquids. Distinctive feature Ammonium nitrate has become its ability to have a beneficial effect on soil that has not yet been sufficiently warmed by the sun. Nitrogen fertilizers are able to quickly release the required amount of nitrogen for further germination of crops and at the same time retain beneficial properties due to interaction with oxygen in the air. Therefore, such fertilizers are applied to the soil at the end of winter or early spring.

Nitrogen fertilizers increase crop yields

Attention! As the air temperature increases, amide nitrogen very quickly turns into ammonia nitrogen.

They are often used because of their beneficial effect on crop resistance to drought and frost. Due to the low mobility of phosphorus, fertilizers are applied quite deep into the soil. Fertilizers of this group are divided into the following subgroups: water-soluble (simple and double superphosphate - for soils with severe phosphorus deficiency), semi-soluble (precipitate), sparingly soluble (phosphorite flour - for the resistance of plants on acidic soils to negative changes). Semi-soluble and sparingly soluble phosphorus fertilizers are practically insoluble in water, but can be dissolved in weak acids. This is due to their main use for enriching acidic soils. Water-soluble phosphorus fertilizers can be used for any type of soil.

Phosphorus fertilizers have a positive effect on the development and fruiting of plants

Advice. Water-soluble phosphorus fertilizers do not have to be placed deep into the soil, and sometimes this is even harmful, as it can lead to a decrease in the uptake of the fertilizer by plants.

Microfertilizers- This is a type of mineral fertilizer that contains the necessary microelements. Boron, cobalt, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, copper, and fertilizers containing iodine are widely used. The use of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen fertilizers, unfortunately, does not always give the desired result due to the lack of chemical elements in soils, which are contained in low concentrations in living organisms and are necessary to ensure life activity. This is why it is so important to replenish microelements in the soil.

Complex fertilizers maintain soil fertility and strengthen plant immunity

Mineral complex fertilizers contain a list of useful components that maintain soil fertility and strengthen plant immunity. To increase fertility and improve taste, the use of only one type of fertilizer is not enough. To do this, manufacturers offer to select the optimal composition that will work as safely and effectively as possible on a specific soil and for a specific type of plant. Complex mineral fertilizers are (equal parts of nitrogen and phosphorus), nitrophoska (sodium, phosphorus, potassium), ammophos (potassium, magnesium, phosphorus), diammophos (potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, additional elements to feed the flora).

Classification of organic fertilizers, their application

Organic fertilizers are fertilizers that are obtained through the natural processing of organic matter. It is this type of fertilizer that contains a huge concentration of nutrients.

– the most affordable and popular fertilizer of organic origin. Efficiency has been proven for centuries. Solid and liquid excretions from livestock normalize the water regime of the soil and restore lost soil fertility. Manure is diluted with water and fertilized plants during the growing season.

Compost - source useful microelements for plants

– the result of the decomposition of organic waste (leaves, husks, fish bones, meat, etc.)

Advice. Prefabricated compost can be prepared at home using vegetable and potato tops, fallen leaves, weeds, weeded or mowed before seeds ripen, and household organic waste.

Humus- a product of manure decomposition. It has the highest concentration of organic substances beneficial to the soil and has the highest fertilizing properties and indicators. Humus is universal remedy and is used to fertilize all crops.

Poultry manure can be purchased in granules, it has a positive effect on crop yields

– bird waste. Suitable for any type of soil and has a colossal concentration of substances necessary for good productivity. This type of fertilizer is more endowed beneficial properties than animal manure. Therefore, it needs to be added to the soil in smaller quantities.

Peat– compressed and rotted remains of animals and plants, maximally saturated with nitrogen. Used to enrich soils and fertilize plants. Peat is often used to prepare compotes or loosening material. Peat is added to the soil during spring digging.

Peat is best used in combination with other fertilizers, it enhances their effect on plants