Summary on Fertilizers (Natural and Artificial)

 

Formula: (NH4)2SO4 (Inorganic compound) (almost colorless, resembles sugar in appearance).

 

Composition: 21% by weight of nitrogen in the form of ammonium ions and 24% of sulfur in the form of sulfate ions. Ammonium sulfate naturally occurs as a rare mineral, mascagnite, in volcanic fumaroles and as a result of coal burning.

 

Main Use: Base and top dressing for crops most demanding in sulfur and for rice.

Composition: It is the product of the reaction between ammonia and sulfuric acid, containing at least 20.5% nitrogen (N).

Characteristics: All nitrogen in ammoniacal form. A fertilizer very rich in sulfur.

Density: 1.0 (0.9 to 1.1)

Action: Long-lasting. Moderate risk of leaching and volatilization.

Presentation: White or gray crystals.

Technical Characteristics
Fertilizer Nitrogen (N) Sulfur (SO3)
Ammonium Sulfate 20.5% 60%

 

Important.

Ammonium Sulfate is highly soluble. Some manufacturers and merchants mix it into NPK, which can make it difficult to apply via irrigation.

Action: Stimulates vegetative development, meaning the formation of roots, branches, and leaves. It is a component of amino acids that give rise to proteins and is responsible for the green color of plants due to chlorophyll.

 

The great advantage of Ammonium Sulfate over Urea is that it is not as volatile and stays in the soil longer.

 

Good to know: It is estimated that 70% of Brazilian soils are deficient in sulfur. Furthermore, in recent decades, increased agricultural productivity combined with the use of fertilizers that do not contain sulfur has led to deficiencies of this nutrient in many crops. This requires farmers to include a sulfur-containing fertilizer in their fertilization programs. Sulf-N Ammonium Sulfate contains 24% sulfur in sulfate form, which is readily absorbed by plants. See the table below for the benefits of using sulfur in various crops. (source: honeywell)

 

 

 

Potassium nitrate is a nitrogen fertilizer, extracted in the Atacama Desert, in northern Chile,

 

Chemical Characteristics:
Nitrogen* N 15.00%
Potassium K20 14.00%
Sodium** Na 18.00%
Sulfur S 0.25%
Magnesium Mg 0.25%
Boron B 0.05%
Copper Cu Trace
Molybdenum Mo Trace
Iodine I Trace
*N – Total Nitric **C – Acidity Corrector

 Known for having potassium free of chlorine, The Sodium in POTASSIUM SALTPETER is in the form of SODIUM NITRATE (NaN03) and not Potassium Chloride (KC01).

 

It is a widely advertised product, however, it is necessary to consider its cost/benefit by comparing it with other fertilizers, as the product imported from Chile has a much higher price than other fertilizers with a similar rate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main Use: Base fertilization for all crops and in situations of potassium deficiency.

 

It is not recommended for crops that are affected by chlorides or salts, especially protected crops. It is very important to state that chlorine is an important nutrient for plants, being essential for transpiration and participating in photosynthesis. However, it is more common to have an excess of chlorine than a deficiency. A symptom of excess chlorine is yellowing leaf tips.

 

What is a protected crop?

Answer: It is cultivation in a limited space, such as greenhouses or plots with little or no rotation.

 

Composition: It is the product of the purification of crude potassium chloride salts, containing 60% potassium (K2O).

Characteristics: All potassium soluble in water. A fertilizer rich in chlorine.

Density: 1.0 (0.9 to 1.1).

Action: Rapid. Risk of leaching in light-textured soils.

Presentation: Pink or brownish crystals or granules. (high water solubility)

 Important: Potassium Chloride is a foliar fertilizer in salt form with a very high solubility content. It is the main source of soluble Potassium, necessary for the best development of the plant. With Potassium Chloride, you can supplement the root fertilization of plants and provide their nutrition with safety and quality.

 

The http://www.agraria.net.br/ website offers a usage suggestion table, see:

 

(BAD EXAMPLE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO MAKE ONLY 01 LITER)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synthetic organic compound, formula NH2CONH2, containing 46% nitrogen (N).

Main Use: Base, top dressing, and foliar fertilization. Its application is not recommended in alkaline and/or sandy soils.

Characteristics: All nitrogen in urea form. Biuret content below 1%.

Density: 0.7 (0.6 to 0.8).

Action: The faster the higher the soil temperature and humidity. High risk of volatilization.

Presentation: White pearls (prilled) or granulated.

 

 

 

Origin: OJSC AMMOPHOS / CHEREPOVETS / RUSSIA

Function: Phosphorus Source

Composition: MAP 12-52-00

Action: Positively influences plant robustness, rooting, and disease resistance, in addition to being the nutrient responsible for the reaction that promotes respiration and photosynthesis, essential for plants to acquire energy. It is also part of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), responsible for the transmission of hereditary traits, also aiding in flowering, fruiting, and the development of the plant's root system.

 

 

.Substance: DIAMMONIUM PHOSPHATE (DAP) ((NH4)2HPO4).
Common chemical name or generic name: DIAMMONIUM PHOSPHATE (DAP) ((NH4)2HPO4).
Synonym: DIBASIC AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE ((NH4)2HPO4).
Chemical Abstract Service (CAS No.): 7783-28-0
Ingredients contributing to hazard: ((NH4)2HPO4).

 

The main use of DAP is as a fertilizer. When applied as a nutrient for plants, it temporarily increases soil pH, but over time, the treated soil becomes more acidic than before due to the nitrification of ammonium. It is incompatible with alkaline chemicals because the ammonium ion is converted to ammonia in a high pH environment. The typical formulation of this fertilizer is 18-46-0 (18% N, 46% P2O5, 0% K2O).

 

DAP can be used as a fire retardant. The combustion temperature of the material is reduced, decreasing the rates of maximum weight loss, and causing an increase in char or residue production. These effects are important in combating forest fires as they reduce pyrolysis temperature. It is the main component of some popular commercial firefighting products.

DAP is also used as a nutrient source for winemaking, mead, and beer; as an additive in certain cigarette brands supposedly as a nicotine enhancer; as a soldering flux for tin, copper, zinc, and brass; and to control the precipitation of colloidal soluble and alkaline-acid insoluble dyes in wool.

 

It is a compound of 18% P2O5, 16% Calcium (Ca), and 8% Sulfur (S). It is a product of high agronomic efficiency, mainly due to the presence of Sulfur, which is deficient in Brazilian soils in general, especially in the Cerrado.

 .

 

 

Granules coated with three polymer layers

Origin: YUNNAN HONGXIANG CHEM. CO. / KUNMING / CHINA

Function: Phosphorus Source

Composition: 46% P2O5

Action: Positively influences plant robustness, rooting, and disease resistance, in addition to being the nutrient responsible for the reaction that promotes respiration and photosynthesis, essential for plants to acquire energy. It is also part of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), responsible for the transmission of hereditary traits, also aiding in flowering, fruiting, and the development of the plant's root system.

 

.

 

Ammonium Phosphate 18-46-0

 

Main Use: Raw material for fertilizer formulation and base fertilization of cereals.

Composition: Fertilizer containing only ammoniacal nitrogen and water-soluble phosphorus, without any other nutrients, containing 18% nitrogen (N) and 46% phosphorus (P2O5).

Density: 1.0 (0.9 to 1.1).

Action: Rapid.

Presentation: Granulated.

Technical Characteristics
Fertilizer Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P2O5)
DAP 18-46-0 18% 46%

 

Nitromagnesite

Main Use: Top dressing for all crops. Especially recommended for crops more demanding in magnesium.

Composition: Homogeneous and stable mixture of ammonium nitrate, calcium carbonate, and magnesium.

Characteristics: Half nitric nitrogen and half ammoniacal. A fertilizer rich in calcium and magnesium.

Density: 1.0 (0.9 to 1.1).

Action: Simultaneous rapid and long-lasting. Moderate risk of leaching.

Presentation: White or gray granules.

Technical Characteristics
Fertilizer | Nitrogen (N) | Calcium* (CaO) | Magnesium (MgO), respectively 27 | 27% | 3.5% | 3.5% *Water-soluble

 

Calcium Nitrate

Main Use: Top dressing for all crops. Especially recommended for crops more demanding in calcium and for combating deficiencies of this nutrient – blossom end rot in tomatoes and bitter pit in apples.

Composition: Double salt of calcium nitrate and ammonium nitrate, containing 15.5% nitrogen (N).

Characteristics: All nitrogen in nitric form. A fertilizer very rich in calcium.

Density: 1.1 (1.0 to 1.2).

Action: Very rapid. High risk of leaching.

Presentation: White or light brown granules.

Technical Characteristics
Fertilizer Calcium Nitrate Technical Nitrogen (N)15.5% Calcium* (CaO)27%

*Water-soluble

 

 

What about NPK?

 

NPK is a well-known acronym, and it designates the ratio of the three main nutrients for plants (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), also called macronutrients.

So when you read NPK 20-05-10 (as an example), it means that the fertilizer has 20% nitrogen, 5% phosphorus, and 10% potassium.

 

There is a wide variety of combinations on the market, precisely so that you can seek the balance for each soil.

 

CURIOSITY (source Embrapa): Average percentage of organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P2O5), and potassium (K2O) in the composition, based on dry matter, of organic fertilizers used in pepper production.

 

Organic Fertilizer	OM (%)	N (%)	P2O5 (%)	K2O (%)
Cattle manure	57	1.7	0.9	1.4
Horse manure	46	1.4	0.5	1.7
Swine manure	53	1.9	0.7	0.4
Sheep manure	65	1.4	1.0	2.0
Poultry manure	50	3.0	3.0	2.0
Organic compost	31	1.4	1.4	0.8

 

 

Other fertilizers are used with trade names and may be commonly referred to as an NPK, for example:

 

Hortimax Cobertura (13-03-25)... Speaking of which, Hortimax is a common fertilizer in stores but almost unknown online. The following photo was taken by Sílvio de Souza Lôbo Júnior

 

 

If you have any questions, write to me, or share information here on the site. Thank you!

 

 Source:

 http://www.adp-fertilizantes.pt

http://www.utilfertil.com.br/

http://www.honeywell-pmt.com/sm/sulfn/brasil/sulfn-sulfato-sub/vantagens.html

http://www.agencia.cnptia.embrapa.br/gestor/pimenta/arvore/CONT000gn08zc7m02wx5ok0liq1mqw825isw.html

 

Fertilizers: A Comprehensive Overview

This article provides a detailed look at various types of fertilizers, both natural and artificial, covering their composition, uses, characteristics, and benefits for plant growth. Understanding these elements is crucial for optimizing agricultural practices and ensuring healthy crop development.

1. Ammonium Sulfate

Ammonium sulfate is an inorganic compound that serves as a vital source of nitrogen and sulfur for plants. Its composition of 21% nitrogen and 24% sulfur makes it particularly beneficial for sulfur-demanding crops like rice. Its dual role as a base and top dressing fertilizer, coupled with its lasting action and moderate risk of leaching, makes it a valuable choice. However, its high solubility can pose challenges for irrigation applications when mixed with NPK.

2. Chilean Saltpeter

Also known as potassium nitrate, Chilean saltpeter is a nitrogen fertilizer extracted from the Atacama Desert. It boasts a rich composition of nitrogen (15.00%) and potassium (14.00%), along with sodium, sulfur, magnesium, boron, copper, molybdenum, and iodine. Its unique characteristic of providing potassium free of chlorine is noteworthy. While widely recognized, its cost-effectiveness should be carefully evaluated against other fertilizer options.

3. Potassium Chloride

Potassium chloride is a primary source of potassium for base fertilization across all crops, especially where potassium deficiency is a concern. It's crucial to note that it's not recommended for crops sensitive to chlorides or salts, such as those grown in protected environments. Chlorine, while essential for plant processes like transpiration and photosynthesis, can be detrimental in excess, leading to symptoms like yellowing leaf tips. Potassium chloride is highly soluble and acts rapidly, but it carries a moderate risk of leaching in light-textured soils.

4. Urea

Urea is a synthetic organic compound containing 46% nitrogen. It is versatile, suitable for base, top dressing, and foliar fertilization. However, its application is cautioned against in alkaline and sandy soils due to a high risk of volatilization. The action of urea is faster at higher temperatures and humidity levels.

5. Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP)

MAP is a phosphorus-rich fertilizer, typically with a composition of 10% nitrogen and 46-50% P2O5. Its primary function is to supply phosphorus, which is vital for plant robustness, root development, and disease resistance. Phosphorus also plays a key role in energy acquisition through respiration and photosynthesis, and it is a component of DNA, essential for hereditary traits, flowering, and fruit development.

6. Diammonium Phosphate (DAP)

DAP, with a typical formulation of 18-46-0 (18% N, 46% P2O5), is primarily used as a fertilizer. It temporarily increases soil pH but can lead to increased acidity over time due to ammonium nitrification. DAP is incompatible with alkaline chemicals. Beyond its agricultural applications, DAP also serves as a fire retardant and is used in winemaking, mead, and beer production, among other industrial uses.

7. Single Superphosphate (SSP)

SSP provides 16-18% P2O5, 18-20% Calcium, and 8% Sulfur. Its high agronomic efficiency is attributed to the presence of sulfur, a nutrient often deficient in Brazilian soils.

8. Triple Superphosphate (TSP)

TSP is a concentrated phosphorus source, typically containing 41% P2O5 and 7-12% Calcium. Similar to MAP, it contributes to plant robustness, rooting, and disease resistance, and plays a role in energy acquisition and genetic transmission.

9. Thermodiphosphate

This fertilizer provides 18% P2O5, 9% Magnesium, 20% Calcium, and 25% SiO4. Its uses include being a raw material for fertilizer formulation and base fertilization of cereals.

10. Nitromagnesite

Nitromagnesite is a blend of ammonium nitrate, calcium carbonate, and magnesium, offering a balanced supply of nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium. It's suitable for top dressing all crops, especially those with high magnesium requirements. Its action is both rapid and long-lasting, with a moderate risk of leaching.

11. Calcium Nitrate

Calcium nitrate is ideal for top dressing, particularly for crops with high calcium demands or specific issues like blossom end rot in tomatoes and bitter pit in apples. It provides nitrogen in nitric form and is rich in calcium. Its action is very rapid, but it carries a high risk of leaching.

12. NPK Fertilizers

NPK refers to the ratio of the three primary macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). For example, NPK 20-05-10 indicates 20% nitrogen, 5% phosphorus, and 10% potassium. The wide variety of NPK combinations available allows for tailored fertilization programs to suit specific soil needs.

Organic Fertilizers

The article also includes a table detailing the average percentage of organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P2O5), and potassium (K2O) in common organic fertilizers used in pepper production, such as cattle manure, horse manure, swine manure, sheep manure, poultry manure, and organic compost. This highlights the nutrient content of natural alternatives.

Commercial Formulations

Finally, the article touches upon commercial fertilizer names like Hortimax Cobertura (13-03-25), demonstrating how trade names often represent specific NPK ratios and formulations.

For further inquiries or to share information, readers are encouraged to contact the author. The article concludes with a list of sources consulted.

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