There are 16 essential nutrients required for plant growth. While carbon dioxide and oxygen are absorbed from the air, the rest must be supplied through fertilizers to ensure healthy crop development. Based on the crops’ nutrient needs, fertilizers are categorized into three main groups: macronutrients, secondary nutrients, and micronutrients.
Macronutrients include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These are the most commonly used fertilizers in agriculture. Common nitrogen fertilizers are urea, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, ammonia, and lime nitrogen. Among these, calcium nitrate serves both as a nitrogen and calcium source. Phosphorus fertilizers include superphosphate, triple superphosphate, calcium magnesium phosphate, rock phosphate, steel slag phosphate, defluorinated phosphate, and bone meal. Although these are still considered phosphorus sources, their usage has significantly decreased in modern farming. Potassium fertilizers mainly consist of potassium sulfate, potassium chloride, salt lake potash, and wood ash potash. Potassium sulfate and chloride are relatively pure, while salt lake potash is primarily produced in Qinghai, China. Wood ash potash contains a complex mixture of elements and is increasingly used in the market.
Secondary nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are also important for plant growth. Trace elements like zinc, boron, manganese, molybdenum, iron, and copper are required in smaller quantities but are crucial for plant health. Common trace element fertilizers include zinc sulfate, borax, manganese sulfate, ammonium molybdate, copper sulfate, and ferrous sulfate, as well as some organic iron compounds.
In recent years, compound fertilizers have become more popular. These fertilizers contain two or more of the primary nutrients—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—combined in one product. They can be manufactured using different methods and are divided into straight and compound fertilizers. The most common example is diammonium phosphate, along with other combinations like ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, and potassium nitrate. The nutrient ratios in compound fertilizers can be adjusted to meet specific crop and soil requirements.
Mixed fertilizers are another type, made by blending simple fertilizers according to the needs of the crop and soil. These are often prepared mechanically and sold as special fertilizers in the market. In addition, liquid and foliar fertilizers are widely promoted today. These products often include not only essential nutrients but also amino acids and other organic components, which help improve both yield and quality of crops. As agricultural research advances, the use of these advanced fertilizer formulations continues to grow.
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