Phosphorus for plants: meaning, what fertilizers contain and application

Mineral and organic fertilizers are necessary for crops to develop fully, and it will not be possible to harvest a rich harvest without the use of top dressings. Among the minerals, one of the most important for fruit plants is phosphorus, which is necessarily included in the composition of complex fertilizers along with potassium and nitrogen. Before using this element, it is important to understand in what concentration it is necessary for crops and at what time it is better to apply it.

What are phosphates and their role in plant nutrition

Phosphorus is one of the main minerals necessary for cultivated and ornamental plants for full development. This element takes part in many metabolic processes occurring in plants, therefore it is of great importance.

If there is a lack of phosphorus in the soil, crops are noticeably behind in development, the shade of leaf plates and stems changes to purple, and fruit ripening is delayed. In addition, the deficiency of the nutrient component negatively affects the state of the root system and the protective functions of plants, they begin to get sick more often and become vulnerable to adverse weather conditions.

Despite the fact that the element is not part of carbohydrates and fats, their formation without phosphorus is impossible. Thanks to the participation of phosphates, which are found in chloroplasts, the process of converting carbon dioxide into carbonic acid anions, which are considered the main building component of organic compounds, starts. In the arable layer, the main part of phosphorus is in a hard-to-digest form, therefore it does not get to the plants, which means that the nutrient element must be applied in the form of phosphorus-containing fertilizers in order to fill the crops' need for this substance.

When is phosphate fertilizer used?

Most of all cultivated plants need the mineral in the early stages of their growth and development. If in the first 2 weeks after germination the seedlings experienced a deficiency of phosphorus, then later it will not be possible to correct violations in the development of crops, and this will affect the formation of fruits and yields.

Another growing season when plants need phosphate fertilizers is bud formation and fruit set. The element not only contributes to an increase in the size of fruits and berries, but also increases their sugar content. However, phosphorus is used not only in spring, but also in autumn, it is applied for digging the soil for the winter. In this case, they take granules, not a liquid form of top dressing.

What fertilizers contain phosphorus

Phosphorus supplements are produced by manufacturers in various forms and types. They are both monocomponent and are part of complex fertilizers. Gardeners most often prefer the following types:

1. Simple superphosphate. The concentration of the element in this form ranges from 16 to 20 percent. In addition to phosphorus, sulfur, calcium and magnesium are present in the fertilizer. Top dressing goes on sale in the form of granules and powder packaged in plastic bags. This type of fertilizer is highly soluble in water and is used both in open ground and in greenhouses. Suitable top dressing for almost all cultivated plants.
2. Double superphosphate. A concentrated type of fertilizer, in which the phosphorus content is about 46%, is also highly soluble in water. In small concentrations, it contains iron and aluminum phosphates, as well as calcium. Preparative form - granules, used on all types of soil, both in spring and autumn.
3. Ammophoska. Nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer intended for feeding plants mainly in the spring. It is used both in the open, and in the protected ground. The concentration of phosphorus in the preparation is 15%.In addition to it, the composition includes nitrogen, sulfur and potassium. The use of this type of fertilizer is especially effective on clay and sandy soils. Ammofoska is suitable for nourishing both fruit and ornamental crops.
4. Phosphorite flour. This fertilizer has a prolonged action and is applied when digging the site. Phosphorus, which is in flour, gradually saturates the soil, so you should not expect an instant effect. The preparation contains about 30% phosphorus and 40% calcium. The granules are poorly soluble in water, so they are applied dry.
5. Nitroammophoska. The concentration of phosphorus in the fertilizer is 16%, in addition to it, potassium and nitrogen are in the composition, therefore, in the autumn, top dressing is used with caution so as not to provoke an increased growth of the green mass of plants. They use nitroammophoska for almost all fruit and ornamental crops.

When applying fertilizers based on phosphorus, it is necessary to adhere to the dosage recommended by the manufacturer.

Handmade

In self-made fertilizer, the concentration of phosphorus is low, but it is natural, does not harm human he alth and does not accumulate in the soil. For the preparation of compost, organic matter is used, which includes pumpkin seeds, fish and meat, cornmeal and legume waste. These components are put into the compost pit, when they are completely overdone, fertilizer is used to feed the plants.

Instructions for use

In the instructions that come with each commercial fertilizer, the application rates are indicated, which depend on the method of application.

The following dosages are followed:

1. Simple superphosphate. Take 40-50 grams of fertilizer per square meter of the garden when digging the soil. For watering under the root, use from 15 to 20 grams of top dressing per square plantings.
2. Double superphosphate. Use in spring or autumn, when they dig up the ground on the site. For a square meter of garden, you will need from 20 to 30 grams of top dressing.
3. Phosphorite flour. It is applied only when digging the soil in a concentration of 30 to 40 grams per square garden.
4. Ammophoska. When planting seedlings of fruit crops in open ground, 2 grams of fertilizer is added to each well. For foliar feeding use 20 grams per 10 liters of water.
5. Nitroammophoska. Used for both root and foliar plant nutrition, at a concentration of 30 grams per 10-liter bucket of water.

Safety precautions

When working with a chemical, observe elementary safety requirements by wearing protective clothing, gloves and a respirator. At the end of the treatment, be sure to take a shower.

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