Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium: types and rules for the use of complex fertilizers

Growing rich crops without the use of fertilizers is quite difficult, especially if the soil is poor. Gardeners use both organic and mineral fertilizers to promote plant he alth and increase fruit production. However, it must be remembered that phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen are introduced at different stages of the growing season of crops, if these terms are not observed, there will be no benefit for the plants. Minerals can be used both individually and in combination.

Which fertilizers are considered phosphorus-potassium?

Mineral fats, in which both elements are simultaneously present, are called phosphorus-potassium.The full growth and abundant fruiting of cultivated plants directly depend on the presence of these elements in the soil. A mineral such as nitrogen is used at the stage of planting seedlings in the ground or seed germination. Potassium-phosphorus fats are necessary for plants at the stage of budding, fruit formation. Each element has its own purpose, so it is recommended to adhere to the indicated terms of their introduction into the soil, so as not to harm the crops and get the desired result.

In addition, the use of one or another mineral depends on the composition of the soil in each particular area and on the cultivated plants that are planned to be grown.

Types and classification

Classification of mineral fertilizing of cultivated plants is carried out according to several criteria:

1. In composition. On sale there are both mono-options, which include only one element, and complex ones, which include two or three components.
2. According to the preparative form. Available in horticultural stores for crop nutrition in the form of crystals, granules or powder.
3. According to the speed of impact. This parameter takes into account how quickly the fertilizer gives nutrients to the soil and the plant. Allocate fast-acting options and long-acting top dressing.
4. According to the degree of solubility in water. Some fertilizers dissolve quickly in water, while others do not dissolve at all.

The phosphorus group of dressings includes the following options: thermophosphates, simple and double superphosphate, precipitate and products based on bone and phosphate rock. Such preparations are used both in the form of self-feeding, and in combination with other minerals.

The potassium group includes the following products: potassium sulfate and potassium chloride, potassium s alt, products based on potassium carbonate and potash, kainite, fertilizers based on potassium-magnesium sulfate or potassium magnesia.The main advantage of potash supplements is that they are perfectly soluble in water.

The only caveat that applies to drugs in this group is that they should not be used for crops that are hypersensitive to chlorine.

With a group of nitrogen fertilizers, you need to be careful, since an excess of an element in the soil is just as harmful to plants as a shortage. The list of the most popular preparations with nitrogen includes: ammonium nitrate, urea, calcium nitrate, ammonium sulfate and sodium nitrate. Vegetable, fruit and berry and ornamental crops need this element the most.

Properties of nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizers

Complex fertilizer, consisting of three elements, has the following properties:

• contributes to the strengthening of seedlings of cultivated plants after their planting in open ground;
• extends the shelf life of the harvested crop in cellars and cellars;
• helps maintain soil fertility;
• increases the amount of harvested.

Feeding does not have a negative effect on the human body when it consumes fruits fertilized with these elements.

Rules of application

In order to get the benefits declared by the manufacturer from complex fertilizer, it is necessary to correctly calculate the dosage and choose the right time for use.

As an example, the rules for the use of some drugs, which include phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium:

1. Nitroammophoska. The timing of fertilizer application depends on the type of soil - for light soils this is the spring period, and for heavy clay soils - autumn. The amount of top dressing varies from 10 to 30 grams per square meter, depending on the cultivated plant.
2. Nitrophoska. Potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus in this fertilizer are in equal proportions. It is used to improve the quality of acidic soils and pre-sowing application. For vegetable crops, 30 grams per sq. meter, for fruit trees - up to 500 grams of the drug per seedling.
3. Diammofoska. In the composition, in addition to the standard trio of elements, there are iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium and sulfur. From 15 to 50 grams of fertilizer are used per square meter of planting, depending on the cultivated plant. Pellets are used either before planting seedlings in open ground, or after harvesting.

Signs of lack of elements in the soil

Determine the lack of one or another element in the soil will help the appearance of the cultivated plant:

1. Phosphorus. The leaves become dull, red-brown or purple spots form on them. Flowers and fruits are poorly tied on the plant.
2. Nitrogen. The foliage becomes smaller, acquires a yellow tint, and subsequently falls off. The fruits fall off the bushes and trees, not having time to fully grow and ripen.
3. Potassium. With a lack of potassium, platinum leaves turn pale and acquire a bluish tint, their edges twist, the stems become thin, the plant lags behind in growth.

Storage conditions and expiration date

All chemicals, which include complex fertilizers, are stored indoors, where the sun's rays do not penetrate, children and pets do not have access. On the packaging with a specific top dressing, the manufacturer indicates the expiration date, as a rule, it does not exceed 3 years from the date of production.

How to choose?

When choosing a specific fertilizer for your site, pay attention to the quality of the soil in the beds and the cultivated plants that grow in the garden.

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