Mineral fertilizers

Mineral or manufactured fertilizers are produced by the fertilizer industry. A wide range of products, supplying one or more essential mineral nutrients are available to farmers. Each fertilizer product has its advantages and shortcomings, which depends on the local argo-ecological and economic conditions in which they are used.

Manufactured fertilizers are classified according to different criteria as follows:

Number of nutrients

• Single-nutrient or straight fertilizer (whether for macro or micronutrients);
• Multi-nutrient/ compound (multiple nutrients) fertilizers with 2, 3 or more nutrients.

Type of Combination

• Mixed fertilizers or "bulk-blends" are physical mixtures of two or more single-nutrient or multi-nutrient fertilizers.

Physical condition

• solid (cystralling, powdered, prilled or granuals) of various size ranges;
• liquid (solutions and suspensions);
• gaseous (liquid under pressures, e.g. ammonia).

Nutrient release

• quick acting (water-soluble and immediately available);
• slow-acting (transformation into sobulble form required, e.g. direct application of phosphate rock);
• controlled- release by coating;
• stabilized by inhibitors.

With Regards

Joseph Mareddy

Assistant Managing Editor

Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Physiology

WhatsApp: +3225889658