Liquid fertilizer: names, application. Plant growth promoters

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

One of the most effective ways to stimulate the growth of cultivated plants is the use of mineral fertilizers. This group is represented on the market of agrotechnical products in several forms of delivery. Granular products are considered the most convenient and popular, but liquid products also show a very noticeable result. The fact is that the division according to the forms of delivery and methods of application is determined not only by the requirements for the conditions for the direct use of the product. As a rule, liquid mineral fertilizers have structural features of the active substance that make it possible to apply this method to the soil. Along with this, the distinctive consumer qualities of fertilizers of this type are determined.

Overview of Liquid Fertilizers

A class of liquid fertilizer based on a mineral base and available in a variety of formulations. At the same time, all representatives of this group differ in the content of ammonia and nitrogen in various quantities. The most common fertilizer of this type is ammonium carbide mixture (AMM), but ammonia solutions, growth regulators, complex additives and ammonium sulfate are also found. Application practice shows that ammonia-based productsare characterized by mobility in the soil, long-term action and, most importantly, do not give off harmful fumes. As for the effect that these fertilizers provide, first of all it is worth talking about the restorative function, growth stimulation and supply of nutrients. It is noteworthy that such additives, not only in form, but also in the nature of the action, are similar to ordinary water, only in an enhanced version.

Forms of nitrogen in liquid fertilizer group

There are three main forms of nitrogen that are used in different types of liquid supplements. First of all, these are nitrate components, which contain liquid fertilizer based on lime-ammonium nitrate. The advantages of such nutrition include the rapid achievement of results and mobility in the fertile reservoir. Also, this kind of nitrogen-based fertilizer elements is easily washed out with excessive moisture, which is not always beneficial. The next form is represented by ammonium nitrogen. Such applications are easily absorbed by plants, however, due to adsorption in the soil structure, the duration of their action is reduced.

Third, the amide form cannot be applied in the traditional way through the root system. In this case, leaf nutrition is used, and in the process of development, the substance first passes into the ammonium form, and then into the nitrate form. By the way, UAN fertilizer is the only one in its class that can include all the listed nitrogen forms.

Features of the carbamide-ammonia mixture

This fertilizer has many features that have a beneficial effect on the practice of its application. In the process of interaction with microorganisms, CAS is able to take the optimal form, which is suitable for absorption by a particular plant. That is, regardless of the set of nitrogen components with which the carbamide-ammonia mixture is used, one can count on the successful supply of the crop with the necessary nutrition. At the same time, it must be understood that UAN is a liquid fertilizer that acts as an auxiliary tool to support plant development. In any case, this is how agronomists-technologists view it, in the context of its use in highly efficient agricultural production.

Characteristics of liquid ammonia fertilizers

Ammonia supplements in liquid form have a high nitrogen content. As already noted, this element can be presented in several forms, but its concentration in any case will be higher than in other fertilizers. In particular, the nitrogen content in anhydrous ammonia is 82%. As for ammonia water, this coefficient is only 24%. Also, UAN fertilizer is characterized by a pungent odor, which is just caused by ammonia vapor. The mass and concentration of a substance in practice is calculated based on its pressure and temperature. At the same time, regardless of the form, the ammonia additive dissolves well in water.

In the process of transportation and handling of fertilizers, it is desirable to provide for the tendency of the substance to weathering. This feature explains the loss of nitrogen components during transportation. In addition, measures should be taken to protect non-ferrous metals interacting with the elements of the mixture. The fact is that ammonia-based liquid fertilizer provokes the development of corrosion, although this does not apply to aluminum.

Humate fertilizers

Agricultural technologists have long been developing the concept of soil nutrition from their own resources with a balanced reinforcement of the biomass remaining from plants. The fruit of the development of this direction was the isolation of humic acid from the soil, which was converted into sodium s alt. On the market today, this additive is represented by the Gumat fertilizer, which stimulates the growth of crops. Another important function of this supplement is protection against all kinds of poisons and heavy metals.

At the same time, experts noted the features of the interaction of decomposition products with water. The increased efficiency of the substance is observed only in conditions of optimal soil moisture. Taking into account this feature, the liquid fertilizer "Gumat" on a potassium basis was developed. This component is produced by processing peat by extracting active enzymes from its composition. Among them, the same nitrogen, phosphorus and other trace elements can be noted. This kind of liquid fertilizer is mainly used for soaking seeds, seedlings and other planting materials.

Application Rates

Liquid additives, in addition to their direct effects on vegetation,favorably differ also a possibility of uniform distribution on the working area. In the process of spring top dressing for winter crops, it is recommended to apply about 35–40 kg of fertilizer per 1 ha. This applies to the first top dressing, but in the future, the active substance should be diluted with water 1: 2 and no more than 30 kg should be applied to the same area. For spring crops, the optimal rate rises to 80 kg per 1 ha based on presowing treatment. Each subsequent fertilization procedure should already consume 20 kg. For vegetable crops, the application of liquid fertilizers depends on the specific type of plant. For example, potatoes are supplied according to the scheme of 60 kg per 1 ha. Houseplants are also suitable for this type of nutrition, but each variety has its own individual dosage requirements. The compositions should be used in the evening or in cloudy weather - following this recommendation will eliminate the risk of burns.

Trade names of liquid fertilizers

The market for liquid plant supplements is highly segmented, although there are many generic products. Especially for indoor plants and, in particular, for flowers, it is worth recommending the products of the Flower Paradise brand, intended for decorative leafy plants. If we consider liquid complex fertilizers, then the Ideal line will come to the fore. The composition of such products includes macro- and microelements, including nitrogen, and in nitrate and ammonium forms. Also, some modifications contain humic acids. Fertilizers "Rainbow", presented in liquid forms, also belong to the universal ones.both for feeding indoor vegetation and for field crops.

Which soils use liquid fertilizer?

The advantages of this kind of additives include undemanding to the conditions of use. That is, on any soil, fertilizer will provide an effective effect, whether it is nutrition through the leaves or the root system. But, of course, the highest rates of growth and recovery of additives are demonstrated under conditions of cultivated and humus-rich soils. If liquid fertilizer is used for seedlings, then one should initially focus on complex additives with the inclusion of humic acid. In this combination, the nutrient base will ensure rapid growth and root he alth.

Conclusion

Ammonia fertilizers in liquid form have many advantages, including ease of application, high penetration, relatively low cost and fast results. Largely due to these qualities, supplements are in demand in the professional niche. But ordinary farmers are not so willing to use liquid growth regulators, since they also have serious drawbacks that cannot always be overcome. In particular, the creation of special conditions is required for the storage and transportation of such fertilizers. The process of introducing some mixtures of this group is not complete without the connection of special equipment. Many private agronomists are also disappointed in this way of feeding, seeing the negative factors of chemical effects on plants due to violations in dosages.