Compound or Straight Fertiliser – Which is Best? (2024)

FAQs

Compound or Straight Fertiliser – Which is Best? ›

Compound fertilisers are ideal for general feeding purposes and will usually be applied several times through the year to help keep plants healthy and productive. These contain only one main nutrient, although they may sometimes contain small quantities of other nutrients that help plants use the main one.

Potassium nitrate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, etc., are the different examples of potash chemical fertilizers. Other types of fertilizer are called compound fertilizers which contain N, P, and K and are obtained by the mixing of straight fertilizers.

The advantage of a straight fertilizer is the low price compared to other fertilizers in the market. We offer several types of straight fertilizers contributing one of the 3 main nutrients to the crops, which are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) or mostly known as NPK.

The best fertilizer for plants largely depends on their specific needs. Generally, a balanced fertilizer containing equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) can provide essential nutrients for overall growth. However, it's crucial to consider factors such as soil type, plant species, and stage of growth.

They supplement naturally available nutrients in the soil and also provide additional nutrients that are required for specific types of crops. A distinct advantage of compounded NPK fertilizers is that they can be formulated based on the type of crop and soil.

For this reason, fertilizers containing slow release nitrogen work best for most plantings, especially in sandy soils. Slow release fertilizers include synthetic time release fertilizers such as Osmocote, which have been coated so their nutrients release over an extended time, usually three to four months.

"Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the primary macronutrients your plant needs," says Marino. "Fertilizers with higher ratios are more concentrated than those with lower ratios, so if you see high numbers, you'll want to dilute with more water before fertilizing your plants."

Nitrogen-Based Fertilizers

Nitrogen is a primary component of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis. It plays a vital role in the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids, which are essential for plant growth and development.

Foliar Application

This method involves spraying fertilizers directly onto the leaves of plants. It provides quick nutrient absorption through the leaf surface, making it ideal for addressing specific nutrient deficiencies promptly.

The straight N fertilizers used in Zimbabwe are ammonium nitrate (AN), urea, sodium nitrate, ammonium sulphate (AS) and calcium nitrate. The straight phosphate fertilizers are single, double and triple phosphates. The potash fertilizers are potassium chloride (KCl) and potassium sulphate (SOP - K₂SO₄).

What fertilizer do most farmers use? ›

The three major types of commercial fertilizer used in the U.S. are nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. Nitrogen (N) is found primarily in an organic form in soils but can also occur as nitrate.

Add home-made garden compost, bagged compost or well-rotted manure. As a rule, add a minimum 5cm layer of organic matter over the surface before digging or forking it in. These organic fertilisers are more beneficial to soil bacteria than inorganic compounds.

What type of fertilizer lasts the longest? Most granular fertilizers have an impressive shelf life and they tend to last longer than liquid fertilizers. Lawn fertilizers and fertilizers that contain microbial inoculants have the shortest shelf lives and they may need to be used up by the end of the growing season.

Because of this, growers should consider applying a compound fertilizer early in the growing season and then later add N as needed. Manufacturers often produce compound fertilizers regionally to meet local crop needs. They typically adjust a wide range of chemical and physical properties to meet those needs.

Compound fertilizers can be applied through broadcasting, side-dressing, or incorporation into the soil. They are suitable for various crops and agricultural practices, providing flexibility and convenience in nutrient management.

Biota NPK 5-2-5 High Organic is unique because it is the highest concentration liquid organic multinutrient fertilizer on the market.

Straight fertilizers: Straight fertilizers are those which supply only one primary plant nutrient, namely nitrogen or phosphorus or potassium. eg. Urea, ammonium sulphate, potassium chloride and potassium sulphate.

Different types of plant fertilizers are accessible to farmers, but the two most common are organic and inorganic. Nutrients in organic products are gradually released while the substance decomposes over time, while artificially synthesized inorganic products allow for the rapid uptake of nutrients by plants.

Spraying your plants with liquid fertilizer is known as “foliar feeding” and it is the quickest way to get nutrition your plants. Plants absorb moisture and nutrients through their foliage, so regular foliar feedings can greatly increase the growth and production of your plants.

The fertilizer industry converts raw materials into three main types of fertilizers: nitrogen (ammonia), phosphorus, and potassium. These various applications call for chemical processes with precise control and accurate monitoring of temperature, pressure, level, and flow.