What are the forms and application methods of water-soluble fertilizers?
Water-soluble fertilizers are usually in granular or powder form. They are applied as a solution after being dissolved in water, allowing them to be directly absorbed and utilized by plant roots. They can be applied directly to the leaves or roots of plants through drip irrigation or spray systems.
How long does water-soluble fertilizer work?
Water-soluble fertilizers release nutrients quickly but have a short duration of action, requiring frequent replenishment.
What kind of fertilizer should be used for alkaline soil?
It is best to apply acid fertilizers or physiologically acid fertilizers such as calcium superphosphate and ammonium sulfate.
What kind of fertilizer should be used for acidic soil?
It is best to apply alkaline fertilizers or physiologically alkaline fertilizers such as ammonia water, ammonium bicarbonate, and calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer.
Can acidic fertilizers and alkaline fertilizers be mixed together?
No, they cannot. Direct mixing of acidic fertilizers and alkaline fertilizers will trigger chemical reactions. This not only causes nutrient loss but may also generate toxic substances that burn crop roots. Apply acidic fertilizers and alkaline fertilizers with an interval of at least 5–7 days. If the soil is acidic, you can apply alkaline fertilizers first to adjust the pH value; if the soil is alkaline, apply acidic fertilizers first for improvement.
What is the relationship between clay and fertilization techniques?
Clay has a strong ability to retain fertilizer, so even if a large amount of fertilizer is applied to clay soil farmland at once, it will not be lost.
How should sandy soil be fertilized?
Sandy soil has poor fertilizer retention capacity and weak fertilizer absorption capacity, making it easy for fertilizer to be washed away or seep into the soil with water. Therefore, it is recommended to apply fertilizer in stages and increase the frequency of fertilization for sandy soil. Additionally, for paddy fields with leakage, a "small, frequent applications" fertilization method should also be adopted.
What are the differences between potassium sulfate-type and potassium chloride-type compound fertilizers?
Potassium sulfate type: Suitable for chlorine-sensitive crops such as tobacco, tea, potatoes, sweet potatoes, sugar beets, sugarcane, watermelons, strawberries, apples, pears, and citrus, as well as saline-alkali land and greenhouse cultivation.
Potassium chloride type: Suitable for chlorine-loving crops such as cotton, rice, and kiwifruit, as well as paddy fields.
Why is potassium sulfate more expensive than potassium chloride?
Potassium sulfate has higher production costs, advantages in specific crop applications, and relatively lower global production. The basic raw material, potassium chloride, requires a dechlorination process to convert it into potassium sulfate, hence the higher price of potassium sulfate-based compound fertilizers compared to potassium chloride-based compound fertilizers.
What is the understanding of sulfur-based and chloride-based fertilizers?
Fertilizers with a chloride ion content of less than 3% are sulfur-based; those with a chloride ion content of 3%–15% are low-chloride; those with 15%–30% are medium-chloride; and those with more than 30% are high-chloride.
How to correctly apply micronutrient fertilizers?
Boron fertilizer: Before application, dissolve borax in hot water, then dilute with cold water to the required concentration (0.1%-0.25% is commonly used for foliar spraying). This ensures the borax is fully dissolved and improves absorption and utilization.
Zinc fertilizer: Do not mix with phosphate fertilizer, as zinc and phosphorus have an antagonistic effect; they should be applied separately.
Iron fertilizer: Can be applied by foliar spraying (0.2%-1% ferrous sulfate), root application (mixed with organic fertilizer at a ratio of 1:10-20), or high-pressure injection (injecting a 0.3%-0.5% ferrous sulfate solution directly into the xylem of the tree trunk).
Micronutrient fertilizers are used in small quantities; strictly follow the recommended dosage to avoid over-application, which could cause environmental pollution or fertilizer burn. Avoid foliar spraying during high temperatures, strong winds, or rainy weather.
How to properly store fertilizer?
Fertilizer should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, avoiding mixing with alkaline substances.
Special Note:
Ammonium nitrate should not be subjected to strong impacts to prevent thermal decomposition.
Ammonium bicarbonate should be covered with soil immediately after application to prevent thermal decomposition.
