TOPIC 2.

10: Fertilizer Industry

FERTILIZER- are additional substances supplied to the crops to increase their productivity. These are
used by the farmers daily to increase the crop yield.

IMPORTANCE OF FERTIZERS IN AGRICULTURE

1. Essential Plant Nutrients – Fertilizers provide essential nutrients like nitrogen,
phosphorous and potassium, which are crucial for plant growth and crop yield.
2. Increased Food Production – by replenishing soil nutrients, fertilizers enables farmers to
increase food production on existing land, contributing to food security.
3. Improved Crop Quality – Fertilizers can enhance crop quality, leading to better nutrition
and higher market value.
HISTORY OF FERTILIZER MANUFACTURING

• Early 1800 - The first modern fertilizer was created by German scientist Justus von Liebig in
1840. He developed a process to extract nitrogen from the air and combine it with phosphorus
and potassium to create a new fertilizer. This process was later adapted by the British, who
began to manufacture fertilizers on a large scale.
• Early 20th Century - Scientists were able to make fertilizer from ammonia, which could be
extracted from natural gas. This process was known as the Haber-Bosch process and allowed
for higher yields of fertilizer. Scientists also began to use chemical processes to create
synthetic fertilizers. These fertilizers were cheaper than traditional fertilizers and could be used
to increase crop yields.
• Late 20th Century - They developed processes to create more effective fertilizers with fewer
environmental impacts. These processes included the use of organic materials such as manure
and compost. Scientists also developed processes to create slow-release fertilizers, which
could be applied to the soil and slowly release nutrients over time.
• Fertilizer Manufacturing in Today’s Times - Today, fertilizer manufacturing is a highly
advanced process. Scientists have developed various methods to create fertilizer, from organic
materials to synthetic chemicals. Fertilizers are used in many industries, from agriculture to
landscaping. They are vital to ensuring that crops get the nutrients they need to grow and
thrive.

TYPES OF FERTILIZERS

The key parameters of different types of fertilizers used in agriculture are these nutrients and
how they are obtained.

1. Organic Fertilizers – often consist of a single component, making them easy to tailor to a
plant’s unique nutrient requirements. They are made from natural sources, such as animal
remains, waste and bedding or plant remains. Organic fertilizers contains nutrients that are
released slowly into the soil. They also add structure to the soil and encourage the healthy
growth of beneficial bacteria and fungi in the soil.
 • Plant-based – like compost, cottonseed meal, green manure
• Animal-based – examples are bone meal, blood meal, animal manure

2. Inorganic Fertilizers – also known as synthetic fertilizer are chemical substances

manufactured from natural-origin elements. Their main goal is to fulfill plant macronutrient
requirements.

• Nitrogen (N) Fertilizer Type– are especially useful in the middle phases of a
plant’s life cycle when plant needs the most support to keep growing and
leafing out.
• Phosphorus (P) Fertilizer Type – Phosphorus feeding, which serves to
reinforce roots and stems, is crucial at all stages of the plant’s growth cycle. It
also boosts reproductive success, including flowering, seed production, and
fruit set. Examples are superphosphate (SSP), triple superphosphate (TSP),
and others.
• Potassium (K) Fertilizer Type – Potassium-based fertilizer will promote robust
root development in your plants. This type of synthetic fertilizer can serve as a
buffer for your plants if they are deficient in other nutrients. They also helps
plants to maintain healthy photosynthesis and limits the spread of diseases.
Some examples are potassium chloride (KCl), potassium sulfate/sulfate of
potash (K2SO4) and potassium nitrate (KNO3).
• Compound (NPK) Fertilizer Type – fertilizers that contain varying levels of N,
P, K. Different types of NPK fertilizers used in agriculture are each typically
designed to fulfill the need of a particular crop grown in a particular soil type.
• Sulfur, Magnesium, and Calcium Fertilizer Types – secondary nutrients like
sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg), and Calcium (Ca) are rarely used separately but
rather mixed with essential-nutrient fertilizing products.
• Micronutrient Fertilizer Type – micronutrient type of fertilizer includes
nutrients crucial for plant growth but only needed in trace amounts: iron (Fe),
manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), boron (B), zinc (Zn). Chlorine (Cl), and
copper (Cu).
NUTRIENT FUNCTIONS IN PLANTS

Nutrients Role for Plants

Nitrogen (N) Protein formation
Phosphorus (P) Photosynthesis and other cellular processes
Potassium (K) Production of higher-quality crops
Calcium (Ca) Strengthening plant structures
Magnesium (Mg) Chlorophyll formation
Sulfur (S) Production of amino acids
Boron (B) Healthy cell growth and pollen formation
Chlorine (Cl) Managing water stress
Copper (Cu) Catalyst for chemical reactions with plant cells
Iron (Fe) Catalyst for chemical reactions with plant cells
Manganese (Mn) Chlorophyll formation and enzyme regulation
Molybdenum (Mb) More efficient N and P assimilation
Nickel (Ni) Regulating biochemical processes
Zinc (Zn) Proteins, starch, and growth hormone
formation

MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF PRIMARY PLANT NUTRIENTS FERTILIZERS

1. Extraction and Processing
• Nitrogen-based fertilizers – are primarily manufactured through the Haber-Bosch
process, a method developed over 100 years ago to create ammonia by heating and
pressurizing nitrogen from the air over a hydrogen source (typically from natural gas or
coal). The resultant ammonia is further processed to create nitrogen fertilizers in solid
and liquid forms. Urea is the most produced and consumed nitrogen fertilizer globally,
while nitric acid-based fertilizers are also popular.
• Phosphorus-based fertilizers are created from phosphate rock, which is a mined material.
Phosphate rock is treated with sulfuric acid to separate the phosphorus. Phosphoric acid is
created in this process and can be further combined with ammonia and sulfur to create a
variety of fertilizer products.
 • Potassium-based fertilizers originate from potash (potassium chloride), another mined
material. Potassium chloride is processed into downstream products and granulated for
ease of use and efficient uptake by plants.
2. Granulation - the fertilizer is then placed into a granulator, where it is heated and pressed
into small pellets or granules.
3. Drying -the granulated fertilizer is then placed into a dryer and heated to remove any
excess moisture.
4. Screening – the dry fertilizer is then passed through a series of screens to separate it into
various particle sizes.
5. Packaging - The screened fertilizer is then packed into bags or containers for sale.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NPK

• Function
o Nitrogen - primarily responsible for leafy, green vegetative growth. It’s
fundamental component of amino acids, proteins, and chlorophyll, which are vital
photosynthesis.
o Phosphorus - plays a key role in energy transfer, root development, and flower and
fruit production. It’s essential for processes like photosynthesis and respiration.
o Potassium - essential for overall plant health. It regulates water uptake, aids in
disease resistance, and supports enzyme activation.
• Deficiency Symptoms
o Nitrogen - Nitrogen deficiency often leads to stunted growth, pale or yellowing
leaves (chlorosis), and reduced yields.
o Phosphorus - Phosphorus deficiency results in stunted roots, delayed maturity, and
poor fruit or seed development.
o Potassium - Potassium deficiency can cause weak stalks, leaf scorching or
browning, reduced fruit quality, and increased susceptibility to diseases.
• Application
o Nitrogen - commonly applied as urea, ammonium nitrate, or ammonium sulfate.
The timing and rate of application depend on the crop and growth stage.
o Phosphorus - Common fertilizers include diammonium phosphate (DAP) and
monoammonium phosphate (MAP). It is often applied close to seed or plant roots
to enhance uptake.
o Potassium - fertilizers like potassium chloride (Muriate of Potash) and potassium
sulfate are used. Balanced K application is important to prevent nutrient
imbalances.
• Challenges
o Nitrogen - Nitrogen can be easily leached from soil, so efficient application is
necessary to prevent environmental pollution.
o Phosphorus - Phosphorus availability is limited in high-pH soils and soils with
excessive calcium. Soil testing is crucial for determining phosphorus needs.
 o Potassium - Soils with low cation exchange capacity (CEC) may have difficulty
retaining potassium, making frequent application necessary.

TOP FERTILIZER SUPPLIERS IN THE PHILIPPINES

MANUFACTURER KEY PRODUCTS
HANS NPK, Calcium Nitrate, Ammonium Sulphate
Sagrex Corporatiom NPK Fertilizer, Micronutrient Mixes, Custom
Solution

K & R Chemical Industries Inc. NPK Fertilizer, Organic Fertilizer

Maxiplex International Philippines NPK, Calcium Nitrate, Ammonium Sulphate

Corporation
Planters Product NPK Fertilizer, Micronutrient Mix, Specialist
Fertilizer

AA Bio Tekh Enterprises Co. Humic Acid, Soil Conditioner