MANURES AND FERTILIZERS

Recent developments in fertilizers ( secondary,

micronutrients and slow/controlled release) and
Emerging issues in fertilizer technology

Azad Patel
IARINAG20242005
M.Sc. soil science
 SLOW RELEASE PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZERS
 P fertilizer through the use of polymer coatings may slow the formation of these
compounds increasing the supply of crop- available P.
 It has long been understood that even under the best conditions only 20-30% of
applied fertilizer P is taken up by the crop during the first cropping season.
 It is also understood that at high soil pH levels, P is fixed by calcium (Ca) and
magnesium (Mg) and at low soil pH levels predominately by iron (Fe) and aluminium
(Al).
 Thus, the historical problem with the soil chemistry of residual P not taken up by the
crop (70-80%).  It remaining on or near the soil surface has a possible environmental
impact (Eutrophication) through the combined effects of soil erosion and higher P
concentrations in run-off water and P fertilizers has been lack of availability

Malefic Itaconic Copolymer (Avail®) 27

 Specialty fertilizer products has developed and high charge density dicarboxylic
copolymers that affect the availability and plant utilization of applied P fertilizers.
 These compounds are biodegradable and highly water- soluble.
 The technology (Avail®) can be applied directly to granular P fertilizers as a coating
or mixed into liquid fertilizers.
 Malefic Itaconic Copolymer (Avail®) is reported to work by sequestering antagonistic
ions that react with P in the soil solution, The high charge density of the additive
adsorbs or “binds” the soil Ca and Mg, Fe and Al acting to reduce their availability for
reaction product formation with applied fertilizer P forms, thus reducing precipitation
and keeping the P in an available form for longer.
 SLOW RELEASE POTASSIUM FERTILIZERS

 Potassium is abundant in the earth’s surface.

 90 % K in soils is in the fixed, 1-10 % non-exchangeable
form.
 Only 0.1-1 % is in the soil solution or on exchangeable sites.
 In sandy soils, potassium is readily leached.
 It can move rapidly out of the root zone and become
unavailable to the plants.
 Slow-release potassium sources reduce the potential for
conversion to non-exchangeable forms and minimize the
rate of leaching and fixation of the available potassium.
 This can be achieved by using different types of coatings,
like plaster of paris, wax etc on the potassium chloride or
muriate of potash.
 The polymer used is Polyacrylamide which is also useful in
reducing soil erosion.
 POLYMER-COATED MULTI-NUTRIENT FERTILIZERS
 Compared to the previous categories that only supply nitrogen,
PCRFs (Polymer-Coated Release Fertilizers) supply all 3
“fertilizer elements” (nitrogen [N], phosphorus [P], and potassium
[K]), and many formulations include calcium, magnesium, sulphur,
and micronutrients.
 The defining characteristic of PCRFs, however, is the
sophisticated polymer coatings that gradually release nutrients
over extended periods.
 Release rates can be as short as 3 months or as long as 18
months.  Nutrient release from PCRFs prills occurs by diffusion.
The process occurs in 2 stages.
 First, when prills are exposed to moisture in the soil or growing
medium, water vapour infiltrates into the prills and condenses on
the soluble fertilizer salts, creating an increase in osmotic
pressure.
 Second, this elevated pressure within the prills causes the
fertilizer ions to diffuse outward into the surrounding medium.
 Some example:- Osmocote®, Multicote® and Nutricote® are
available in many grade
SLOW RELEASE MICRONUTRIENT FERTILIZERS
 Micronutrients are essential components of proteins and
enzymes and are vital for increasing crop yields as well as
improving the nutritional quality of food.
 The bulk of micronutrients used all over the world today are
water soluble salts that include mainly the sulphates or their
chelated forms [Diethylene triamine penta acetic acid
(DTPA), EDTA (Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) etc.].
 The focus of research on slow-release fertilizers has been on
the macronutrients (NPK).  Here slow-release functionality
has been achieved by encapsulation of water soluble
materials within a membrane or conversion to polymers of
the urea aldehydes.
 A glassy phosphate produced by fusing oxides of
micronutrients phosphoric acid at 8000C.
 SUPER GRANULES FERTILIZERS
 Supergranules, often referred to as supergranulated fertilizers, are a type of granular
fertilizer where smaller granules are combined to form larger, more stable, and durable
particles. This process helps improve fertilizer handling, reduces dust formation during
application, and allows for more uniform and efficient distribution in the field.
 The production of supergranules, or granulated fertilizers, involves a multi-step process
starting with raw material processing, followed by mixing, granulation, and finally, drying
and storage. These granules are created to improve handling, application, and nutrient
release.
1. Raw Material Preparation:
 Crushing and Grinding : Raw materials like phosphate rock, nitrogen
sources (ammonia, urea), and potassium salts are crushed and ground to a fine powder.
 Blending :The crushed materials are then mixed in the correct proportions to
achieve the desired nutrient ratio.
 Adding Micro-elements : If a compound fertilizer is being made, micro-
elements can be added to the powder mixture.
2. Granulation :-
 Mixing and Binding : The powdered mixture is mixed with a binder (like
water, steam, or other chemicals) to create a slurry or paste.
Granulation Method : Several methods are used for granulation , including:
 Rotary Drum Granulator: The slurry is fed into a rotating drum, where it's
gradually formed into granules as it moves through the drum.
 Extrusion Granulation: The slurry is forced through a die, creating long strands
which are then chopped into granules.
 Spout-bed Granulation: The powdered mixture is suspended in a stream of air,
where it is then coated with a binder and formed into granules.
 Screening and Sorting : After granulation, the granules are screened to remove
oversized or undersized particles.
3. Drying and Finishing :
 Drying : The granules are dried to reduce moisture content, which improves storage and
handling.
 Coating : Some granules may be coated with a protective layer to prevent clumping or
enhance nutrient release.
 Packaging and Storage :The dried and coated granules are then packaged and
stored for distribution.
 Single superphosphate (SSP) and granular single super phosphate (GSSP) are both examples
of supergranulated fertilizers, where the smaller granules of SSP are combined into larger, more
durable particles.
 Sulphur -coated urea (SCU) is another example of a supergranulated fertilizer, where urea
granules are coated with sulfur to control the release of nitrogen.
 FERTILIZERS FOR SPECIFIC CROPS/SITUATIONS
 Fertilizers are crucial for crop production, and selecting the right one depends on the
specific crop and soil conditions. Specialty fertilizers are designed for particular plants and
situations, ensuring they receive the exact nutrients needed for optimal growth.
 These fertilizers are available in different forms and compositions, including granular,
liquid, and organic options. They can be tailored to supply specific nutrients, such as
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), or micronutrients like iron and zinc,
depending on the crop's requirements.
Crop-Specific Fertilizer Recommendations :-
 Cereals (wheat, rice, etc.):Often require nitrogen-rich fertilizers to
promote vegetative growth and yield. E.g. - Urea, CAN,
 Vegetables : May need a balanced NPK fertilizer or fertilizers with higher
phosphorus content to support root development and fruiting.
 Fruits : May benefit from fertilizers with potassium-rich formulations to enhance fruit
quality and flavor. E.g. – MOP, MOS.
 Oilseed crops : May require fertilizers with a higher phosphorus content to
support seed production and sulphur for oil quality and content. E.g. – Ammonium
phosphate sulphate.
 Legumes (soybeans, peanuts, etc.):While they can fix their
own nitrogen, they may still need phosphorus and potassium for optimal growth.
Fertilizers for specific situations :-
To determine the best fertilizer for a specific situation, consider the type of plant, soil conditions, and the
nutrient deficiencies present. Fertilizers are broadly categorized into organic and inorganic types, with
specific formulations targeting particular needs like micronutrient deficiencies or slow-release applications.
Situations requiring different types of fertilizers:
 Promoting leafy growth (e.g., for salad greens): High-nitrogen
fertilizers like urea, ammonium sulfate, or ammonium nitrate are used to encourage vigorous leaf
development.
 Encouraging root development and flowering (e.g., for
flowering plants): High-phosphorus fertilizers like superphosphate or diammonium
phosphate are beneficial for robust root systems and abundant blooms.
 Improving fruit production (e.g., for fruit trees): A balanced NPK
(nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizer with a slightly higher phosphorus content is ideal for
promoting fruit set and development.
 Addressing specific nutrient deficiencies : Soil tests can reveal specific
nutrient deficiencies, allowing for targeted fertilizer application (e.g., adding potassium to soil with low
potassium levels).

Restoring soil health and structure :- Organic fertilizers like compost,
manure, or vermicompost can improve soil fertility, structure, and water-holding capacity.
 For potted plants : A balanced NPK fertilizer can be used to replenish nutrients lost
through potting mix degradation and plant uptake.