
Chemical fertilizers
Chemical fertilizers - Chemical fertilizers are manufactured inorganic substances containing one or more essential plant nutrients in a readily available form. They are used to supply nutrients required for crop growth and development.
organic fertilizer - Organic fertilizers are fertilizers obtained from plant, animal, or other natural organic materials. They supply nutrients and also improve the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil.
Types of chemical fertilizers
Nitrogenous fertilizers
Supply nitrogen (N).
Examples:
Urea – 46% N
Ammonium sulphate – 21% N
Calcium ammonium nitrate – 26% N
Phosphatic fertilizers
Supply phosphorus (P).
Examples:
Single Super Phosphate (SSP) – 16% P₂O₅
Diammonium phosphate (DAP) – 18% N, 46% P₂O₅
Potassic fertilizers
Supply potassium (K).
Examples:
Muriate of Potash (MOP) – 60% K₂O
Sulphate of Potash (SOP) – 50% K₂O
Complex fertilizers
Contain two or more major nutrients.
Examples:
NPK 10:26:26
NPK 17:17:17
Micronutrient fertilizers
Supply micronutrients such as Zn, Fe, B, Mn and Cu.
Examples:
Zinc sulphate
Borax
Ferrous sulphate