July is the time when a lot of fertilizers and watering are applied in the fields. How long is the validity period of various fertilizers? Is a fertilizer that works quickly a good fertilizer?
1. Duration of effectiveness of various fertilizers
The duration of fertilizer is the period of time during which its nutrients can be continuously absorbed and utilized by crops after the fertilizer is applied to the soil. Different types of fertilizers have greatly different durations. The following is an introduction to the duration of some common fertilizers:
Ammonium bicarbonate (ammonium bicarbonate):
Duration of validity: about half a month.
Features: Quick effect, but relatively short duration.
Ammonium chloride:
Lasting period: about 25 days, but may lose weight later.
Features: The fertilizer efficiency period is moderate, but attention should be paid to supplementing fertilizer later.
Urea:
Duration of validity: Lasts about 1 and a half months.
Features: Urea needs to be converted into ammonium nitrogen before it can be absorbed by crops, so the effect is slightly slower, but the effect lasts longer.
Compound fertilizer:
Duration of validity: up to 3 months.
Features: Comprehensive nutrients, long lasting, suitable for use as base fertilizer.
Biological fertilizer:
Duration of validity: up to 6-8 months.
Features: Although the effect period is long (about 1 month), the effect period is very long, which is beneficial to the long-term health of the soil and crops.
2. Factors affecting fertilizer absorption
After fertilizer is applied to the soil, its nutrient absorption and utilization rate is affected by many factors. The following are some main factors:
Excess nutrients:
When there is an excess of a certain nutrient element, it will affect the crop’s absorption of other elements, leading to nutrient imbalance.
Soil pH (pH):
The best pH range for fertilizer effectiveness is between 5.5-6.5. Different nutrients have different effectiveness at different pH values. Nutrients such as iron, copper, manganese, and zinc are most effective when the pH value is below 6.
Crop growth period:
Crops at different growth stages have different nutrient requirements. For example, the vegetative growth period is dominated by nitrogen requirements, while the flower bud differentiation and flowering stages are dominated by phosphorus and potassium requirements.
Fertilization time:
The best time to fertilize is before ten o’clock in the morning and after four o’clock in the afternoon. Avoid fertilizing at noon when the sun is strong or on cloudy and rainy days to reduce the volatilization and loss of nutrients.
Fertilizer types and formulas:
Different crops and different growth stages use different formulas of fertilizers. The combination of slow-release fertilizers and water-soluble fertilizers, as well as root application and foliar spray fertilizers, can reduce costs and improve fertilizer efficiency.
Soil moisture and texture:
Soil moisture is an important factor affecting fertilizer dissolution and nutrient movement. In soil with high water content, fertilizer should be applied heavily and lightly; under drought conditions, fertilizer should be applied lightly and watering frequency should be increased.
Fertilization method:
Fertilization methods include broadcast application, strip application, hole application, etc. Reasonable fertilization methods can improve fertilizer utilization and crop absorption.
Plant physiological characteristics:
Different plant species and varieties have different physiological characteristics and different nutrient requirements and absorption methods. Therefore, the physiological characteristics of the crop need to be considered when selecting fertilizers and fertilization methods.
Post time: Jul-10-2024
