A Comprehensive Analysis of the Taboos of Mixing Fertilizers
The main problem with the mixed use of these types is the conflict between acids and bases, which leads to a decrease in fertilizer efficiency.
Urea should not be mixed with alkaline substances such as wood ash, calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer, and kiln ash potassium fertilizer. Urea is stable in a neutral environment but is prone to converting into ammonia gas and escaping when it comes into contact with alkali.
Superphosphate (commonly known as "common superphosphate") is acidic and should not be mixed with alkaline fertilizers such as wood ash or calcium magnesium phosphate. The combination of an acid and an alkali will neutralize each other, greatly reducing the effectiveness of phosphorus.
Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, which is also acidic, should be kept away from alkaline substances like wood ash for the same reason.
Physiologically acidic fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate and ammonium chloride are also afraid of encountering alkaline fertilizers; otherwise, the nitrogen in them is prone to volatilization and loss.
There is another category that requires special caution. When mixed, they not only become ineffective but may also produce harmful gases or pose safety hazards.
Ammonium bicarbonate, also known as carbon ammonium, is highly unstable and volatile. It should not be mixed with plant ash, human excrement and urine, or alkaline substances like lime, as this will accelerate its decomposition and cause the nitrogen to be lost all at once.
Ammonia water is highly alkaline, corrosive and has the strongest volatility. It can hardly be mixed with any common fertilizers at will, especially human excrement and urine, stable manure and other nitrogenous fertilizers, which can easily cause ammonia volatilization.
Ammonium nitrate is a key safety item. Remember not to mix it with wood ash, lime, or uncomposted organic fertilizers (such as fresh manure). This not only leads to significant nitrogen loss but also poses a risk of combustion and explosion under certain conditions. It must be used separately and with caution.
Additionally, there are some combinations that are inherently incompatible:
Nitrophosphate fertilizer contains nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen. It is sensitive to alkali and also prone to reducing the environment. Therefore, it should not be mixed with uncomposted organic fertilizers, lime, or other substances, as doing so will result in double losses.
· Phosphate rock powder is a type of insoluble phosphorus fertilizer. It should not be mixed with quick-release phosphoric acid ammonium (such as monoammonium or diammonium). One of them dissolves slowly in acidic soil, while the other is easily fixed in alkaline conditions. Mixing them will inhibit each other's effects.
Manure and other farmyard fertilizers, during the decomposition process, will release ammonium nitrogen. Do not pour them into wood ash or kiln ash potassium fertilizer, as this will cause a large amount of nitrogen to volatilize as ammonia gas, and also affect the normal fermentation process.
To summarize briefly:
Mixing fertilizers is not as simple as just dumping them together. Remember these principles: "Separate acids from bases, use after composting, prioritize safety, and avoid mixing if in doubt". When unsure, it's better to use separately and at staggered times rather than taking the easy way out and blindly mixing them.
Clarify these points, avoid these "conflict" combinations, and ensure that every penny of your fertilizer money is spent effectively. Then, your crops will naturally grow strong and yield a good harvest.
