Slow-release fertilizers and long-acting nitrogen fertilizers
I. Basic Definition of New Fertilizers
Slow-release fertilizer: In professional terms, it is a type of fertilizer whose dissolution characteristics have been altered through technical means, allowing nutrients to be released slowly over a set period of time. This ensures a continuous supply of nutrients to crops.
Long-acting nitrogen fertilizer: It is also produced through chemical synthesis or with additives, which can inhibit the slow transformation of nitrogen fertilizer in the soil and delay the transformation process. As a result, the fertilizer effect of nitrogen fertilizer will be prolonged.
II. Types of Slow-release Fertilizers
Polymer-coated fertilizer
This type of fertilizer includes epoxy resin-coated fertilizer and polyurethane-coated urea. Its mechanism of action is that the water in the soil enters the membrane channels, dissolves, and then releases the nutrients. The release rate is determined by temperature, membrane thickness, and membrane permeability. Moreover, the controllability can reach 30 days, 60 days, 180 days, and so on.
② Matrix-type slow-release fertilizer
The granular fertilizer made by mixing fertilizer with humic acid is mainly adsorbed onto the surface through a physical process. It can only delay the release rate, and this release process is highly delayed.
III. Types of Long-Lasting Nitrogen Fertilizers
Long-lasting nitrogen fertilizers mainly achieve this by means of chemical synthesis and biochemical inhibition, thereby extending the fertilizer's efficacy.
Organic long-lasting nitrogen fertilizer
Urea-formaldehyde is the most representative long-lasting nitrogen fertilizer. It is synthesized from urea and formaldehyde, and its fertilizer effect can last for more than one year. It is mainly used in orchards, lawns, gardens, etc.
② Inhibitory long-lasting nitrogen fertilizer
Inhibitory long-lasting nitrogen fertilizer. It is the fertilizer made by adding biological inhibitors to urea or compound fertilizers. For example, adding a nitrification inhibitor (dicyandiamide) can inhibit the activity of nitrosifying bacteria, preventing ammonia nitrogen from being converted into nitrate nitrogen. As a result, the fertilizer's efficacy will change.
IV. Utilization of Technology
To achieve better results in actual use, one must also have a good understanding of the usage techniques.
Based on crops, soil and environment
The choice of different crops also varies. For example, for fruit trees and lawns, polymer-coated fertilizers with long release periods or urea-formaldehyde can be selected. While for crops like corn and wheat, the growing period is relatively short, generally, sulfur-coated urea with a release period of 2-3 months is sufficient.
Regarding the soil condition, for sandy soil, you can choose slow-release fertilizers. Urea-formaldehyde will do.
The environment, especially temperature and humidity, for high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, choose fertilizers with a shorter release period.
② Fertilization method
Generally, these two types of fertilizers are used as base fertilizers. They are usually applied directly into the soil at the time of planting. The recommended depth for application is around 15 centimeters, which will yield better results. It is not recommended to use them as seed fertilizers...
③ Quantity issue
Slow-release fertilizers and long-lasting nitrogen fertilizers will significantly increase their utilization rates. Under the same yield conditions, the amount of such fertilizers used will be reduced by about 20% compared to traditional fertilization methods.
V. Usage Notes
First, when purchasing these two types of fertilizers, be sure to pay attention to the "release period, nutrient content, and inhibitor type" indicated on the packaging.
Secondly, when storing these types of fertilizers, it is essential to prevent moisture. This is especially true for coated fertilizers. Once they get wet, they can be significantly affected.
Thirdly, remember that neither of these types of fertilizers is suitable for use as crop fertilizer.
