Types of Fertilizers Based on Chemical Composition and Their Use in Agriculture

Here is a list of fertilizers commonly used in agriculture, based on their chemical composition:

Contents

Nitrogen

These fertilizers primarily supply nitrogen (N), which is essential for vegetative growth and leaf development.

Urea (46-0-0) – A highly concentrated nitrogen fertilizer.
Ammonium Nitrate (34-0-0) – Provides nitrogen and is commonly used for quick-release applications.
Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0) – Supplies nitrogen and sulfur, beneficial for plant growth and protein synthesis.
Calcium Nitrate (15.5-0-0) – Contains nitrogen and calcium, supporting root growth and plant structure.
Anhydrous Ammonia (82-0-0) – A concentrated nitrogen fertilizer used primarily for soil injection before planting.

Phosphorus fertilizers supply phosphorus (P), which is crucial for root development, energy transfer, and flowering.

Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP) (11-52-0) – A common fertilizer with nitrogen and phosphorus.
Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) (18-46-0) – Contains both nitrogen and phosphorus, used for general fertilization.
Superphosphate (0-46-0) – A simple phosphorus fertilizer that promotes root growth.
Triple Superphosphate (0-46-0) – A highly concentrated form of phosphorus fertilizer.

These fertilizers provide potassium (K), which is vital for plant health, disease resistance, and drought tolerance.

Potassium Chloride (KCl) – The most common source of potassium, also known as muriate of potash.
Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4) – Provides both potassium and sulfur.
Potassium Nitrate (13-0-44) – A source of potassium and nitrogen, often used for fertigation.

Calcium is essential for strong cell walls, root development, and regulating pH in plants.

Calcium Nitrate (15.5-0-0) – A common fertilizer providing both calcium and nitrogen.
Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate) – Supplies calcium and sulfur, used to improve soil structure.

Magnesium is essential for chlorophyll formation and photosynthesis.

Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) – A common magnesium and sulfur fertilizer.
Dolomitic Lime – Supplies both calcium and magnesium, improving soil structure and pH balance.

Sulfur aids in protein synthesis and improves the effectiveness of nitrogen.

Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0) – Provides nitrogen and sulfur, commonly used for both nutrition and soil pH management.
Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4) – Provides both potassium and sulfur.
Elemental Sulfur – Often used to lower soil pH and provide sulfur to plants.

These fertilizers supply essential trace elements required in small amounts for plant growth.

Zinc Sulfate – Supplies zinc, which is necessary for enzyme function and growth.
Copper Sulfate – Provides copper, which is involved in photosynthesis and enzymatic processes.
Iron Chelates – A source of iron used to correct deficiencies, especially in alkaline soils.
Manganese Sulfate – Supplies manganese, vital for photosynthesis and growth.
Boron – Essential for cell wall formation and reproductive development.

These are fertilizers that combine two or more nutrients, usually nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), in varying ratios.

NPK Fertilizers (e.g., 10-10-10, 20-20-20) – Balanced fertilizers that provide all three macronutrients.
Custom Fertilizer Blends – Made to meet specific crop needs or soil conditions by adjusting the N-P-K ratios.

Here are a few common fertilizers used in agriculture:

Urea – A nitrogen-rich fertilizer commonly used to enhance plant growth.
Ammonium Nitrate – A quick-release nitrogen fertilizer used for rapid growth.
Superphosphate – A phosphorus-based fertilizer that helps with root development.
Potassium Chloride (Muriate of Potash) – A potassium-rich fertilizer used to improve water retention and disease resistance.
NPK Fertilizer – A balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) for general plant health.
Compost – Organic matter used to improve soil fertility and structure.
Calcium Nitrate – A nitrogen and calcium fertilizer that helps prevent blossom-end rot in fruits.
Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) – A magnesium and sulfur fertilizer, often used for crops like tomatoes.
Ammonium Sulfate – A source of nitrogen and sulfur, often used on crops needing these nutrients.
Gypsum – A calcium sulfate fertilizer that helps improve soil structure and adds calcium.

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