When manufacturers list a fertilizer as constitutional , it have in mind the nutrients were once part of , or created by , a living flora or beast . Inorganic fertilizers , on the other paw , are food that exist sources did n’t produce . Plants command 16 different elements , whether from an organic or inorganic origin , in lodge to thrive . Nitrogen , phosphoric and potassium are the three most important nutrient , alongside shadow elements such as iron , boron and Zn . These elements take many conformation , but manufacturers usually use the same nutrient - release compounds in their inorganic fertilizers .

Ammonium Nitrate

Ammonium nitrate is 33- to 34 - percent nitrogen . Its popularity decreased as urea became the preferable nitrogen source , but some plant food manufacturers opt ammonium nitrate for its versatility . Ammonium nitrate quickly resign atomic number 7 to plants and is best used in late leaping , when plants are putting on new growth . This compound is volatile and has nonindulgent production and computer storage necessity .

Ammonium Sulfate

An industrial by-product , ammonium ion sulfate is 21 - percent nitrogen and is the most acidifying of the nitrogen fertilizers , making it a good choice for extremely alkalic dirt . However , it is not as nitrogen - rich as ammonium nitrate or urea , and fertilizer manufacturer must add more of this chemical compound to their product in ordering to reach out the same N amount , increasing production costs .

Potassium Chloride

Potassium chloride is the most vulgar source of atomic number 19 , accord to the Michigan State University Extension . It is 60- to 62 - pct potassium , the high of the K fertilizer , and some products number it as muriate of potassium hydroxide . Depending on the mining and take out process , potassium chloride granules diverge in size , color and solubility .

Triple Superphosphate

Although diammonium phosphate and its attached nitrogen has increased in market share , three-fold superphosphate remains pop as a phosphoric source in granular fertilizer . treble superphosphate , or concentrated superphosphate , is 46 - percentage phosphorous . Like potassium chloride , it is a minelaying merchandise , consist of ground phosphorous rock or limestone treated with phosphoric acid .

References

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