When it comes to a plant’s growth, nutrients are frequently a limiting factor. Dependent on the recycling of nutrients to meet plant needs, an equilibrium is established under natural conditions. When agricultural crops are grown, this equilibrium is disturbed. Soil must exceed the amounts of plant nutrients than would be needed for natural vegetation. The reason being, is that during harvesting, significant portion of the nutrients are no longer recycled since they are removed. To ensure optimal crop growth, farmers must supply supplemental nutrients to the soils. Animals’ manures, green manures, and legumes are among the common forms of fertilizers that supplement the nutrients needed for the soil.
Fertilizer Grade Calculation
Fertilizers express their nutrients on the label, such as phosphate (P2O5), nitrogen (N), and potash (K2O). Phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are the elemental oxide form. However, nutrients may be expressed in either form. Additionally, fertilizers are graded based on the weight percent of available nitrogen (N), phosphate (P2O5), and potash (K2O) in the fertilizer, which is also indicated on the label.
Types of Fertilizers
The basic materials used in fertilizer manufacturing are the straight materials, where many of them can be directly applied. The chemically or physically combined with the straight materials are compound fertilizers. Generally produced in ammonization granulation plants by combining raw materials like phosphoric acid, anhydrous ammonia, and potassium chloride, are solid, homogenous mixtures of fertilizer, which are the granulated fertilizers. Physical mixtures of dry fertilizer materials are the blended fertilizers, which are typically ingredients from straight materials and compound fertilizers. Fluid fertilizers are among the most common and can be manufactured from either straight materials or compound fertilizers of various grades; and they are categorized as either clear solutions or suspensions.
Fertilizer Plant Growth Testing
Just as there are various types of fertilizers, there are also different processes to ensure they are enriched with the right materials. When you develop your fertilizer to stimulate ideal plant growth, you want to know the detailed data during testing to see if it is ready for consumers or if it needs adjustments. Snell Scientifics performs comprehensive fertilizer plant growth testing. When you choose Snell Scientifics for fertilizer plant growth testing services, you can rely on thorough, analytical testing. Our facilities have the ability to plant and conduct fertilizer studies on any species necessary, as long as it grows in our region. Snell Scientifics has 50 acres of property and three greenhouses. Within our three greenhouses, we can also conduct greenhouse pest testing. For fertilizer, agricultural pest testing, or turf pest testing, Snell Scientifics has four 2500 sq. ft. turf plots available. Bermuda, tall fescue, centipede, and zoysia are included in our turf species. For a list of plant species that we are able to grow and test, you can consult our test page. Also, we are able to grow and test others, so if something isn’t present on this list and you need it, you can contact our friendly office for more information concerning your needs. Call Snell Scientifics today to get started on your fertilizer testing needs.
