Potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus are three chemical elements, without which the full growth and development of any plant on the planet is impossible. Phosphorus is the most important component involved in the chemical reactions of photosynthesis and plant respiration. Phosphorus is also called the source of energy, which is necessary for the normal course of these processes. Not a single life stage of plant growth and development is complete without the participation of phosphorus:
- At the seed stage, phosphorus increases seed germination.
- Accelerates the normal development of seedlings.
- Promotes the development of the root system of the future plant.
- Promotes favorable growth and development of the ground part of the plant.
- Promotes the full flow of the flowering process and the formation of germinating seeds.
The success of all the above stages is possible only if the required amount of phosphorus is found in the soil. All crops grown in the garden, both fruit and flower, need feeding with phosphorus fertilizers.
Phosphate fertilizers in stores today are represented by a wide range. Differences in their compositions will also have different effects on seed germination and development of mature plants. Therefore, it is so important to navigate the variety of phosphorus fertilizers and know their features, as well as the rules for their use.
Rules for the use of phosphorus fertilizers
There are several basic, simple rules for the use of phosphorus fertilizers, adhering to which, you can achieve maximum efficiency from their use.
Rule # 1. There is never too much phosphorus for a plant. This rule means that the plant takes from the soil exactly as much chemical fertilizer as it needs. Therefore, if it is excessively introduced into the soil, you do not have to worry that the plant will die from its overabundance. As for other elements, then when feeding them, you should still follow the instructions and rules for using the drug.
Rule # 2. Phosphorus fertilizers in granules should not be scattered on the surface of the substrate. In the upper layers of the earth, reactions take place, as a result of which phosphorus, combining with certain chemical elements, becomes insoluble in water, and, therefore, unable to be absorbed by plants. Therefore, dry phosphorus fertilizers are mixed into the lower layers of the soil, or an aqueous solution is made and the plant is watered with it.
Rule # 3. Phosphate fertilizing is best done in the fall. During the winter, it becomes easily digestible for the plant and in the spring, during the period of active growth, it is absorbed as much as possible by it. For indoor plants, this rule will not work, so you can feed them as needed.
Rule # 4. Organic phosphorus fertilizer accumulates in the soil and gives the maximum effect only after 2-3 years. Therefore, when using organic fertilizers, it is important to remember this rule and not expect the maximum result from them immediately.
Rule # 5. If the soil has increased acidity, then you should not expect the maximum effect from phosphorus fertilization. But this can be corrected if, 20-30 days before the introduction of phosphates into the soil, ash is added at the rate of 0.2 kg per 1 square meter and 0.5 kg of lime per square meter.
Phosphate fertilizers for garden crops
Superphosphate
Easily assimilated phosphorus, 20-26%. It comes in the form of powder or granules. 1 tablespoon contains approximately 17 g of granular fertilizer or 18 g of powder.
Recommendations for use for feeding all fruit and flower crops:
- At the time of planting fruit trees 0.8-1.2 kg per seedling.
- For feeding growing fruit trees 80-120 g per square meter. Fertilizer is applied as a solution or dry around the tree trunk.
- When planting potato tubers, add about 8 g per hole.
- For feeding vegetable crops, 30-40 g are used per square meter.
Another option for using superphosphate is the preparation of an aqueous extract. For this, 20 tablespoons of the finished fertilizer are dissolved in three liters of boiling water. The resulting solution is left in a warm place for 24 hours, stirred periodically. The resulting extract is diluted at the rate of 150 ml of solution per 10 liters of water.
Superphosphate double
Contains 42-50% phosphorus. Sold in the form of granules. 1 tablespoon contains about 15 g of double superphosphate. This fertilizer is a concentrated analogue of conventional superphosphate. It is also used to feed all types of vegetable and fruit crops, but its dosage should be halved. This fertilizer is convenient to use for feeding trees and shrubs:
- To feed apple trees under the age of 5 years, you need about 75 g of fertilizer per 1 tree.
- To feed an adult apple tree at the age of 5 to 10 years, you need 170-220 g of fertilizer per tree.
- For feeding apricots, plums, cherries, use 50-70 g per tree.
- For fertilizing raspberries - 20 g per square meter.
- For fertilizing currants or gooseberries - 35-50 g per bush.
Phosphate flour
Contains 19-30% phosphorus in the composition. One tablespoon contains 26 g of phosphate rock. Phosphorite flour is designed to fertilize plants on soils with an increased level of acidity, as it contains phosphorus in a form that is difficult for plants to digest. It is the acidic soil that helps make phosphorus easily digestible. To fertilize plants, phosphate rock does not need to be dissolved. It is scattered into the soil in the fall, and then the soil is dug up. Do not expect an instant effect from phosphate rock. It will reflect on plants only 2-3 years after application.
Ammophos (ammonium phosphate)
Contains 10-12% nitrogen and 44-52% potassium. Ammophos in one tablespoon contains about 16 g. This fertilizer dissolves as much as possible in water, therefore it can be used both as a solution for root dressing and for scattering on the soil surface. Ammophos contains phosphorus in a form easily assimilated by plants. Plants are fed based on the following calculation:
- 2 g in each well when planting potatoes.
- 5 g for each running m when planting beet seeds.
- 0.4 kg per 10 liters of water for feeding grapes.
Diammophos
Contains 18-23% nitrogen, 46-52% phosphorus. It is the most optimal and versatile fertilizer. It is successfully used for feeding all types of plants at any time of the year. It has proven itself well, including on acidic soils. The following instructions for use:
- About 30 g per 1 square meter when digging the ground before winter.
- 25 g per fruit tree.
- No more than one teaspoon per hole when planting potatoes.
- 6 g for each running meter when planting strawberry seedlings.
Potassium monophosphate
Contains 50% phosphorus, 34% potassium. One tablespoon contains 9.5 g of potassium monophosphate. This fertilizer is most effective for tomatoes. Convenient for foliar application. Can be used twice per season.It is consumed in a ratio of 15 g per square meter.
Bone flour
Contains 15 to 35% phosphorus. Bone meal as an organic fertilizer in industrial conditions is obtained by grinding the bones of cattle. In addition to phosphorus, it contains a huge amount of other elements that are valuable as fertilizer when feeding plants. Bone meal is water insoluble. It is absorbed by plants slowly, in about 5-8 months. The most suitable fertilizer for tomatoes, potatoes and cucumbers. The consumption rate is as follows:
- 3 tablespoons per hole before planting.
- 0.2 kg per one square meter per 1 fruit tree.
- 70 g per one fruit bush.
Phosphorus compost
To obtain this effective organic fertilizer, plants rich in phosphorus (wormwood, feather grass, thyme, rowan berries, hawthorn) are added to the compost.
