DIY Phosphorus Fertilizer: Types and Applications

Phosphorus fertilizers should not be underestimated. Phosphorus is considered an essential nutrient, along with nitrogen and potassium. It is involved in photosynthesis, respiration, energy storage and transfer, and many other plant processes.Phosphorus fertilizers are essential tools for any gardener, but few know which ones are best. The names vary widely, and each type has its own characteristics. Before using any fertilizer, it's important to understand how it affects plants and its benefits for growth.

Description and characteristics of phosphorus fertilizers

Most phosphorus fertilizers combine with other minerals in the soil to create compounds essential for active plant growth and development. The effect is often noticeable within 4-8 days after application. Some contain both orthophosphate, which is immediately available to plants, and long-chain polyphosphates protected by flavonol chromatography, which ensures the presence of phosphorus in the soil, essential for unimpeded plant development.

The importance of phosphorus fertilizers

1. It improves the quality of fruit, vegetable, and grain crops and is essential for seed formation. Phosphorus absorption is a continuous process during the period of active plant growth.
2. Phosphorus is absorbed by plants throughout the growing season. However, the greatest phosphorus requirement occurs during periods of rapid vegetative growth and fruit ripening.
3. Since phosphorus is needed at all stages of growth, it is necessary that the nutrient be present in the soil throughout the growing season.
4. Phosphorus is involved in metabolic processes responsible for the transfer of energy from one point to another within the plant. This is important for root development and flowering.

Types of phosphorus fertilizers

You can make phosphorus fertilizer yourself, but many prefer to buy ready-made material. Once you've figured out what phosphorus fertilizer is and what it is, it's time to look at its types. Among the water-soluble ones, you can find:

1. Superphosphate is available in granular and powder form. It is suitable for use on all crops. For optimal results, it is important to adhere to the correct dosage. Trees are planted with 800 grams per tree. The dosage can be increased to 1200 grams. Potatoes benefit from 8 grams per hole. For vegetable crops, use 30 to 40 grams per square meter. A water extract of superphosphate is widely used by gardeners. To prepare it, simply dilute about 20 tablespoons of the fertilizer in three liters of hot water. After 24 hours, the suspension is diluted in a ten-liter bucket of water.
2. The phosphorus content of double superphosphate ranges from 40 to 50%. This fertilizer is most often supplied in granular form. One spoon contains approximately 15 grams of the substance. This dose is equivalent to twice the dose of a similar phosphate fertilizer. Double superphosphate is applied to various crops. Due to the potency of the substance, the dosage is reduced. Fruit trees and shrubs benefit most from double superphosphate.

Phosphorus fertilizer is essential for the successful development of crops; it's a crucial component, but do all gardeners know what other types of phosphorus fertilizer there are? The moderately soluble group includes:

1. Ammophos is produced by acid neutralization. Ammonia neutralizes orthophosphoric acid, resulting in a substance composed primarily of phosphorus. The nitrogen content is reduced, but the components are easily absorbed by plants. This product is excellent for crops that require increased tolerance to temperature fluctuations. Ammophos is often used on cucumbers. Due to the absence of chlorine, the crop is not susceptible to chlorosis and powdery mildew. This fertilizer does not contain nitrates, which are a common problem for gardeners.
2. Diammophos is considered a unique fertilizer capable of effectively accelerating the rapid development of strong plants. At the same time, soil acidity is reduced. This is due to its remarkable composition, which contains concentrated phosphorus. This reduces the need for large amounts of the fertilizer. Diammophos is highly effective and can be used in conjunction with organic fertilizer. When using bird droppings and diammonium phosphate, a large amount of water is required, given the high concentrations of both components. The mixture must be left to steep for a long time. Planting potatoes with diammonium phosphate requires applying one small spoonful per hole. The fertilizer can be reapplied when the crop begins to flower.
3. When considering phosphorus fertilizers and their types, it's important to remember phosphate rock, which comes as a gray powder. It can also be brown and odorless. It's non-hygroscopic. This rock, a phosphorus fertilizer, reacts readily with mineral acids. Their interaction results in the formation of hydrophosphates. This product has earned its popularity due to its stability. Its effectiveness is unaffected by external conditions. Phosphate rock contains almost 30% phosphorus. The active ingredient in this fertilizer is orthophosphate. This fertilizer demonstrates high effectiveness when applied to the soil in the fall. Phosphate rock is particularly beneficial for gray forest soils, leached chernozems, and podzolic soils. Its composition allows gardeners to combine it with other fertilizers. It is most often used in composting with peat and manure. This product helps neutralize acidic fertilizers. Its popularity is due to its excellent shelf life and excellent dispersal after long-term storage. It's an affordable fertilizer and completely environmentally friendly.
4. Organic phosphorus fertilizers have long been popular. But vivianite, mined from bog-type iron ore, is considered a relatively new addition to the gardener's arsenal. The fertilizer is powdered and has a characteristic blue color with a hint of gray. Vivianite's effect on plants is no different from that of rock phosphate.

Liquid phosphorus fertilizers are quickly absorbed by crops, which is why water-soluble phosphorus fertilizers have become popular. However, most gardeners use citrate- and lemon-soluble fertilizers.

1. Understanding the different types of phosphorus fertilizers is impossible without examining bone meal. This organic compound contains up to 60% phosphorus. It's environmentally friendly and free of chemical components. Crops benefit greatly from bone meal. Gardeners often use it to feed tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as when planting potatoes. It also promotes the growth of houseplants. Bone meal has become popular due to its beneficial effects on indoor vines and palms.
2. Gardeners have also fallen in love with precipitates, which contain concentrated phosphorus at levels ranging from 25 to 30%. All types of soil and plants respond extremely well to the fertilizer. When used correctly, this substance can demonstrate effectiveness equal to superphosphate. The fertilizer performs best in acidic soil.
3. Thermophosphate contains enough phosphorus to demonstrate excellent growing results on all types of green crops.

How to make phosphorus fertilizer yourself

Soluble phosphorus fertilizers have become renowned for their effectiveness. Gardeners are searching for methods to prepare high-quality fertilizers without the use of chemicals. The composting process is carried out using ready-made phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, which are applied as a top dressing to the substrate.

You need to use garden grass. Although many people believe that weeds contain nitrogen, this is a misconception. Weeds are excellent at accumulating phosphates. The amount of phosphate in the biomass can vary, but the compost will benefit from being enriched with beneficial plant substances.

Important! Gardeners primarily recommend focusing on herbs such as feather grass and hawthorn. Wormwood and rowan, along with creeping thyme, make good fertilizer. Natural phosphorus fertilizers are always healthier for plants.

How to detect phosphate deficiency

Liquid phosphorus, in the form of fertilizer, should be used to prevent deficiency. Mild or moderate phosphorus deficiency is difficult to recognize. Plant growth may be slower than healthy plants without showing identifiable deficiency symptoms. Mild deficiency is often associated with a darker-than-normal bluish-green foliage color.

Unlike nitrogen deficiency, young leaves remain dark green throughout all stages of development. The first sign of phosphorus deficiency is premature leaf senescence. In most varieties, yellowing is preceded by the appearance of purple anthocyanin pigments, causing a range of yellow hues in the leaves.

Necrotic lesions may develop in chlorotic zones, and the necrotic spots spread until the leaf blade becomes completely brown and dry. In some varieties, yellowing precedes necrotic lesions, which appear on green leaf tissue. Some varieties may develop purple pigmentation on the surface of young leaves.

Reviews

Maxim:

"Without phosphorus fertilizer, potatoes grow more slowly. I use bone meal to ensure the crop has everything it needs to thrive."

Elena:

We grew tomatoes for two years without phosphorus fertilizer. But over time, we noticed that the fruits weren't developing as expected for the variety. I applied fertilizer the following year, and there were no problems. I was pleased with the results. Finally, I found a unique fertilizer that I will use regularly.

Andrey:

"I use superphosphate. The key is to calculate the dose correctly and not overdo it. I decided to fertilize potatoes with it after seeing its effectiveness on other crops."

Pauline:

"Phosphorus fertilizer is a lifesaver for me. The soil on our property isn't the best, so we can't get a good harvest without it."