Phosphorus fertilizers: types, importance, application features

Phosphorus is a vital chemical element that plays an active role in all stages of growth of garden crops. It is responsible for all vital processes occurring in plants. Phosphorus fertilizers are used to replenish this micronutrient deficiency. Their importance for plants cannot be underestimated.

The role of phosphorus fertilizers

Phosphorus-based supplements are mineral compounds that utilize phosphorus as a nutrient. This trace element is a vital source of energy and the primary controller of vital plant processes. Without it, crop growth is inhibited, and there is sometimes a risk of seedling loss.

Only an adequate supply of phosphorus to plant crops will ensure their normal development. When phosphates are added to the soil, the following effects are observed in plantings:

• improving growth and development;
• formation of strong immunity to diseases and negative environmental factors;
• improving the quality characteristics and quantity of seeds;
• higher yield.

If phosphorus fertilizer is applied to the soil in large quantities (not following the instructions), it does not pose a threat to the plant's life. The plants absorb only the required amount of the nutrient.

Causes and signs of phosphorus deficiency

Plants react extremely severely to insufficient micronutrient concentrations in the soil, as all metabolic processes are disrupted. Plants exhibit the following signs of deficiency:

• all parts of the plantings are first painted in a bright green shade, then in purple (crimson);
• deformation of leaves and their premature falling off are observed;
• the leaf blades of the lower row undergo necrotic changes, dark spots are formed;
• plant growth slows down;
• the development of the rhizome is inhibited;
• the supporting part of the root dies off, and the plantings often fall over.

All these ominous signs require fertilizing the soil with nutrients. Phosphorus deficiency in plants occurs as a result of various negative factors. The most common are:

• heavy clay soil;
• oversaturation of soil with potassium;
• increased soil moisture;
• lack of beneficial microflora.

Phosphorus-containing fertilizers should be applied after the true cause of the element deficiency has been established.

Types and uses of fertilizers containing phosphorus

There are many names for single-component mineral fertilizers. Phosphorus is their main component. Based on their water solubility, all phosphorus-containing chemicals are divided into three groups:

• water-soluble – used on all types of soil and for fertilizing any plant crops;
• poorly soluble – used on acidic soils and leached chernozem;
• insoluble - especially effective in acidic environments.

Water-soluble phosphorus fertilizers are a universal type for soil treatment.

Double superphosphate

The fertilizer contains a higher dose of phosphorus (40 to 50%). Typically, the fertilizer is applied as directed in late autumn during plowing, less frequently in spring. If necessary, the soil is fertilized several times throughout the growing season.

Use the fertilizer with caution, following the instructions. Use 500 g of the mixture per 5 liters of water. An overly concentrated solution can burn the rhizome and kill the crop. This fertilizer is suitable for feeding fruit bushes and trees.

Simple superphosphate

This phosphorus fertilizer is used in small plots and is the most popular among gardeners. It contains phosphoric acid, monocalcium phosphate, magnesium, and sulfur. It is available in granule and powder form. The nutrient can be applied to any plant. It has the advantage of not requiring specific soil composition. It can be used in combination with other nutrient mixtures. It strengthens the immune system, increases resistance to low temperatures, and has a positive effect on plant growth. These properties increase crop yields.

There are different methods for adding fertilizer to the soil. For example, the soil is enriched during autumn digging, or granules are added before planting seedlings. Superphosphate It's considered a good option for a summer nutrient supplement. To prepare liquid phosphorus fertilizer, take 5 liters of water and 50 g of fertilizer.

Ammophos

This additive belongs to a group of poorly soluble phosphorus fertilizers enriched with nitrogen and phosphorus. Ammophos does not contain toxins, nitrate compounds, or heavy metals, making it suitable for sensitive vegetable crops and ornamental flowers.

Fertilizer can be applied at any stage of plant growth. However, the best application method is to add it to the soil during fall plowing or in the spring before planting seedlings. For spring application, use the following proportions (per 1 square meter):

• vegetable crops – 20-25 g;
• berry bushes and fruit trees – 25-35 g;
• ornamental plants, lawn grass – 20 g;
• flowers – 15-25 (in autumn).

Diammophos (ammonium hydrogen phosphate)

A highly concentrated phosphorus fertilizer in the form of small pellets. It is used to improve plant health and mitigate acidic soil conditions. Its effectiveness can be increased by combining it with organic fertilizers (manure, bird droppings).

The best time to apply is warm spring, when planting crops. Approximately 20 g (1.5 teaspoons) of ammonium hydrogen phosphate is required per hole. To feed mature plants, use a liquid solution. Apply it to the roots.

Nitroammophoska

In addition to phosphorus, nitroammophoska contains potassium and nitrogen. This complex fertilizer is produced in granular or solution form. There are several groups of these fertilizers, each designed for a specific soil type and crop.

All components of the fertilizer are easily digestible, allowing them to penetrate the plant without difficulty. It can be used both before planting and at all stages of growth.

Phosphorus flour

This mineral fertilizer consists of two key ingredients: phosphorus and calcium, with the latter in slightly higher concentrations. It is available in powder form. Calcium phosphate dissolves poorly in liquid. It is recommended for use on acidic soils or areas enriched with organic matter.

Hardly soluble phosphorus flour remains in the soil for a long time, so it is applied once every few years (during spring tillage). 1.5-2 kg of fertilizer is required per 10 square meters. The main advantages of this fertilizer are its natural composition, high efficiency, and affordable price. The only drawback is the formation of heavy dust when scattered or sprinkled.

Bone meal (phosphoazotin)

This popular organic fertilizer is produced by processing cattle bones. The resulting product contains up to 35% phosphorus. It also contains other beneficial chemical elements, such as magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, and more.

The dosage is determined based on the type of planting. Vegetables require 2 tablespoons per hole, berry bushes – 90 g per square meter, and fruit trees (pears, apples) – 220 g per square meter. Liquid fertilizer is an excellent option for feeding flowers and vegetables, as the average duration of action is 6-8 months.

Fertilizers with phosphorus and potassium

Complex fertilizers lack nitrogen, which is responsible for the growth of green mass. Despite this, such fertilizers are essential for most agricultural crops. Nutrient supplements containing phosphorus and potassium enhance plant growth, stimulating the formation of buds, ovaries, and fruits. Thus, phosphorus-potassium complexes contribute to increased yields.

Nutritional complexes include:

• Agrofoska;
• Potassium metaphosphate;
• Atlanta plus;
• Autumn (powdered fertilizer).

DIY organic fertilizers with phosphorus

You can make organic phosphorus fertilizer from any garden grass. Natural sources with the highest concentrations of phosphorite in their biomass include:

• sagebrush;
• thyme;
• feather grass;
• nettle;
• hawthorn;
• rowan berries.

Making a nutritional supplement is very easy. Place a kilogram of fresh herbs in a plastic container and add 6-8 liters of water. Leave the mixture in the sun to ferment for a week, stirring daily. Dilute the finished product with water at a ratio of 1:9. Apply the fertilizer to the roots of the plant.

Homemade compost is made from natural ingredients. It's virtually impossible to harm plants using it. Soil enrichment phosphorus fertilizers Helps create favorable conditions for rapid plant growth and development. This treatment results in a large, high-quality harvest.

Reviews

Marina Ivanovna, 56 years old

In my garden, I try to use only organic additives. Bone meal is one of them. I apply it in the fall before tilling and in the spring before planting seedlings. It's especially beneficial for tomatoes and cucumbers. I always get a decent harvest. I highly recommend it!

Galina, 40 years old

I prefer to enrich the soil with a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. I don't prepare the soil in the fall. I apply the fertilizer to the hole when the seedlings are ready for planting, and then again during flowering. This approach helps preserve the buds.

Love, 67 years old

I make my own organic phosphorus fertilizer from fresh wormwood or nettle. The process is labor-intensive and quite time-consuming, but it's worth it. The resulting nutrient supplement is natural and very beneficial for garden crops. I water all my vegetables with it. And best of all, it's cost-free. Definitely give it a try!