Nitrophos, nitroammophos, azophos and borofos for fertilizing cucumbers

Cucumbers are a finicky garden crop, requiring timely application of organic and mineral fertilizers. Often, after consulting with experienced gardeners, people turn to specialty stores, where they recommend alternatives. For example, instead of Azofoska, cucumbers are recommended to be fertilized with Borofoska, Nitroammophoska, or Nitrophoska. Are these products similar in composition, and how will this change affect the yield?

Composition and application of Nitrophoska, Nitroammophoska, Azofoska and Borofoska

Indeed, the differences between these products are minor. The differences lie in the ratio of active ingredients, the content of additional components, the method of application, and the dosage when preparing the working solution. The beneficial substances contained in these fertilizers enrich the soil, accelerate the formation of weeds, and promote the growth of green mass.

Fertilizers are suitable not only for cucumbers but for all vegetable garden crops, but they need to be applied correctly. When purchasing bulk fertilizers, instructions are not always available.

Nitroammophoska

It comes in pink granules. The ratio of active ingredients—nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus—may vary. If you're offered gray fertilizer, avoid it—it's counterfeit.

Recommended for use on cucumbers and tuber crops when mole cricket activity increases. It partially replaces organic fertilizer such as manure, reducing the population of pests that damage the root system. Benefits of this fertilizer:

• Nitrogen is necessary for normalizing photosynthesis and growth of green mass;
• phosphorus beneficial for roots and stimulates the growth of seedlings and shoots;
• Potassium - increases yield and improves the taste of fruits.

Using this product accelerates fruiting. Fertilizing can be done at all stages throughout the cucumber growth period, as its action is prolonged. It initially stimulates active growth of newly planted plants, then the formation of ovaries and fruits, helping the cucumbers absorb the necessary vitamin and mineral complex.

It is produced in several types, with different ratios of mineral salts in the composition:

1. 16:16:16%. All active ingredients in equal quantities, universal use, both in open ground and in greenhouses, for all types of soil.
2. Nitrogen - 8%, potassium - 24%, phosphorus - 24%. Used on depleted soils.
3. Composition: 21-28% nitrogen and potassium, 0.1% phosphorus, optimal for high content of the latter macroelement and deficiency of the former.

The positive qualities of nitroammophoska include: easy dissolution upon dilution; versatility for soils and garden crops. However, negative properties should also be considered: a relatively short shelf life—only 6 months from the production date; accumulation of nitrates in the soil layer when overdosed; and storage difficulties. The granules are highly flammable and explosive, requiring special handling after purchase—not storing near heat sources.

To prepare a working solution, dissolve 30-40 g of granules in a bucket of water. Water at the roots, being careful not to touch the leaves, at a rate of 250 ml per plant. When growing outdoors, it's best to choose dry weather for treating the beds. However, moisten the soil first.

Avoid overfeeding seedlings. Excess nitrogen increases the amount of green mass, and fruit buds will form much later.

Nitrophoska

A complex fertilizer produced in the form of blue granules. The main active compounds are nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Available in the following forms:

1. Sulfate—an additional micronutrient—repels ticks, improves the condition of vines, and increases resistance to flea infestations. This form of Nitrophoska is recommended for use as a fertilizer for cucumbers.
2. Sulfate – high in calcium. It promotes bud formation and brightens petal color, making it a favorite choice for flower growing.
3. Phosphorite fertilizer increases fruit size and improves flavor. It's most commonly used for tomatoes and nightshade crops.

The fertilizer's advantages: the granules store well and don't cake; the active ingredients have a prolonged effect. It's safe for humans—accidental contact with skin won't cause burns; simply rinse with running water. The price is low, but the shelf life is short—only 4-6 months. It's impossible to prepare for the next season in advance.

To feed cucumbers, apply 30 g of granules per 1 m². The working solution is 40 g per bucket of water. When watering, apply 0.5 liters of the mixture per plant.

Azofoska

A universal agrochemical suitable for use in all climates and soil types. It is considered similar to Nitrophoska, but the specific composition must be taken into account when using it. composition of Azofoska Nitrofoska contains phosphorus in a readily soluble form, which is partially absorbed. Sulfur or magnesium is often added to complex fertilizers. The color of the granulated fertilizer is white or pinkish.

The use depends on the ratio of active components - nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus:

1. 16:16:16% — applied dry during autumn digging, 2 tablespoons per 1 m²; in spring, when planting or fertilizing garden trees, 2-3 tablespoons per hole; when planting nightshades, 0.5 teaspoon per seedling bush; applied twice when growing potatoes, after the first shoots appear and flowering has ended, in the form of a solution, 30 g per bucket of water.
2. 19:9:19%. Used in areas where phosphorus is washed out by meltwater, particularly in the southern regions of Russia.
3. 22:11:11%, with an increased portion of nitrogen, for depleted areas under intensive farming conditions.

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Cucumbers are fed in three stages. First, when preparing the bed for planting seedlings or seeds. An aqueous solution is used—prepared in the same way as Nitrophoska: 40 g per 10 liters of settled water. Apply again along with organic fertilizers in early June, using well-rotted compost or a mullein (rabbit manure) infusion. Root watering is repeated after two weeks. Subsequently, lightly dusting the soil with crushed granules or lightly spraying the solution every 10 days is sufficient.

Application for fertilizing garden crops:

Granules are applied in spring and autumn, and the working solution is applied mainly in summer.

Borofoska

Borofoska is another type of fertilizer, slightly different in composition. It does not contain nitrogen, but it does contain calcium, magnesium, and boron in addition to potassium and phosphorus. Therefore, it is recommended to use it in conjunction with organic fertilizers. It is available in the form of gray-green or emerald-brown granules.

Composition and benefits:

• calcium – accelerates metabolic processes and normalizes the formation of the root system;
• magnesium - stabilizes carbohydrate metabolism, activates metabolic processes in the aboveground part of the plant;
• Boron - increases the immunity of garden crops and helps to obtain a rich harvest.

Boron deficiency is indicated by impaired ovary formation, petal shedding, delayed ripening, and rotting of cucumbers. This is when it's recommended to fertilize with Borofoska. The first application is during spring gardening. The soil is re-fertilized during transplanting of seedlings, active flowering, and the beginning of fruiting.

When watering cucumbers at the roots, use 100 g of the working solution per 1 m². Dissolve 30-40 g in a bucket of water and mix thoroughly.

Positive qualities of the drug:

• versatility of use;
• active substances in an optimal ratio, therefore they are easily absorbed;
• increases plant immunity to fungal and bacterial infections;
• reduces sensitivity to temperature changes;
• stimulates abundant flowering and the appearance of ovaries;
• increases crop yield;
• strengthens the root system;
• reduces the accumulation of nitrates and heavy metals;
• reduces soil acidity;
• does not contain chlorine.

The disadvantages of Borofoska are:

1. Highly toxic to humans. Contact with exposed skin and mucous membranes can cause burns, so protective equipment is required when working with it.
2. The granules are highly flammable, which must be taken into account when storing and processing the garden plot.
3. Exposure to direct sunlight will degrade the product's beneficial properties. Store in a dry, dark place.

The aggressive effect does not extend to the root system of plants.

The product is used not only as a fertilizer but also to remove heavy metals and radionuclides from the soil. When growing tall cucumber varieties, the dosage can be increased.

All complex fertilizers are applied only in dry weather, as heavy rains wash away nutrients from the soil. However, before applying root water, the bed should be lightly moistened with settled water.

When using any type of fertilizer in a greenhouse, visually assess the ripeness of the fruit. If applied during flowering, the fruit will be juicy and tasty.