Fertilizers and Manures

CBS Roscommon

Fertilizer Types
Simple/Straight Fertilizers

These contain only one nutrient element.

Examples include CAN, Urea and Sulphate of Potash

Compound Fertilizers

These contain two or more nutrient elements.

Examples include 10:10:20, 18:6:12

Deficiency
Symptoms

Nutrient

Where It Comes
From

Function

Nitrogen (N)

The atmosphere

Protein
formation

Yellowing of crop

Phosphorus (P)

Shallow rock
deposits formed
by decay of
ancient sea life

Photosynthesis
and other
cellular
processes

Purple
colouration

Potassium (K)

Deep rock
deposits left
behind by
evaporation of
ancient seas

Produce higher
quality crops

Older leaves may

wilt, look
scorched

Spreading fertilizer

Fertilizer Safety

Protect your body when handling a chemical product is

always

Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes

Always read the label on the package

Good storage and handling procedures for fertilisers will

minimise the risks of causing water pollution

Do not lift or handle excess weight

Use good manual handling technique

Manual Handling

Know your safety symbols

Corrosive

Wear protective gloves and eye protection.

Wash hands after handling.

Know your safety symbols

Oxidising

Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other
ignition sources.

No smoking.

Store away from combustible materials

Wear eye protection

Manures

Farmyard manure is a solid mixture of faeces, urine and

bedding, it is stored in a pit

Slurry is a liquid mixture of faeces and urine, it is stored

in a tank

Spreading Manure

FYM is spread by a muck spreader

Slurry is spread by a slurry spreader

Slurry gases

Slurry gas is a mixture of gases including methane, carbon

dioxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide.

The gases are produced by anaerobic bacteria during the

decomposition of slurry

Hydrogen sulphide affects the nervous system and even

the smallest concentrations can cause death.

Hydrogen sulphide has a rotten egg smell at low levels,

but cannot be smelt at higher levels.

Precautions

Agitate on a windy day

Move all animals out of the shed

Work upwind at all times.

At least two people should be present at all times.

Open all doors and outlets to provide a draught.

Never stand over slats or near tank access points when

agitation is in progress.