Fertilizer mixtures & grades

their composition & their uses

PRESENTED BY
VASANTHAKUMARI.K
12-507-017
 Fertilizer mixtures

When two or more fertilizers are mixed together to

supply two or three major elements

A mixture of two more straight fertilizer materials

is referred to as fertilizer mixture.
 Types

1) Open formula fertilizer mixture

The formulae of such fertilizers in terms of
kinds and quantity of the ingredients mixed are
disclosed by the manufacturers.

2) Closed formula fertilizer mixture

The ingredients of straight fertilizers used in
such mixtures are not disclosed by the
manufacturers.
 Materials used in fertilizer mixtures

1.Suppliers of plant materials-straight fertilizers added to supply the plant

nutrients mentioned in the grade

2. Conditioners-reduce caking. E.g.: Tobacco stems, Groundnut hulls ,

paddy hulls (Husks) & oilcakes.

3. Neutralizers of residual acidity-used to neutralize the residual effects

are known as neutralizers

4. Filler-such as sand, soil, ground coal ashes, sawdust and other waste
products.

5. Secondary and micro nutrients-to correct its deficiency.

 Grades Composition Suitable
crops
Grade 1(6-12-0) 30kg ammonium sulphate & Grain crops
75kg super phosphate

Grade 2(10-6-6) 50kg ammonium sulphate, Potato, Jute, cotton,

38kg super phosphate & 12kg vegetable crops,
muriate of potash banana, papaya

Grade 3(6.6-6.5- 33kg ammonium sulphate, Groundnut,

6) 41kg super phosphate & 12kg coconut, arecanut
muriate of potash

Grade 4(9-8.8-0) 45kg ammonium sulphate, Sugarcane, arecant

55kg super phosphate

Grade 5(8-8-8) 30kg ammonium sulphate, Potato, Cereals and

4.5kg urea, 50kg super oil seeds
phosphate & 16kg muriate of
potash
 Processes in manufacture of mixed fertilizers

1.Dry mixing of non granular or pulverized materials

2.Granulation of dry mixed materials

3.Granulation of dry materials with addition of materials that

react chemically (NH3 solution and H2SO4 or H3PO4)

4.Slurry granulation
5. Melt granulation (part of mixtures to be granulated is in
the form of hot or fluid melt - contain 2 % water solidifies
on cooling)

6. Blending or bulk blending

7. Fluid mixing – Liquids & suspensions

Liquids – nearly all ingredients are in solution (some times

referred “fertilizer solutions” clear liquid fertilizers)
Suspension – fluid mixtures containing solids usually
suspended in a saturated solutions or fertilizers
Advantages :
 All major nutrients are available in one and the same material.

 Saving of time and labor.

 Prepared by considering acidic or alkaline nature of the ingredients,

and other chemical reactions. Hence no residual effects like acidity
or alkalinity.

 Usually mixed fertilizer are prepared to suit a group of crop and

soils.
Disadvantages:
 The cost of plant nutrients is higher than straight
fertilizers.

 All only one nutrient is required by the crop, the fertilizer

mixtures are not useful and sometimes farmers may add
nutrients in excess or in limited quantity.

 Improper mixing and storage of fertilizers can result in

large nutrient losses.
 Points to be considered

 Urea can be mixed with most fertilizers but mixtures should be used
immediately after mixing. Do not store fertilizer mixtures containing urea.

 Ammonium phosphates and super phosphates should not be mixed with

lime, slag, rock phosphate.

 KCl & K2SO4 can be mixed with most fertilizers, but mixtures of these
fertilizers with urea should not be stored.

 Do not store fertilizers in damp or dirty places.

 References

http://www.agriinfo.in/default.aspx?
page=topic&superid=1&topicid=362

Manures and fertilizers-P.C.DAS

 References

http://www.agriinfo.in/default.aspx?page=topic&supe
rid=1&topicid=362

Manures and fertilizers by P.C.Das