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NSS #4 Compound Fertilizer

Compound fertilizers contain multiple nutrients combined into individual granules, offering farmers convenience and economic savings over blending single-nutrient fertilizers. They are produced using various methods like compaction, accretion, and chemical reactions to bind nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and others into a finished product. As the granules dissolve in soil, each delivers a mixture of nutrients uniformly to plants. Compound fertilizers are well-suited for applying an initial nutrient dose before planting, though their fixed ratios may not allow flexibility for specific crop needs compared to blending fertilizers. Their production and use require consideration of handling costs versus nutrient management advantages.

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185 views1 page

NSS #4 Compound Fertilizer

Compound fertilizers contain multiple nutrients combined into individual granules, offering farmers convenience and economic savings over blending single-nutrient fertilizers. They are produced using various methods like compaction, accretion, and chemical reactions to bind nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and others into a finished product. As the granules dissolve in soil, each delivers a mixture of nutrients uniformly to plants. Compound fertilizers are well-suited for applying an initial nutrient dose before planting, though their fixed ratios may not allow flexibility for specific crop needs compared to blending fertilizers. Their production and use require consideration of handling costs versus nutrient management advantages.

Uploaded by

Jehamin Junior
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© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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Compound Fertilizer No.

4
Many soils require the addition of several essential nutrients to alleviate plant deficiencies. Farmers may have the
option of selecting a combination of single-nutrient fertilizers or using a fertilizer that has several nutrients combined
into each particle. These combination (compound or complex) fertilizers can offer advantages of convenience in the
field, economic savings, and ease in meeting crop nutritional needs.

Production
Compound fertilizers are made using basic fertilizer materials, such as NH3, ammonium phosphate, urea, S, and K salts. There are
many methods used for making these fertilizers, with the specific manufacturing processes determined by the available basic compo-
nents and the desired nutrient content of the finished product. Here are four brief examples.
Compaction methods (agglomeration) involve binding small fertilizer particles together using compaction, a cementing agent, or a
chemical bond. Various nutrient ratios can be combined using undersized particles that may not be suitable for other applications.
Accretion-based fertilizers are made by repeatedly adding a thin film of nutrient slurry which is continually dried, building up mul-
tiple layers until the desired granule size is reached.
Pipe-cross reactors are used to chemically melt NH3, acids containing S or P, and other
nutrients—such as K sources and micronutrients—into a solid fertilizer with the desired nutri-
ent content.
The nitrophosphate process involves reacting phosphate rock with nitric acid to form a
mixture of compounds containing N and P. If a K source is added during the process, a solid
fertilizer with N, P, and K will result.

Agricultural Use
Compound fertilizer contains multiple nutrients in each individual granule. This differs from a blend of fertilizers mixed together to
achieve a desired average nutrient composition. This difference allows compound fertilizer to be spread so that each granule delivers
a mixture of nutrients as it dissolves in the soil and eliminates the potential for segregation of nutrient sources during transport or
application. A uniform distribution of micronutrients throughout the rootzone can be achieved when included in compound fertilizers.
These fertilizers are especially effective for applying an initial nutrient dose in advance of planting. There are certain ratios of
nutrients available from a fertilizer dealer for specific soil and crop conditions. This approach offers advantages of simplicity in making
complex fertilizer decisions, but does not allow the flexibility to blend fertilizers to meet specific crop requirements. Turf managers and
homeowners often find compound fertilizers desirable.

Management Practices
Compound fertilizers are sometimes more expensive than a physical combination or blend of the primary
nutrient sources since they require additional processing. However, when a consideration is made of all the factors
involved with nutrient handling and use, compound fertilizers may offer considerable advantages.
Nitrogen is the nutrient that most commonly needs to be carefully managed and reapplied during the growing
season. It may not be feasible to supply sufficient N in advance of planting to meet the entire demand (using only
compound fertilizer) without overapplying some of the other nutrients. It may be advisable to use a compound
fertilizer early in the growing season and then later apply only N fertilizer as needed.
Compound fertilizers are usually produced regionally to meet local crop needs. There is a wide range of
chemical and physical properties that can be adjusted to meet these needs. For example, a desire to minimize
P in urban stormwater runoff has led some communities to restrict the addition of P to compound fertilizers sold for turf and ornamen-
tal purposes. Soils of a region that are typically low in a specific nutrient may have this element boosted in the compound fertilizer. n

Chemical Properties
Chemical formulas vary widely. Common compound fertilizers include: 10-10-10, 12-12-12, 17-17-17, 21-7-14,
and many other formulations.

Abbreviations and notes: N = nitrogen; NH3 = ammonia; K= potassium; S = sulfur; P = phosphorus

3500 Parkway Lane, Suite 550


Norcross, Georgia 30092-2844 USA
Phone (770) 447-0335
www. ipni.net
Nutrient Source Specifics is a series of brief, condensed fact sheets highlighting common fertilizers and nutrient sources in modern agriculture. These
topics are written by scientific staff of the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) for educational use. Mention of a fertilizer source or product name
does not imply endorsement or recommendation. This series is available as PDF files at this URL: >www.ipni.net/specifics<
Ref # 10064

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