Plants need various nutrients to grow and develop; some are called macronutrients, and others are called micronutrients. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are macronutrients that must always be available to the plant in sufficient quantities due to their important role in various plant growth processes.
NPK fertilizer is one of the most widely used and effective fertilizers on the market, and it can help you increase crop yield and improve plant health.
What is NPK fertilizer?
NPK stands for three elements: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Depending on the type of fertilizer, these three elements can have different percentages and are essential for plant growth.
The presence of nitrogen in this type of fertilizer is essential for plant vegetative growth, leaf and stem formation, and protein production. Phosphorus is responsible for root development, flowering, and fruiting, as well as energy transfer in the plant, and potassium helps the plant resist diseases, pests, and environmental stresses and plays a role in regulating the plant's water and ionic balance.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical Properties
The physical properties of NPK fertilizers include appearance, color, granulation, and solubility of the desired fertilizer.
Appearance:
NPK fertilizers are available in various forms, such as solid, liquid, and powder.
Solid NPK Fertilizer:
This form of NPK fertilizer is usually available in the form of granules or fine grains and is more suitable for heavy soils. This form of NPK fertilizer is cheaper than the others and has the largest sales volume.
Liquid NPK Fertilizer:
Liquid NPK fertilizer is also known as a liquid fertilizer. The term liquid fertilizer is also used for liquid ammonium, nitrogen solution, and mixed liquid fertilizers.
Liquid NPK fertilizers are usually more expensive than solid fertilizers and require special equipment for use. However, liquid fertilizer also has a high absorption capacity by plants.
Powdered NPK fertilizer:
These fertilizers can be used both directly and in water-soluble form, although they have a lower solubility than liquid fertilizers. This type of fertilizer has more environmental pollution than liquid fertilizers and is usually cheaper than liquid fertilizers.
Types of NPK fertilizer colors
The color of NPK fertilizers usually depends on the color of the elements in them. For example, NPK fertilizers containing more nitrogen are usually green or blue.
NPK fertilizers containing more phosphorus are usually red or pink, and NPK fertilizers containing more potassium are usually white or gray.
NPK fertilizer granulation:
NPK fertilizers can be in powder, granule, or crystalline form. The size of NPK fertilizer granules can vary and must be easily distributed in the soil and absorbed by the plant.
Powdered NPK fertilizers are usually cheaper, but they are more difficult to use and may cause environmental pollution. Granulated NPK fertilizers are easy to use and cause less environmental pollution.
Also, crystalline NPK fertilizers are usually used for foliar spraying and are quickly absorbed by the plant.
NPK fertilizer solubility:
The type of fertilizer, particle size, temperature, and water pH are factors that affect the solubility of NPK fertilizers. Among the different forms of NPK fertilizers, the crystalline and liquid types dissolve quickly in water and have relatively high solubility.
Chemical properties include the appropriate pH of the fertilizer, the reactivity of the fertilizer with other chemicals in the soil, and the stability of NPK fertilizers in the soil.
Types of NPK Fertilizer
NPK fertilizers come in various types, depending on the percentage of elements they contain and their different formulations. Some of these fertilizers are balanced, others have a higher nitrogen content, others have a higher phosphorus content, and others have a higher potassium content. Below are some of the most important of these fertilizers:
NPK 20-20-20 Fertilizer:
NPK 20-20-20 fertilizer is a balanced fertilizer, containing equal amounts of all three elements nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and is suitable for most plants and helps in the general growth of the plant.
This type of fertilizer is also the best NPK fertilizer for strengthening the foliage of plants. This fertilizer is available in the form of a crystalline and blue powder in the market and also contains microelements (minor use) such as copper, iron, zinc, etc.
NPK 5-10-10 Fertilizer:
This complete NPK fertilizer contains 5 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorus, and 10 percent potassium. This type of fertilizer is more suitable for plants that are in their initial growth stage.
NPK 10-20-10 Fertilizer:
10-20-10 fertilizer contains 10 percent nitrogen, 20 percent phosphorus, and 10 percent potassium, and this fertilizer is mostly used for plants that are in their fruiting season.
NPK 10-10-10 Fertilizer:
This type of fertilizer is used as a general fertilizer for gardens and pots. It contains 10 percent of each of the elements nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Using NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer can be beneficial, depending on the type of plant and its growing conditions.
NPK 10-52-10 Fertilizer:
This fertilizer has a high percentage of phosphorus and strengthens the roots and the rooting process effectively. This type of fertilizer prevents the leaves from turning yellow and can be useful for most agricultural products. You can get 10-52-10 fertilizer in aluminum packages and powder form.
NPK 10-50-10 Fertilizer:
Due to its high phosphorus content, 10-50-10 fertilizer is very suitable for use during rooting and root development. This type of fertilizer can be used in all irrigation systems and dense crops because it is completely soluble in water and has rapid absorption.
On the other hand, 10-50-10 fertilizer is very suitable for use in saline and sodic soils and does not contain any heavy elements such as chlorine, sodium, lead, and cadmium.
NPK 18-18-18 fertilizer:
NPK 18-18-18 fertilizer is another type of balanced NPK fertilizer that, like NPK 20-20-20 fertilizer, contains micronutrients needed by plants, such as zinc, manganese, copper, etc., and is available in the market in powder form and without odor.
This fertilizer is suitable for Ornamental plants such as orchids, roses, and geraniums, and the best time to use NPK 18-18-18 fertilizer for these plants is during their vegetative growth.
NPK 20 -5-10 fertilizer:
This fertilizer has a high nitrogen content and is therefore suitable for green and potted plants such as bonsai and various palm trees.
NPK 15-50-5 fertilizer:
Due to its high phosphorus content, this fertilizer is used to improve metabolism and strengthen the roots of vegetables. This fertilizer is odorless and increases the resistance of plants to different weather conditions and diseases.
NPK 4-5-40 fertilizer:
This fertilizer is one of the most popular and widely used fertilizers due to its high potassium content. This fertilizer is used as a foliar spray or with irrigation. Ultimately, this fertilizer will make your plant's flowers more beautiful, fragrant, and larger, and as a result, your fruit will be of better quality.
NPK 3-11-38 fertilizer:
3-11-38 NPK fertilizer is water-soluble and specific for cactus because it contains all the nutrients needed for liquid nutrient substrate cultivation systems. This fertilizer is also ideal for all irrigation systems - drip, strip, sprinkler, or pivot.
NPK 15-15-30 fertilizer:
The higher percentage of phosphorus than other elements makes this fertilizer suitable for the development of the roots of various plants, but this fertilizer is usually used for flowers. More than 58% of the nitrogen in this fertilizer is in the form of nitrate.
NPK 19-6-20 fertilizer:
Pomod's complete fertilizer is used after flowering and at the beginning of reproductive growth until harvest. This fertilizer consists of micronutrients such as iron, zinc, manganese, and copper, all of which are completely stable in the form of EDTA chelates, and is considered one of the best options for feeding vegetables and greens.
NPK 15- 5-30 fertilizer:
Due to the high potassium content of this fertilizer, it is recommended for the fruiting stages of fruit trees, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. This fertilizer is water-soluble and suitable for all types of soil and environmental conditions.
NPK 12-12-36 TE fertilizer:
This fertilizer is very suitable for use in saline soils and has high solubility and rapid absorption. This multipurpose fertilizer is very suitable for use in dense cropping systems and salt-sensitive crops and is used in a wide range of agricultural and horticultural crops.
NPK 10-50-10 TE fertilizer:
The nitrogen in this fertilizer helps the growth of the leaves and stems of the plant, and potassium is essential for various metabolic processes and increases the plant's resistance to diseases and environmental stresses.
However, the main importance of this fertilizer is its high phosphorus level, which helps improve flower and fruit production in plants. These features make NPK TE 10-50-10 very effective for plants in the reproductive stages.
NPK 17-44-0 Fertilizer:
This fertilizer is in the form of acidic crystalline powder and has greater solubility in alkaline and calcareous soils than other fertilizers that contain more phosphorus. The best time to use this fertilizer is early in the plant growth season.
NPK10-5-30 TE Fertilizer:
Using this fertilizer can help plants grow and develop, increase their yield, and help achieve higher-quality products. Also, using this fertilizer can help farmers save water while improving plant performance.
What plants is NPK fertilizer suitable for?
This fertilizer is suitable for all plants, but since NPK fertilizer has different types, you should choose the fertilizer according to the purpose and type of your plant. You can choose the type of NPK fertilizer according to the type of plant, growth stage, pH, and other soil conditions.
How to use NPK fertilizer for houseplants
When using NPK fertilizer for houseplants, you should be aware of things such as the needs of the plant, adjusting the amount of use, and the time of use of NPK fertilizer.
NPK fertilizer for Sansevieria
If the roots of Sansevieria are strengthened and grow quickly, we will see an increase in the number of shoots and leaves of each branch of this plant, and to increase the rooting of Sansevieria, a high phosphorus fertilizer 10-52-10 plays a prominent role. High potash fertilizer 36-12-12 can also be used to increase the resistance of this plant to environmental stresses.
NPK Fertilizer for Pothos
The elements in the Se Bis fertilizer are absorbed by the leaves of Pothos, and this fertilizer is usually used for Pothos plants in the form of irrigation. The recommended amount of this fertilizer for Pothos is usually one teaspoon in one liter of water.
NPK Fertilizer for Saffron
The fertilizer 12-12-36 is used to strengthen the saffron bulb and increase its quality characteristics in the first foliar spraying of saffron in January. The fertilizer 20-20-20 is used to strengthen the saffron piths and form high-quality daughter piths in the second stage. Also, the fertilizer 10-52-10 contains a high percentage of phosphorus, which helps in greater tuber formation and increased propagation of saffron bulbs.
NPK Fertilizer for Marijuana
The hemp plant needs high nitrogen due to its rapid growth. Therefore, it is necessary to use nitrogen fertilizers such as 20-20-20 fertilizer at the beginning of the vegetative growth stage so that the plant has enough time to absorb and react to this fertilizer. Also, 6-52-3 fertilizer with high phosphorus content can increase fruit and flower weight in addition to increasing root growth and increasing the THC level of the flower, ultimately improving the taste of the flower.
NPK fertilizer for pistachios
Usually, for each mature pistachio tree, about 2 to 3 kilograms of complete fertilizer per year is recommended, although in areas with poor soil, the amount of fertilizer required may be higher. In the spring, before the start of the growing season, complete fertilizer strengthens the growth of leaves and branches by providing the nitrogen needed by the pistachio tree, and in the summer, the pistachio tree is in the middle of its growth and obtains its greater need for potassium to strengthen the root system and improve seed quality through complete fertilizer.
NPK Fertilizer for Citrus
Nitrogen is one of the main components in many processes required for citrus growth. Phosphorus also increases root growth and flowering and is essential for plant DNA. Phosphorus plays an important role in converting solar energy into useful energy.
A very important issue in using citrus fertilizer for further growth is time, and under no circumstances should these types of fertilizers be used during the flowering and fruiting stages. Winter is the right time for nitrogen fertilizers for citrus trees.
NPK Fertilizer for Vegetables
The use of 30-day fertilizers is carried out in spring and summer for plant or vegetable growth and optimizes growth conditions, creates plant resistance to harmful factors, improves the quality of the final product, and increases fruit yield in a shorter time.
NPK fertilizer for walnut trees
Usually, the best time to strengthen walnut trees using 300 to 500 grams of NPK fertilizer is spring, and it is appropriate to continue fertilizing until autumn so that the trees' resistance to cold increases several times, and then stop fertilizing and allow the trees to rest for a while.
NPK fertilizer for wheat
Three-forty fertilizer for wheat is a complete fertilizer that contains the right amount of the three main nutrients for wheat and helps to grow better and improve wheat yield. The best time to use NPK fertilizer for wheat is from tilling to grain filling to make the most of its nutritional benefits.
NPK fertilizer for grapes
NPK fertilizer suitable for fruiting and grapevine fruiting must contain a sufficient amount of potassium. Three-forty fertilizer is also used to improve the quality of fruit in spring, which is the season of growth.
NPK Fertilizer Packaging
NPK fertilizer packaging is usually made of plastic, paper, or a combination of the two. The packaging material should be such that it prevents moisture and air from penetrating the fertilizer and protects it from physical damage.
Top 10 NPK Fertilizer Suppliers in Iran
In Iran, there are many companies that supply NPK fertilizers. The table below shows some of the top NPK fertilizer suppliers.
1 | kimia kood |
2 | Koodyab |
3 | Shimico |
4 | Mersinkesht |
5 |
Irankood |
6 |
Nahaderazkhoram |
7 |
Pfzagross |
8 | Nobaharanshimi |
9 | Farmkala |
10 | Zistbanco |
Foreign NPK fertilizer brands
Many reputable and well-known foreign brands around the world are active in the field of NPK fertilizer production, including Agros from Brazil, Eurosol from the Netherlands, Omex from England, and Tetralotus from Germany.
Product quality
The quality of the final product, including fruits, vegetables, and grains, has always been of great importance. NPK fertilizers play an important role in improving product quality by providing essential nutrients to plants. Proper use of these fertilizers can lead to increased size, improved taste and color, and increased nutritional value of the product.
On the other hand, the quality of NPK fertilizers depends on various factors, including raw materials, formulation, production method, and packaging. High-quality NPK fertilizers provide nutrients in a form that is easily absorbed by the plant. Also, these fertilizers are free of harmful elements and heavy metals and do not harm the environment.
Methods of NPK Fertilizer Production
The methods of NPK fertilizer production are very diverse and vary depending on the type of NPK fertilizer (solid or liquid) and its formulation.
Other factors affecting the choice of NPK fertilizer production method include production cost, quality of the final product, and environmental impacts.
Some of the common methods of NPK fertilizer production are mentioned below:
Bulk Blending: In this method, solid raw materials containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are prepared separately and then mixed in specific proportions.
This method is the simplest and cheapest method of NPK fertilizer production, but the quality of the final product may be low, and the fertilizer particles may not be uniform.
Chemical Fertilizer Production Method:
In this method, chemical reactions between different raw materials are used to produce NPK fertilizer. This method is more complex than the physical mixing method, but the quality of the final product is higher, and the fertilizer particles are more uniform.
For example, in the nitrophosphate method, nitric acid and phosphate are used to produce NPK fertilizer, and in the ammonium phosphate method, ammonia and phosphoric acid are used to produce NPK fertilizer.
Liquid fertilizer production method:
In this method, raw materials containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are dissolved in water, and then the resulting solution is used to produce liquid NPK fertilizer. Liquid fertilizers are easily absorbed by plants and are suitable for use in drip irrigation systems.
Granular fertilizer production method: In this method, NPK fertilizer is produced in the form of small and uniform granules. The granules are easy to transport and store and gradually dissolve in the soil, delivering nutrients to the plant.
Use of NPK fertilizers
The table below shows the use of NPK fertilizers according to the amount of dominant elements.
Element | Role in the Plant | Deficiency Symptoms | Uses of NPK Fertilizers Containing the Relevant Element |
Nitrogen | Vegetative growth (leaves and stems), protein and chlorophyll production | Yellowing of lower leaves, slow growth, leaves remaining small | Crops, vegetables, ornamental plants, grass |
Phosphorus | Root development, flowering and fruiting, energy transfer | Slow root growth, lack of flowering, small fruits | Flowering plants, fruit trees, vegetables |
Potassium | Resistance to diseases and stresses, water regulation, improvement of fruit quality | Burns on the edges of the leaves, weakness against diseases, small fruits | Fruit trees, vegetables, ornamental plants |
For example, NPK 20-5-10 fertilizer is widely used to increase the vegetative growth of ornamental, agricultural, and vegetable plants due to its higher nitrogen content.
Fertilizers such as NPK 10-20-10, NPK 10-52-10, NPK 10-50-10, NPK 17-44-,0, and NPK 15-50-5, with higher phosphorus levels, have a significant effect on increasing flowering and fruiting of flowering plants, fruit trees, and summer vegetables.
Also, fertilizers with high potassium levels, such as NPK 3-11-38, NPK 15-15-30, NPK 19-6-20, NPK 15-5-30, NPK TE 15-5-30, and NPK TE 12-12-36 are added to fruit trees, ornamental plants, and vegetables to increase disease resistance, water regulation, and fruit quality.
Packaging and storage of NPK fertilizers
Proper packaging and storage of NPK fertilizers help maintain their quality and shelf life. Fertilizers should be stored in a dry, cool place and away from direct sunlight. Avoid exposing fertilizers to moisture and excessive heat, as this can reduce their quality. Also, keep fertilizers out of the reach of children and pets.
Storage, loading, and delivery
Fertilizers should be stored in a dry, cool place and away from direct sunlight and moisture. When loading and delivering fertilizers, appropriate equipment should be used, and packaging should be prevented from being damaged. Also, fertilizers should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
Guide to Buying the Right NPK Fertilizer
To buy the right NPK fertilizer, first identify the type of plant and its nutritional needs. Then, according to soil analysis and consultation with experts, select the right NPK fertilizer formulation. Finally, buy NPK fertilizer according to the production and expiration dates. You can contact Shimiko experts for this.
The most important feature of the right NPK fertilizer to buy
The most important feature of the right NPK fertilizer to buy is its compliance with the needs of your plant and soil. Other important features include the type of plant, soil analysis, NPK, brand, quality, and price.
Sales NPK fertilizer
NPK fertilizer is sold in two ways: wholesale and retail. Wholesale sales are usually made by manufacturing plants or importers to large stores and fertilizer wholesalers. Retail sales are made by agricultural stores, greenhouses, and gardening centers to end consumers.
Competitive price
Competition in the NPK fertilizer market is very intense, and manufacturers are always looking to offer products with reasonable prices and high quality. The competitive price of NPK fertilizer can be affected by various factors, such as production costs, raw materials, demand and supply, and competition between companies.
Conclusion
In summary, it can be said that NPK fertilizers, as one of the most important plant nutrition tools, play an important role in improving the performance and quality of agricultural products.
Choosing the right type of NPK fertilizer according to the needs of the plant, soil analysis, and consulting with experts is of great importance. Also, observing the points related to packaging, storage, loading, and delivery of NPK fertilizers helps to maintain their quality and shelf life. With the correct and principled use of NPK fertilizers, sustainable agriculture and increased productivity in agricultural production can be achieved.