How to use phosphate rock in the garden in 2022

Without phosphorus fertilizers, plants cannot fully develop. With phosphorus deficiency, they experience growth retardation and metabolic disorders, leaves fall off and the root system develops poorly. You can’t do without fertilizing in such a situation.

The most effective are phosphate fertilizers such as superphosphate (simple and double), phosphate rock and bone meal. Let's look at the last two in more detail.

• What are phosphate fertilizers - types, names, application features

  Everything you wanted to know about applying phosphorus fertilizers in the garden, vegetable garden and flower garden.

What is phosphate rock and what is it used for?

Within the framework of traditional farming, it is used as a phosphorus mineral fertilizer, with the following useful components:

• Phosphorus – 19 – 30%,
• Calcium – 30%,
• Magnesium – 2%.

Phosphorite flour in appearance is a powdery substance of a grayish tint.
In addition, it contains other elements:

• Copper,
• Iron,
• Aluminum,
• Seru.

According to physical properties:

• The solid compound is poorly soluble in water, but reacts well with acids. For this reason, it is used on soils with a pH level below 6.

An important advantage is the relatively low cost, due to the peculiarities of production. Phosphorite flour is obtained by grinding and enriching natural minerals of the apatite group. Due to its low hygroscopicity, it can be stored for a long time without compromising its physical and chemical properties. Disadvantage: limited use on acidic soils.

Phosphorus requirements of plants

We have already noted above the need for an element for the successful growth and development of garden crops. Phosphorus is important for the following processes:

• formation of the root system;
• energy metabolism;
• synthesis of sugars and protein;
• chlorophyll formation;
• fertilization, formation of ovaries;
• fruit ripening.

Resistance to diseases, attacks by insect pests, and lodging increases (especially in cereal plants). Thanks to phosphorus, the taste of fruits improves, the content of sugar and starch (in potatoes) increases.

Deficiency of the element is dangerous at all stages of the growing season, but especially at a young age. During this period, the plants' root system is only growing, and the absorption capacity of the roots is low. There is a delay in growth and development, all processes slow down, and even subsequent fertilizing will not be able to correct the situation.

In order not to miss time, you need to carefully monitor the plantings, noting the slightest changes.

Signs of phosphorus deficiency:

• uneven development of shoots (thin, short);
• shredding of sheet plates;
• slow crop growth;
• changes in leaf color: the appearance of violet, purple shades;
• falling of leaf blades;
• delay in flowering and ovary formation;
• weak roots, causing plants to fall.

On a note! The fact that there is not enough phosphorus in the soil on the site will be indicated by wild plants: creeping buttercup, plantain, wood sorrel, cat's foot, speedwell.

But it is necessary to apply fertilizer correctly and strictly according to the standards, otherwise it is easy to cause an excess of the element in the soil. This is fraught with the appearance of spots, deformation of leaves, and blocking the entry into plant tissues of such important substances as potassium, copper, iron, and zinc.

Form of production at the best specialized enterprises

The cost of packaging ranges from 200 rubles.
for 1 kg at a retail price of up to 900 rubles. per bag weighing 50 kg. Recently, the popularity of phosphate rock has increased among agricultural professionals and in private gardening. Increased demand served as an impetus for increasing production; over several years, production output more than doubled. Among the leaders in the production of fertilizers are the following enterprises:

• LLC Industrial Group Phosphorit in the North-West of the Russian Federation.
• LLC "AIP - PHOSPHATES" based on the Soviet Bryansk Phosphorite Plant.
• – based on a phosphorite deposit on the territory of Kazakhstan.

These and other industries produce products sold in 50 kg bags. Small wholesale packaging is carried out by suppliers. The production gradation of phosphate rock is divided into the following categories:

The difference between flour and superphosphates

If we compare superphosphates with phosphorus flour, the former have a more acidic reaction. Therefore, it is wrong to compare these two types of fertilizer. Each of them can be used in certain types of soil. It is more advisable to use superphosphate on alkaline or neutral soil. It contains a lot of sulfur, so it is used to feed plants that are deficient in this element.

The benefits of phosphate rock are more noticeable on acidic soil. This fertilizer is often used to restore fields after the use of mineral fertilizers and to increase acidity.

In some cases, superphosphates and phosphorus flour are used simultaneously. This approach is justified if you need to quickly dissolve phosphorites, and the fertilizers begin to complement each other.

Features of the use of phosphate rock, productive combination with other fertilizers

Based on the chemical properties of the fertilizer, it is used according to certain rules:

• Apply on acidic soils before planting.
• Used on chernozems and red soils to neutralize the pH level.
• On soils poor in minerals. With the participation of phosphate rock, the availability of nitrogen and potassium for plants increases. This promotes active growth of green mass and improved fruit quality.
• It is used in combination with ammonium sulfate – a nitrogen fertilizer. In such a union, substances enhance each other’s effects.

The precipitate is often combined with phosphate rock for basic soil preparation before planting.
Phosphorite flour successfully enriches compost with available nitrogen when adding it to the plant mixture. In addition, fertilizer accelerates the conversion of waste into useful fertilizer. The dosage of the additive is 3 g per 1 kg of compost.

Good results are obtained by basic (pre-planting) soil preparation when using phosphate rock together with the following mineral fertilizers:

• Ammonium sulfate,
• Sodium nitrate,
• Carbamide (Urea),
• potassium nitrate,
• Potassium chloride,
• Potassium sulfate,
• Amophos,
• Diamophos,
• Ammonium nitrate,
• Precipitate.

Of the organic fertilizers, the most productive combination is with bird droppings and humus. Application rates in the presence of phosphate rock:

• Bird droppings 2 – 3 kg/m2. Not earlier than a month before spring planting. In autumn it is not used, with the exception of basic preparation of poor, sandy soils.
• Humus – 3 -4 kg/m2.

The pH level can be determined using a special device.
To convert phosphorus into an accessible form of nutrition for plants, an acidic environment is required, which is provided by the listed chemical compounds. This is the main condition for the interaction of fertilizers compatible with phosphate rock. Otherwise, the result is similar to what happens when mineral supplements interact - they support each other.

Unlike other fertilizers, flour retains its effect over time due to its slow dissolution in the soil. Unlike other chemical salts, it is applied to the soil once every 3–4 years with mandatory acidity control.

The simplest method of determination is using litmus paper, which is placed in a settled solution of soil with distilled water. It is important to maintain a proportional ratio of 1:2 - one part soil and two parts water.

Application

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Phosphorite flour is used to increase the starch and sugar content in root vegetables and tubers, and to increase protein in the grain. This bait normalizes the level of phosphorus in the soil and helps plants better absorb potassium and nitrogen.

The use of flour also provides red soil and eroded black soil with microelements to reduce acid levels in the soil. But such procedures should be carried out before sowing.

The amount of fertilizer depends on the degree of phosphorus deficiency and the pH level of the soil. Basically, 0.5-2 tons of phosphorus flour is required per 1 hectare. There is no point in additional fertilizers, since the effect of fertilizing lasts up to 5 years. But you can mix it with organic fertilizer - flour increases their effectiveness. For example, you can use manure, compost, etc.

If the substance is used in the spring, then it should be applied during pre-sowing cultivation.

What cannot be added to the soil at the same time

When using phosphate rock, it is important to take into account its chemical properties and compatibility with other mineral and organic fertilizers, since it is not compatible with all compounds. On the contrary, an incorrect connection can cause harm.

When applied to the soil, phosphorus becomes available to plants only when dissolved with weak acids. It is completely useless to use it on alkaline soils with a pH level above 7.5. Phosphorite flour works effectively only in conjunction with fertilizers that acidify the soil.

Tip #2. Do not mix phosphate rock with ash or lime-containing chemical compounds. At the same time, the solubility of substances in water decreases, and therefore their availability to plants.

Ash is incompatible with phosphate rock.
This is due to an insufficiently acidic environment, which is needed to convert phosphorus into food for plants. Just the opposite, the soil becomes alkalized in the presence of the following substances:

• Slaked lime (fluff),
• Dolomite flour,
• Limestone flour,
• Mela,
• Ashes,
• Crushed egg shells.

If these products were used, then phosphate rock can be added no earlier than after one year. In addition to acidity, it is important to take into account the final product, which is obtained as a result of the chemical interaction of phosphate rock with other mineral fertilizers. For example, when combined with superphosphate, an insoluble salt is formed, which turns into hard, useless lumps.

Signs and manifestations of phosphorus deficiency

There are cases when plants stop growing in sufficiently nutritious soil that does not require fertilizers. Many people involved in plant growing wonder what is the reason for this phenomenon. It turns out that the main source of this phenomenon is free hydrogen ions, which accumulate in large quantities in the soil. Under their influence, the acidity of the soil increases and it becomes poorer in phosphorus.

To confirm this assumption, it is enough to pay attention to what wild plants grow on the site. As a rule, on medium and highly acidic soils you can see:

• oak grove;
• common sorrel;
• plantain;
• sphagnum;
• creeping buttercup;
• cotton grass;
• speedwell;
• cat's paw

In addition to these factors, increased acidity can be judged by cultivated plants. With phosphorus deficiency they experience:

• dryness and blackening of foliage;
• prolonged flowering;
• late ripening;
• growth arrest;
• underdevelopment of roots.

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Another symptom of increased soil acidity is the red-violet color of plants.

Alternative replacement for phosphate rock

Among mineral fertilizers, phosphorus is contained in the following compounds:

• Superphosphate,
• Precipitate,
• Phosphate is slag.

Each top dressing has the following application features:

Supporters of organic farming prefer ash as a phosphorus fertilizer. In addition to phosphorus, it contains many useful substances:

• Phosphorus – P2O5 from 2% to 7%
• Potassium in a form available to plants - potash - K2CO3, highly soluble in water from 10 to 35%
• Sulfur,
• Calcium,
• Magnesium,
• Manganese,
• Bor et al.

Ash is used separately or together with other organic fertilizers, but not with phosphate rock.

Properties of bone meal

Let's list the beneficial properties of bone meal:

• duration of action - bone meal decomposes in the soil over 5-8 months, so one application per season is enough to provide plants with the required amount of phosphorus for a long time;
• versatility - this fertilizer is suitable for all types of plants, even indoors;
• application at different stages - bone meal can be used to feed plants not only in autumn or spring, but throughout the entire growing season. The last fertilizing should be carried out no later than 10 days before harvest;
• rich composition - bone meal contains large amounts of phosphorus and calcium, it also contains potassium, nitrogen, manganese, iron, magnesium, zinc, iodine, etc.

Category: “Questions and answers”

It is especially necessary to take care of the eyes and respiratory organs.
Due to the fact that phosphate rock is a fine dusty substance that irritates the mucous membrane. Question No. 1. Is phosphate rock toxic?

It belongs to the fourth class of danger, that is, it cannot be considered absolutely harmless. When working you need to use PPE (personal protective equipment):

• Respirator,
• Special gardening glasses that fit tightly to the face,
• Clothes with long sleeves,
• Thick gloves or mittens.

During work, all strangers, especially children, must be removed from the site. Phosphorite dust is also harmful to pets.

Question number 2 . When should you add phosphate rock to the soil?

The best effect is achieved by enriching the soil in the fall or early spring, at a time when excavation work can begin, approximately 4 to 5 weeks before planting.

Positive Features

The main advantage of phosphate rock is its long-lasting effect. One feeding is enough for about 5 years of action. The effectiveness of the fertilizer is not reduced. At the same time, it is not afraid of moisture, so it can easily tolerate watering and precipitation.

Phosphorus fertilizer does not sink into the lower layers of the soil along with the liquid. This aspect must be taken into account when distributing vegetable crops on the site. When planting plants with a deep root system, the fertilizer must be applied deeper.

Phosphorus flour can also be used to compost manure.

Impact on grown crops

Phosphorus flour has a beneficial effect on almost all plants, but there are a number of crops that do not absorb phosphorus well.

Buckwheat, mustard and lupine

The cultivated crops themselves are a rich source of phosphorus for the soil, which is why they quickly take on beneficial properties from complementary foods. Growing these crops enriches the soil with essential microelements. After harvesting, the land is saturated with nitrogen and organic components.

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Hemp, peas and sweet clover, as well as sainfoin

The crops in question are also enriched with phosphorites, which is why their cultivation helps enrich the soil with micronutrients. The varieties absorb phosphorus well, and then process it into acids.

Cereals, potatoes, rice, vetch and beets

Such plants absorb phosphorus powder well only in acidic soil types. The difference is that the crops absorb small amounts of calcium (an element abundantly present in complementary foods).

Flax, barley, millet, tomato, spring wheat and turnip

These plant varieties do not take phosphorus well. For their fertility, it is necessary to use areas where the soil has average pH levels.

Reviews

Inna, Krasnoyarsk

For a long time I could not collect a rich harvest of fruit. I used various fertilizers for the garden, both store-bought and prepared according to folk recipes. But I had to look for more effective ways, since the food was not lost from the entire harvest. Everything changed after applying grass fertilizer. Now the harvest makes me happy, and the trees are not in danger.

Oleg, Naberezhnye Chelny

In the region where I live, the soil is highly acidic. Therefore, an effective fertilizer in this case is phosphate rock. There is nothing complicated in processing, so I do everything myself. It is better to perform the procedure early in the morning. In addition, I often use grass fertilizers. Such fertilizing is not only profitable and effective, but also helps clear the area of ​​excess vegetation.

Description of the fertilizer

Here we are talking about a natural mineral version of fertilizer. The flour components have a characteristic gray or brown tint. The loose powder is easy to use. This composition is extracted naturally from the soil, where certain products and substances have passed to the secondary stage of decomposition.

Flour composition

This natural product includes a number of useful substances and components:

1. Phosphorus oxide (present in the composition from 19 to 30 percent).
2. Calcium (the fertilizer contains about 30 percent of the component).
3. Magnesium (complementary foods contain about two percent of the component).
4. Silicon (usually this element is contained in 18 percent of phosphorus flour).

Additionally, such a composition for fertilizing vegetation contains a number of useful microelements.

Depending on the needs, the composition of phosphorus flour may contain additional components that have a beneficial effect on one or another factor when growing crops.

Product formula

The composition of this fertilizer is predominantly dominated by phosphorus, as well as a slightly soluble calcium salt. In theory, the chemical formula is as follows: Ca3 (PO4)2. If we talk about the reaction in which the main component of phosphorus flour is produced, it is as follows:

1. 3CaCO3+ 2H3PO4 = Ca3(PO4)2 + 3CO2↑ + 3H2

Another formula can also be used to produce the component:

1. 3Ca(OH)2+ 2H3PO4 = Ca3(PO4)2 + 6H2

Based on the extraction formulas, we can conclude that this substance is difficult to absorb by plants, which makes it possible to transfer useful substances to growing crops for a long time.

Properties of complementary foods

Phosphorus flour is characterized by the following beneficial properties:

• improved formation of the root system;
• stimulation of increasing the number of bushes;
• increased plant growth rates;
• improved resistance to low temperatures;
• increased fruiting of crops.

Despite many positive qualities, this complementary food is characterized by provoking stagnation of moisture, which is unfavorable for a number of vegetables and fruits.

In the process of complementary feeding, it is recommended to take into account the fact that the fertilizer has a long period of action, which is why it is used once every 5 years.

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Use of phosphorites

When using this type of complementary food for vegetation, it is possible to achieve the following effects:

1. Vegetation receives the necessary nutrients.
2. There is a regular level of acidity in the soil.

Phosphorus flour can be used as complementary food for all cereal crops, as well as fruit-bearing plants.

Soil standards

The most beneficial effect on the soil is the application of fertilizer in the autumn. The nutrient mixture is applied at the rate of 250 grams (on average) per square meter of soil. To achieve the maximum effect, you need to evenly distribute the layer, and then dig up the soil to a depth of 15 centimeters.

For compost

This complementary food is often mixed with fertilizers, thereby increasing the benefits of their use. Often the mixture is mixed with compost. Here the additive rates are usually as follows: 20 kilograms of phosphorus flour are used per ton of fertilizer. In this case, it is necessary to use unripe compost.

If you use ready-made fertilizer, then it will be enough to take no more than three kilograms of phosphorus powder.