Ammophos - instructions for using fertilizer for open ground and greenhouses

Release forms

Ammophos of any brand is available in the form of spherical granules that easily dissolve in water.

The size of the grains is from 1 to 4 mm, but in one batch the granules must be of the same size. Light gray or white coloring is acceptable.

The friability of ammophos of all brands is 100%. The granules are weakly hygroscopic, do not absorb moisture during storage, do not stick together, do not form lumps, and do not cake.

In retail sales, fertilizer is sold in polyethylene bags or soft containers.

Composition and action

This fertilizer was developed specifically to normalize phosphate levels when the plant does not receive enough important minerals or does not absorb them well. Deficiency most strongly affects the very first stage of development, when the root system is formed. If it is not replenished on time, it will affect reproductive function and overall development. With a lack of phosphorus, the process of fruit formation is disrupted: they grow more slowly and do not ripen on time. The amount of harvest per bush decreases. Problems also arise with the absorption of nutrients from other fertilizers.

Important!

Feeding is especially necessary during growth: this way you can improve the condition of the plant and prevent a slowdown in development and a decrease in yield.

Ammophos is a concentrate of useful substances, the main share of which is phosphorus and nitrogen. The first is the main one, and the second is the supporting one. The fertilizer practically does not absorb moisture, but it dissolves well, so it is mainly used in solutions. Includes:

• phosphorus - 44-52%;
• nitrogen - 10-12%;
• a set of useful minerals that ensure metabolism.

In terms of its effectiveness, the product is much stronger than monocomponent analogues, which individually contain the same amount of active substance. Experts say that a kilogram of ammophos is 2.5 times more effective than analogues consisting only of nitrogen or only phosphorus. There are no ballast substances in the composition, only those that are really important. The formula is calculated taking into account the ongoing chemical reactions. In the process it is important to neutralize the phosphoric acid with ammonia, and the planned reaction gives the desired result of 10% ammonia and 50% phosphorus.

Ammophos is suitable for all types of soil and promotes the absorption of nutrients by all crops. The minerals in the composition help substances to be absorbed and improve metabolic processes. With timely and correct use:

• makes the root system stronger;
• increases the yield and quality of fruits;
• strengthens immunity to diseases;
• allows you to better adapt to changes in the external environment;
• increases the shelf life of ripened fruits.

Important!

Phosphorus practically does not move in the ground, so the fertilizer should be applied as close to the roots as possible.

Composition, formula and description

Ammophos is produced according to GOST 18918-85. The substance is monoammonium phosphate with an admixture of diammonium phosphate. Accordingly, they are presented in the chemical formula of the fertilizer: NH4H2PO4 + (NH4)2HPO4.

Each component includes both phosphorus and nitrogen. The total volume of phosphorus is 4 times greater than nitrogen, the share of the first is 45-52%, the second – 10-12%.

Gardeners should remember that ammophos does not contain potassium, which is also a basic element of plant nutrition. The product does not contain side salts, acids or other substances. The share of water does not exceed 1%.

All brands of ammophos are produced either without additives or supplemented with one of three microelements - copper, zinc or boron.

Composition of Ammophos fertilizer

The manufacturer of Ammophos clearly indicates the chemical composition of its product on the label; it contains the following elements:

1. Phosphorus. An indispensable microelement for the formation of a strong root system of plants, on which, first of all, the health and life processes of the above-ground part of the bush depend. Phosphorus plays an important role in biochemical reactions in plant cells.
2. Nitrogen. Another important component of the drug. Found in smaller quantities. At the beginning of the growing season of plants, nitrogen preparations must be applied separately.
3. Potassium. The percentage ratio is almost the same as nitrogen. It promotes bud setting and a rich harvest.
4. Sulfur. Its task is to absorb nitrogen and other nutrients from the soil.

The chemical formula of Ammophos is monoammonium and diammonium phosphate. Ammonia as nitrogen is specially added for more efficient absorption of phosphorus.

Attention! The manufacturer's percentage of phosphorus and nitrogen content is 45-55% and 10-15%.

How stamps are obtained and produced

To isolate the substance, a reaction is caused between phosphoric acid and ammonia. As a result, the acid is neutralized with the precipitation of salts.

Due to this, most of the impurities are removed from ammophos, filtering them out at the end of the chemical process.

The second consequence of the reaction is a decrease in acidity to a pH level of 4-4.5. This indicator also preserves the finished product.

The filtered solution is evaporated, removing volatile substances. After this, the second stage of neutralization is carried out.

The cooled solution crystallizes, the manufacturer gives it the form of granules and dries it.

There are the following two brands of ammophos:

• grade “A” – contains 12% total nitrogen and 50-52% digestible phosphates;
• grade “B” – 10% total nitrogen, 44-46% digestible phosphates.

Orthophosphoric acid for the production of grade “A” product can be obtained in two ways. Either by treating the Khibiny apatite concentrate with inorganic acids, or by burning phosphorus to form phosphorus oxide and reacting the resulting substance with water.

Other substances containing at least 30% phosphates can also be used as feedstock.

The requirement for grade “B” raw materials is different - the total share of phosphates in it should be no more than 28%. Natural phosphorites from Kartau are most often used.

In this case, the acid is obtained only by extraction, treating with inorganic acids. The thermal method is not used.

Benefits for plants and soil

Thanks to the easily soluble phosphates, which occupy most of its composition, ammophos has a number of useful qualities. If fertilizing is applied on time and according to recommendations, this contributes to:

• increasing productivity;
• improving the taste of grown products;
• full development of the root system;
• better resistance of cultivated crops to unfavorable environmental conditions;
• extending the shelf life of finished products

The absence or deficiency of phosphorus in the soil has a depressing effect on the crop. Its deficiency is especially noticeable during the period of fruit formation and growth.

Application

Ammophos is used in agriculture to supply plants with nitrogen and, first of all, phosphorus. It can be used both in open and closed ground, on all types of soils in any climatic zones of Russia.

Top dressing is suitable for all crops that are cultivated for the purpose of obtaining food, animal feed or technical raw materials. The fertilizer is approved for use on private farms.

Most soil types found in Russia are insufficiently supplied with phosphorus. Research in 2022 showed that 34% of the land used for growing garden, field and horticultural crops is saturated with the element at an average level, another 18% contains a low proportion, and 8% contains an extremely low proportion.

At the same time, the highest yield is observed when cultivated on soils with a high concentration of phosphates. Therefore, ammophos is used everywhere in the country.

The largest volume of products (75%) is supplied to the Central and Southern districts; the undisputed leader in ammophos consumption is the Krasnodar Territory.

This is due to the specificity of the soils in these regions, containing a high concentration of calcium carbonates. By reacting with them, phosphates form compounds that are inaccessible to plants. Ammophos saturates the soil with easily digestible forms of the macronutrient.

Fertilizer is applied before sowing or simultaneously with it, as well as during the growing season.

Fertilizing is most useful at the beginning of the season, when plants especially need nitrogen and phosphorus.

Since the proportion of nitrogen is small, ammophos can also be used after the formation of ovaries, when it is not recommended to give nitrogen-containing products.

For the same reason, the complex is optimally suited for arid regions, where, due to lack of precipitation, nitrogen remains in the soil longer and its deficiency occurs less frequently.

Advantages of using ammophos

This fertilizer has many advantages. Complex mineral fertilizing can be used on open soil, in greenhouses and greenhouses. Ammophoska works equally well everywhere. The drug is all-season, which makes it superior to other fertilizers. Fertilizing can begin as early as the end of March; it begins to work even at low temperatures.

Fertilizers containing minerals begin to act faster than organic fertilizers. They are easier to use, odorless, and easy to transport. That is why Ammofoska is so often used both in personal farms and on a large scale.

Impact on crops

Phosphorus nutrition is a prerequisite for the development of a strong root system, abundant flowering, good fruit weight gain, and the accumulation of sugars in their pulp.

Phosphorus is also necessary for increasing green mass, which is especially important for annual crops.

The substance is responsible for regulating metabolic processes, and in case of its deficiency, the roots stop absorbing nitrogen from the soil. As a result, plant growth slows down.

Shrubs and trees need phosphorus for the ripening of young shoots. If the greenery does not have time to become woody before the frost arrives, all of the current year's growth will die.

This will affect the harvest in the second summer after freezing, since the established fruit buds will suffer.

Nitrogen in ammophos is in ammonia form, therefore it is weakly washed out of the soil during precipitation and irrigation. This allows the element to be supplied to plants whose agricultural technology requires significant soil moisture.

For rice grown in flooded areas, this is the best available nitrogen supplement. In order to saturate with nitrogen, the fertilizer is suitable for grain, silage, industrial crops, and annual grasses.

The effect of ammophos on plants

Ammonium phosphate granules have a slightly grayish tint and are not standardized by diameter.
This substance does not spontaneously ignite and is safe in terms of explosion hazard. Ammonium phosphate is a source of readily available phosphorus for plants. This element is extremely important at the stage of root growth and the formation of reproductive organs. With phosphorus deficiency, defective flowers are often formed, there are few of them, fruit ripening takes longer, which reduces the overall crop yield.

Fertilizing with ammonium phosphate allows you to achieve the following positive effects:

• formation of a strong root system with good absorption capacity;
• increasing drought resistance of crops and their immunity to bacterial and fungal infections;
• improvement of flowering and fruit set;
• acceleration of ripening of fruits, roots and tubers;
• improving the quality of root crops and tubers.

As a result, overall crop productivity increases.

Beneficial properties for soil and plants

Ammophos increases soil fertility, enriching it with phosphorus compounds available to the roots, and nitrogen in a sedentary form. Fertilizer also reduces the acidity of the substrate.

Top dressing is not suitable for highly acidified soils.

On neutral soils, the use of ammophos is acceptable, but alkaline soils, in which plants do not absorb nutrition well, can be corrected with its help.

Superphosphate on slightly acidic soils supplies plants with phosphorus worse than ammonium phosphate.

Fertilizing with ammophos has a beneficial effect on plants in a number of ways:

• increases productivity;
• reduces ripening time by several days;
• promotes abundant flowering and the formation of a large number of ovaries;
• ensures the development of a powerful root system;
• increases the shelf life of fruits;
• stimulates metabolism and growth of new tissues;
• strengthens immunity, resistance to diseases, frost, drought;
• seedlings and seedlings take root better;
• grains are less prone to lodging and accumulate more proteins;
• in vegetable crops the proportion of fiber increases;
• sunflower and nuts are more saturated with vegetable fats.

Expert opinion on the use of ammophos

Many agrochemists are working to study the effect of ammonium phosphate on plants. In particular, from 2005 to 2006, another study was conducted at the Prikumsk experimental station. Its practical results can be summarized as follows:

• Even if you abandon the main application of ammophos in the fall, and use it only during sowing, crop yields increase. For example, for barley the increase was 11%.
• The combined use of ammonium phosphate and ammonium nitrate increases productivity even more – up to 27%. Find out → how to use ammonium nitrate, properties + reviews.
• Ammophos exhibits its properties well on different types of soil. However, it showed the greatest effectiveness on chestnut, giving a fantastic increase in yield by 76%.

The collected data allowed experts to draw conclusions:

“The significant role of the highly concentrated complex fertilizer ammophos in increasing the yield of agricultural crops has been established. Its use in the initial period of plant growth promotes the development of a healthy root system, rapid formation of shoots and leaves, and increased resistance to drought and disease.”

E. Shustikova, E. Bogatyreva, N. Shapovalova, employees of the Stavropol Research Institute of Agriculture.

The scientists’ conclusions are confirmed by the practical experience of amateur gardeners who use ammonium phosphate on their plots:

“I have very bad soil at my dacha – all sand. Health does not allow us to transport manure there by carts, and the harvests, to put it mildly, were not encouraging. Involuntarily, I had to learn how to use mineral fertilizers. I tried to use superphosphate for phosphorus fertilizing (see → how to use superphosphate + reviews), but on my acidic soil it turned out to be almost useless. Ammophos helped out. I add it to the drip irrigation barrel twice - at the end of May and in mid-July. Finally I saw normal tomatoes!” (Anna, Leningrad region).

Difference from Ammofosk

Sometimes these two fertilizers are confused due to similar names.

But they differ in composition and are recommended for use in different cases.

What kind of fertilizer is this, composition

Ammophos is a highly concentrated mineral fertilizer that contains nitrogen and phosphorus. The ratio of the active components of Ammophos is 12:52 . The fertilizer is available in the form of soluble granules. There are no ballast substances in the composition.

Formula: NH4H2PO4 + (NH4)2HPO4.

This is a phosphorus-containing fertilizer, which is formed from 2 phosphates:

1. monoammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO4);
2. diammonium phosphate ((NH4)2HPO4).

Description of the features of the drug:

1. The share of nitrogen is about 12%, phosphorus – from 45 to 52%.
2. Phosphorus is contained in a water-soluble form and is easily absorbed in all soils. The granules are evenly distributed around the roots of seedlings and seeds; thanks to gradual dissolution, plant nutrition is provided for a long period.
3. The fertilizer is hygroscopic, does not absorb moisture during storage and does not cake, and does not generate dust when applied to the soil.

Complex fertilizer replenishes the lack of easily digestible phosphorus, increasing plant productivity and the effectiveness of other types of fertilizing.

Gardeners often have doubts when choosing between Ammophos and Ammophos - what is the difference between the drugs? Ammophosphate contains about 12% nitrogen in ammonium form, 15% phosphorus and potassium each, and about 14% sulfur. Fertilizers differ in composition and percentage of phosphorus. MAF fertilizer is an analogue of Ammophos, but has a different ratio of nitrogen and phosphorus (12-61).

Advantages and disadvantages

The conditionally negative qualities of ammophos include its ability to increase soil acidity and a low nitrogen content.

But they cannot be considered as clear disadvantages: acidification is useful on alkaline soils, and the low concentration of nitrogen allows the use of fertilizing until August.

A more significant disadvantage is the lack of potassium in the composition.

The drug has many more advantages:

1. Plants quickly absorb phosphorus from ammophos. This allows it to be used to eliminate macronutrient deficiency.
2. The drug is safe for seeds, even if the granules are near them. Other nitrogen fertilizers can damage them with ammonia.
3. The use of ammophos does not provoke the accumulation of nitrates in fruits.
4. The fertilizer does not contain chlorine, therefore it is suitable for chlorophobic crops.
5. Ammophos is more effective than a mixture of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizing, since it ensures a more uniform distribution of useful elements in the soil and their greater availability to the roots.
6. The absence of ballast substances means that the product is completely spent on plant nutrition.
7. The fertilizer can be used on any soil.
8. The drug is convenient to apply: dry ammophos does not form dust during operation, the granules easily dissolve in water.
9. Granules embedded in the soil dissolve gradually, useful substances are delivered to the roots in portions, with each watering.
10. Long shelf life.

Comparison of ammophos with similar types of fertilizers

In addition to ammophos, there are similar nitrogen-phosphorus mineral complexes. The following table will help you understand them:

As Academician Pryanishnikov said, the lack of knowledge is not compensated by an excess of fertilizers.
Phosphorus poisoning is detrimental to plants, and it is very difficult to get rid of this problem without replacing the soil. Analysis of these data allows us to assert that ammophos has only two drawbacks compared to similar fertilizers - the absence of potassium in its formula and a lower nitrogen content.

The main advantage is that ammonium phosphate can be used without fear of the accumulation of nitrates in the fruits and leaves of plants. This means that the fertilizer has fewer restrictions on the timing of fertilizing and the crops that can be grown with its help.

Instructions for use

Ammophos can be fed to plants in open ground, in a greenhouse, in pots or boxes.

The greatest effect of fertilizer was recorded on plantings of potatoes, beets and grapes. Suitable for cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, legumes and melons.

The effect of the drug on plant productivity is enhanced when applied together with nitrogen fertilizers.

For example, if you supplement fertilizing with ammonium nitrate, on average, the yield increases by 20-40%.

Fertilizer is given in several ways:

1. Basic entry. Used to improve the quality of the substrate. Ammophos in dry form is embedded in the ground in autumn or spring. If spring fertilizing is carried out before the snow melts, the bed is not dug up - melting precipitation will draw the fertilizer into the soil. If the procedures are done in April, it is best to water the area with a solution of the drug.
2. When sowing. When applied to a hole, the product can provide plantings with nitrogen and phosphorus for the entire growing season.
3. During the season. Used as a routine phosphorus fertilizing or if plants suffer from a lack of the element. In this case, watering is carried out with ammophos solution.

When applied to the soil in autumn or spring for each square. meter consumed:

• 20-30 g – for areas with vegetable crops (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers);
• 15-30 g – for berry bushes and fruit trees;
• 15-25 g – for potato or beet planting;
• 15-20 g – for ornamental plants and lawn grasses.

When applied simultaneously with planting or sowing, 2-3 g of product are consumed per 1 meter of row.

For irrigation, a 10% ammophos solution is most often used. Pour 1 kg of granules into 10 liters of hot but not boiling water (40-60°C). Mix the solution thoroughly and leave for 10 minutes. During this time, a precipitate will form that needs to be filtered.

Solid particles can be filled with water again - the sediment will remain for about 5 liters of solution. For individual crops, the recommended solution concentration may be different.

During the season, fertilizing is carried out three times. Fertilizer cannot be used in August because it contains nitrogen.

237 When do we add ammophos?

Features of using ammophos

As the main fertilizer, ammophos is applied in the fall or early spring when digging the soil at the rate of 15–30 g per 1 m² of area. In a greenhouse or greenhouse, they consume 40–50 g per 1 m² of area. When growing seedlings, 1–2 g of the drug is added per 1 linear meter of planting, embedding it into the soil to a depth of 5–6 cm. Id the furrows with liquid fertilizer, diluting 20 g of ammophos in a bucket of water.

Fertilizing in autumn and early spring is carried out depending on the type of crop. Furrows are prepared along the perimeter of the root circle. The depressions are moistened and brought to a depth of 5–6 cm, mixing with soil. To quickly deliver nutrients to the roots of the plant, the granules are dissolved in normal volumes of water and used for root feeding.

It is convenient to use liquid fertilizer for automatic watering systems or drip irrigation. Initially, 1 kg of fertilizer is dissolved in a bucket of water. Allow time for the drug to dissolve and filter the mixture. The resulting solution is a highly concentrated aqueous extract. It should be diluted in a ratio of 1:50. The result should be 500 liters or 50 buckets of finished fertilizer. In a diluted state, the solution is used for simple watering from a watering can or for automatic drip irrigation systems.

Such methods are suitable for feeding the root system of lawn grasses and grass sports areas.

Ammophos is a valuable nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer with a high concentration of active, easily digestible substances. Proper use of the drug provides plants with a complete set of macro- and microelements.

Application to different soil types

Top dressing works well on any soil. But, depending on the type of soil, the action and effectiveness of the fertilizer differs.

Ordinary, steppe or carbonate chernozems

These soils are found in the southern regions. Under conditions of high temperatures during the growing season, plants absorb nitrogen in ammonium form better than nitrate nitrogen.

Therefore, ammophos is one of the most suitable options for fertilizing with the element. Since such soils are nutritious, the proportion of nitrogen in the fertilizer is sufficient; it does not need to be applied separately.

Soddy-podzolic soils, chernozems of the forest-steppe and forest-meadow zones

A fairly rich substrate that does not require large amounts of fertilizer.

Ammophos will be useful as a top dressing for potatoes, grapes, flax, buckwheat, sugar beets, and grain crops.

Saline, sandy soils, loams

Such soils are poor in phosphorus in forms available to plants, so the use of ammophos in this case is a necessary measure.

Not all fertilizers are effective on saline soil, but ammonium phosphate has shown greater effectiveness.

On light sandy soils, it is advisable to fertilize in the spring.

Serozems, chestnut soil

Fertilizer significantly increases the productivity of plantings subject to high-quality irrigation. According to research from the Stavropol Research Institute of Agriculture, ammophos on chestnut soil gives an increase in yields of up to 76%.

What is ammophos

Ammofoska fertilizer is a mineral complex fertilizer; it quickly dissolves in water, which makes it possible to use it as an irrigation. It contains no nitrates or aggressive substances (chlorine, sodium). The amount of ballast microelements is kept to a minimum. The fertilizer can be used on almost all types of soil. It is more effective to use on peat-bog, sandy and clay soils.

It is believed that ammophoska is advisable to use in regions where there is little rainfall. Plants there require more nitrogen. Ammophoska cannot be used in the fall, otherwise it will cause the growth of green mass, which is unacceptable in the fall. The use of this fertilizer is economically beneficial, since it can be purchased in any package, depending on the area of ​​the cultivated area, and its price is lower than many organic fertilizers.

Behavior in soil

In the soil solution, monoammonium phosphate, which occupies the main share of the substance, breaks down into ammonium ion and a number of phosphate ions.

Entering into exchange reactions with cations in the soil, the ammonium ion is adsorbed, taking a form accessible to the plant roots. Absorbed ammonium is inactive, so it does not leave the soil with water.

Phosphate ions form phosphorus compounds over time, which are different in different soil types.

Part of the phosphorus is absorbed by colloidal chemical means by minerals and soil compounds remaining from the original rock.

In this form, the macroelement is readily available to plants. Also, the roots easily absorb the precipitated salts of orthophosphoric acid.

Advantages and disadvantages of ammonium phosphate as a fertilizer

The positive qualities of ammonium phosphate are determined primarily by its physicochemical properties:

• lack of hygroscopicity, dusting, caking, which facilitates its storage and use;
• rapid solubility and transition into the soil solution of phosphate ions, easily absorbed by plants;

ALL the benefits of Ammophos (click to expand)

• low mobility of the substance, which does not allow it to be washed out from the root zone;
• Possibility of use in any climatic conditions.

Ammophos, although formally considered a nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer, mainly provides plants only with phosphorus (find out → types of phosphorus fertilizers) . Therefore, it is more appropriate to use it in cases where there is enough nitrogen in the soil solution. Otherwise, ammonium phosphate will have to be combined with nitrogen fertilizers. In agricultural practice, a combination of ammophos and ammonium nitrate is traditionally used. This slightly increases the cost of feeding plants.

Other disadvantages include the following:

• high risk of overdose if application rates are not observed;
• risk of increased soil acidity.

Important! Ammophos can be used only with strict adherence to the recommended dosages. An excess of unabsorbed phosphorus in the soil leads to the appearance of necrotic spots on the leaves and severe intoxication of plants, which is difficult to eliminate.

Recommendations for applying fertilizer in summer cottages

The choice of fertilizing method depends on the characteristics of the soil in a particular area:

1. Loose and aerobic soil is not fertilized in the fall, only in the spring. Otherwise, the nutrients may go too deep during the winter.
2. In depleted poor soils, ammophos should be applied at the upper limit of application rates. In this case, it is necessary to do two main feedings per year: in the fall, dry granules are scattered over the garden bed and covered by digging; in the spring, the area is first dug up, and then watered with liquid fertilizer.
3. For heavy soils, the dose of the product is increased by 1.5 times. It is advisable to fertilize using the irrigation method, combining ammophos with nitrogen-containing preparations.

The fertilizer is most suitable for soils rich in potassium. In other cases, ammophos should be supplemented with potassium fertilizer, otherwise a deficiency will soon arise.

How to use

Most garden plants need nutrition in early spring, as well as during the flowering period, so that the crops do not drop their inflorescences with future fruits.

At the beginning of the growing season, you can apply half the dosage:

• for root vegetables 10 – 15 grams;

• berries 8 – 15 grams;

• trees 25 – 50 grams;

• vegetables 10 - 15 grams.

Next, when flowering begins, apply the full dosage with the expectation of fruit set. After the plants have flowered, fertilizing is carried out again to stimulate fruiting.

Video: Ammofoska - pros and cons

In case of emergency feeding, if the leaves suddenly turn yellow or blue, you need to dilute the granules in warm water and spray the above-ground part. The time must be chosen in the morning or evening so that the solution is well absorbed. It is necessary to take into account that the nutrient liquid is better absorbed by the back side of the leaf, so you need to spray from both.

When using Ammophos you need to be careful. It happens that plants respond better to superphosphate, but diammonium phosphate is not suitable for them. It is better to leave it for potatoes, grapes or beets.

In the greenhouse

Soils in shelter are depleted much faster than in the open air. Therefore, fertilize indoor soil regularly and monitor the condition of the plants in order to promptly prevent deficiency.

Ammophos is one of the best complex fertilizers for restoring the substrate in greenhouses. Be sure to supplement it with nitrogen and potassium supplements.

Large doses are recommended on protected ground. When applying for digging in autumn or spring for vegetable and ornamental crops, use 40-50 g per 1 m2.

Production

This fertilizer has been officially used in our country for more than 30 years (GOST 18918-85). The production technology of ammophos has been perfected over decades, therefore, unlike imported analogues, the domestic agrochemical always has a predictable effect on plants. This allows it to be applied to crops with some reserve, but not as much as superphosphate. Ammophos is absorbed by plants much faster, and an excess of this substance can cause much more harm to plants than its deficiency.

To buy mineral fertilizer for use in your summer cottage, you must carefully choose the manufacturer. Predictable results will be brought by domestic and post-Soviet factories (Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan). High-quality products usually contain at least 45% digestible phosphates. The price of ammophos is quite low, which makes it possible to use this mineral fertilizer in any required volumes, without a noticeable increase in production costs and rise in price of products.

Instructions for use for different crops

There are specific features of using fertilizer for different crops.

For potatoes

Ammophos is used to increase productivity and stimulate the processes of starch accumulation in potato tubers.

It is optimal to apply fertilizer to this crop during planting. Pour 2 g (1 tablespoon) of granules into each well.

For flowers

Ammophos is a very effective fertilizer for ornamental shrubs. Sprinkle 15-25 g of dry substance under each plant in the spring. It is advisable to do this when planting seedlings.

For subsequent fertilizing during the growing season, prepare a solution - 5 g of product per 10 liters of water.

Apply fertilizer in the fall at a rate of 20 g per 1 m2 to an area with flowers or lawn grasses.

To speed up flowering, give the plants liquid fertilizer every week from the beginning of June.

To prepare the solution, dilute 2-3 tablespoons of granules in 10 liters of water. During the season, granules of 5 g per 1 square can be added to the lawn.

Other types of crops

Ammophos is suitable for feeding many crops. The substance does not have the same effect on different plants, and not all of them are equally sensitive to phosphorus deficiency.

Metabolic processes also differ, for example, feeding grapes and beets with ammophos not only promotes the growth of fruit mass, but also removes nitrates from it.

Accordingly, the timing and recommendations for using fertilizer are also different:

1. To feed spring grain crops, apply ammophos in the fall or along with sowing, distributing 2.5-3 kg of granules per hundred square meters of field.
2. For winter crops, the application rate is 1 kg per hundred square meters, apply during sowing or in early spring.
3. When planting vegetable seedlings, it is useful to add 0.5-1 g of fertilizer to each hole. From the moment of transplantation until the formation of ovaries, water the plants with a solution of standard concentration.
4. It is recommended to water cucumber seedlings with fertilizer before planting. To do this, dissolve 2.5 tablespoons of granules in 3 liters of water.
5. In the spring, in a bed intended for onions, it is recommended to distribute 30 g of the drug on each square of area.
6. Feed beets using the row method when planting. Add 5 g of dry product per 1 linear meter.
7. Give grapes fertilizer in the spring in the form of a solution (400 g per bucket of water) or in dry form, scattering 10 g of granules per square meter. meter After half a month, apply foliar feeding with a less concentrated solution (150 g per bucket). When planting grapes, place 30 g of granules in each hole.
8. In autumn or spring, apply ammophos to the tree trunks of fruit trees. One mature tree requires 100 g of granules, and a young tree needs 50 g. In June and the first half of July, water with a solution of the product.
9. Before sowing peas, beans and other legumes, add 600-900 g per square meter into the soil.

Features of application

When applying such mineral fertilizer to the soil, the supply of young shoots with nutrients, phosphorus and nitrogen is improved. This can be achieved with a sufficient concentration of granules at the root and near the seeds. With the gradual dissolution of granules in soil moisture, complete and regular nutrition of plants occurs for a long time, for example, during the growing season.

Ammophos, like other fertilizers, has certain features in its application . It is chosen as a means for the main and then additional feeding. Often, to increase productivity, ammonium nitrate or another nitrogen-containing agent is added in equal parts, which will increase crop yields by up to 30%.

The main application of fertilizer is usually carried out in April and September. Summer is the time for fertilizing. To do this, granules are placed in the soil to a depth of 6 cm. For early spring, a specially prepared solution is often used. To prepare it, you need to pour the granules into a large container and fill them with water in a ratio of 1 to 3. Afterwards, the solution is left to settle for several days, then used.

Each crop requires special doses, as well as a special processing method, so you should follow the instructions on the drug packaging, otherwise the product may not bring the desired result.

Phosphates can be taken up by plants in different ways. So, for onions you can use any method, but when digging it you need to reduce the concentration to 10-20 g/sq.m. For carrots, it is better to use feed, where 7-10 grams of product are taken per 1 p/m.

Potatoes, beets, and grapes especially need this product.

• Potato . To increase yield and increase starch content, when planting potatoes, add 2 grams of fertilizer per hole.
• Beet . When planting beets, the drug is applied at a rate of 5 g per 1 linear meter. Superphosphate is used to increase the accumulation of sugar in beets.
• Grape . To increase the concentration of useful elements in grapes and to prevent the accumulation of nitrates in berries in the spring, the soil is treated with a solution prepared in a ratio of 400 g of product per 10 liters of water. After 2 weeks, foliar feeding is carried out, where 150 g of product is taken per 10 liters of water.

In addition, ammophos is used for vegetable and fruit crops, ornamental bushes and grass, as well as to improve the condition of the soil when there is a lack of phosphorus.

1. For fruit crops with insufficiently saturated soil, use 20 g of the product per 1 square meter. For poor and depleted soils use 30 g, and for fertilizing use 10 g of the drug.
2. Berry crops and shrubs require special care. Fertilizer is applied several times throughout the season. From the beginning of spring, ammophos is applied to each bush at the rate of 15-30 g/m2. In addition, the product is also applied to the row spacing at a rate of up to 5 g/m2.
3. For lawn grasses and flowers, take 20 g of the drug per square meter for the main application. During feeding, use 5 g/m2.

For bell peppers, it is recommended to apply the drug during digging.

To nourish an already formed bush, it is advisable to use an aqueous solution.

To prepare the solution you need to dissolve 10 tbsp. spoons of product in granules in a bucket of hot water. It is better to apply this fertilizer during ovary and flowering. According to experienced gardeners, ammophos alone is not enough for tomatoes and peppers , so it is better to combine it with other fertilizers and organic matter.

For root fertilizer take:

• ammophos – 50 g;
• mullein - bucket;
• boric acid – 0.5 g;
• 0.3 g manganese sulfate.

All components should be mixed thoroughly. Ammophos is diluted separately with hot water.

With phosphorus deficiency , especially during the growing season, plant growth is inhibited. This has a particularly negative effect during the ovary of plants and during their flowering. Timely applied fertilizer, used when digging the soil in spring or autumn, can correct the situation.

When using ammophos, safety precautions should be observed.

1. Before using the fertilizer, you should put gloves on your hands and protect your body with closed clothing so that the substance cannot get on your skin.
2. When applying the drug, it is better to wear a respirator.
3. After handling the product, wash your hands well with running water and soap. If the drug gets into your eyes, you should immediately wash them with soap and water.
4. If the powder or solution is swallowed, drink a large amount of water and then induce vomiting. If necessary, you should visit a doctor.

Treatment with the product is not recommended in strong winds.

Store fertilizers in an airtight, tightly closed container out of the reach of children and animals. The packaged product should be stored in dry places at temperatures from 0 to 30 degrees for 9-24 months.

Instructions for use

Ammophos can be used for various soils in any climatic conditions.

In dry climates with little precipitation, it is recommended to use fertilizer with the lowest N content.

On chernozem of meadow zones, soddy-podzolic soils used for growing flax, grain crops, potatoes, beets, Ammophos is used as the main application.

For chernozem in steppe regions, it is enough to use the Ammophos fertilizer without introducing additional fertilizing.

Ammophos can be used for various soils in any climatic conditions

To increase the yield on gray soils, the use of the drug in conjunction with irrigated agriculture is effective.

The use of Ammophos fertilizer will also give results on saline or protected soils.

Dosage:

• Soil preparation is an important process, so in the spring (April) or autumn (September) when digging, fertilizer is introduced into the soil (20-30 g/m2).
• When planting seedlings, add 0.5–1 g/m2 to the hole and mix with the soil.
• In greenhouses, the volume used is increased due to the use of Ammophos in combination with fertilizers containing large amounts of K and N.
• In the summer, to feed flowers, vegetables and berries, fertilizer (5–10 g/m2) is introduced into grooves made in the soil (at least 6 cm), in row spacing with a distance of up to 10 cm.

Application of "Ammophos" for:

• potatoes. To feed, add 2 g of fertilizer to the hole. Result: increased yield, increased amount of starch in tubers and, as a result, their friability;

• beets. "Ammophos" is an effective product for all types of beets (fodder, sugar, table). It is used during planting 5 g per 1 m of row. Result: preventing the accumulation of harmful substances in root vegetables, increasing the accumulation of sugar;

"Ammophos" is an effective remedy for all types of beets

• grapes In the spring, it is necessary to treat the soil with a solution of Ammophos (400 g per 10 l), after 14 days, apply foliar fertilization with the solution (150 g per 10 l of water). Result: increasing the amount of nutrients in fruits, preventing the accumulation of nitrates in them;

• fruit plants. For the main application it is necessary to use 20 g/m2; if the soil is sufficiently saturated, the added amount of fertilizer during digging can be reduced to 15 g/m2, for depleted, poor soils 30 g/m2. For feeding use 10 g/m2;

• shrubs and berries. These crops need careful care. Fertilizer should be applied several times throughout the season. In early spring, introduce 20 g/m2 under the bush. For this purpose, it is better to use Ammophos together with fertilizers containing N, K. To prevent oversaturation of plants, no more than 5 g/m2 is introduced between rows;

• lawn grass and flowers. For the main application use 20 g/m2, for feeding 5 g/m2. In cases where the soil is depleted and the grass may die, it is necessary to increase the dosage by 2 g.

Advantages of Ammophos fertilizer:

• Uniform distribution on the soil surface.
• Can be used for basic feeding and fertilization during sowing.
• Not dangerous for seedlings.
• Long-term storage of the substance (does not absorb moisture, does not cake, does not crumble).
• Suitable for fertilizing any soil.

Precautionary measures:

• Before using the drug, you must wear gloves and tight, closed clothing to prevent the substance from getting on your skin.
• It is advisable to use a respirator when working.
• After work, wash your hands with soap.
• In case of contact with eyes, rinse with soap and water.
• If the powder or its solution is swallowed, drink water, induce vomiting and consult a doctor.
• Store in hermetically sealed packaging out of the reach of children and animals.
• In case of strong wind, postpone soil treatment with Ammophos.

How to dilute Ammophos in water

In order to dilute Ammophos in water, you need to prepare a container, add Ammophos and add warm water in a ratio of 1:3. After this, you need to mix the solution thoroughly and let it brew.

Ammophos application time

The optimal time to apply nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer is autumn. After distributing the agrochemical on the site, the soil is carefully dug up. However, in some cases the procedure is carried out in early spring. Granules or powder are scattered over the entire surface of the garden and left. When the snow begins to melt, the soil will quickly absorb phosphorus- and nitrogen-rich moisture. In addition, he plans 3 more feedings throughout the season.

In August, the last fertilizing with Ammophos is carried out to stop the process of formation of the green mass of the plant. Such agricultural technology promotes full ripening of fruits before harvest.

To increase crop yields by 20-40%, Ammophos fertilizer is applied in combination with ammonium nitrate or other nitrogen-containing compounds. However, you should not use these complexes for absolutely all agricultural crops, since some of them require superphosphate. Also, do not mix the agrochemical with wood ash, chicken droppings, or lime. Following these recommendations will help the farmer grow a rich harvest.

Different types of soils

Ammophos can be used in any climate zone. They cultivate not only fertile but also arid soils. It is suitable for open and protected ground.

For each type of soil, you must follow the instructions for use :

1. Carbonate chernozems. If ammonium phosphate is added to this type of soil, then other fertilizers containing nitrogen cannot be used.
2. Chernozems in meadow and forest-steppe zones. These lands themselves are rich in essential nutritional components. Ammophosphate should be used if potatoes, beets, flax or grain crops are grown on them. The drug Ammophos should be used on black soil only when potatoes, beets, flax or grain crops grow on it
3. Serozem and chestnut soils. If flax, sunflower, rapeseed or other industrial crops are grown on them, then ammophos will be the best feeding. The product is applied along with irrigation of the areas to increase the effectiveness of the drug.
4. Saline lands. Poor soils must be treated with fertilizer in order to obtain a rich and high-quality harvest.
5. Protected soils. In greenhouses, the soil is quickly depleted due to intensive cultivation. Ammophosphate will become the basis in complex fertilizing.

In greenhouse farming, it is recommended to mix phosphorus-containing fertilizer with preparations that contain potassium and nitrogen to prevent a shortage or overdose of one or another element.

Like other fertilizers, ammophos cannot be applied more than the norms specified by the manufacturer. First you need to find out how much product should be used for a particular plant crop.

Chernozem

For meadow, forest-steppe and sod-podzolic chernozems, Ammophos is used as the main fertilizer for growing grain crops, root crops, flax, and chlorophobic plant species.

Carbonate chernozems

Due to the high temperature during the period of active plant life, carbonate, southern and simple chernozems require a special approach. In these cases, Ammophos is most effective - the fertilizer composition is more effective than preparations with nitrate forms of nitrogen.

Chestnut soils

The drug is of particular importance when planting industrial crops. On chestnut soils and gray soils, the effectiveness of fertilizer increases under the condition of irrigated agriculture.

Saline soils

On saline soils, fertilizing is highly effective. These are soils that do not contain the amount of chemical elements necessary for plants; the application of phosphorus-containing fertilizer plays an important role.

Application on various types of soils

Ammophos is used on all types of soil for all crops; it is recommended for use in protected soil conditions.

Soddy-podzolic soils and chernozems of forest-meadow and forest-steppe zones - ammophos is recommended for use in crops of grain crops, sugar beets, flax, and potatoes as the main application. Very effective when used to fertilize potatoes and other chlorophobic crops.

Ordinary, carbonate, southern chernozems (steppe zone) - ammophos is more effective than complex fertilizers containing nitrate forms of nitrogen.

Chestnut soils and gray soils - the effectiveness of fertilizer increases under irrigated farming conditions.

Saline soils are one of the complex fertilizers that show high efficiency on this group of soils.

Protected soils are a convenient, technologically advanced and effective fertilizer for use in greenhouse farming. (Compiled) Ammophos is recommended for use in all methods: basic, pre-sowing application and fertilizing throughout the growing season. The choice of application method depends on the agricultural technology of crop cultivation.

Impact on crops

Ammophos is a source of basic nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) for plants throughout the growing season. Its application, compared to an equivalent mixture of one-component fertilizers, has a greater effect due to a more uniform distribution of nutrients across the arable layer and positional accessibility for the plant root system. Rice is a floodable crop, and ammophos, as a fertilizer containing nitrogen in ammonia form, is most suitable for improving the qualitative and quantitative indicators of the yield of this crop. Grain, industrial, silage crops - ammophos is very effective, especially in conditions of excessive soil moisture. Annual grasses - the use of ammophos in the main application and for fertilizing significantly increases the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the grass stand.

Flower crops

Mineral subcortex is applied to flower beds in the spring. Plants will be able to gain strength and increase green mass. Ammophoska is applied into the soil to a depth of about four centimeters. You can’t just scatter ammophos granules over the root hole. Nitrogen will quickly evaporate and lose its value. And this element is required at the initial stage of plant development.

You can apply ammophoska under the flowers in the following way: sprinkle mineral fertilizer, then sprinkle with sawdust mulch. Mulching will help protect nitrogen from evaporation, and will also keep the root zone moist; moisture is necessary for good absorption of macroelements. Under perennial flowers, during autumn hilling and loosening, it is recommended to apply Diammofoska, a fertilizer that has universal use.

Potato

Organic matter is considered the best fertilizer for potatoes. But potatoes are usually planted in entire plantations, and the use of natural fertilizer over such a large area is not economically profitable. Multicomponent effective fertilizers, for example, ammophosphate, come to the rescue.

Fertilizer can be used when planting potatoes, applying it in granular form to each hole. You don’t have to waste time on preliminary plowing; the crop will already receive all the necessary nutrients. The norm is about 2.5 kilograms per hundred square meters. If the tubers are planted in holes, a tablespoon of fertilizer is poured under each bush when planting. The consumer qualities of potatoes will help improve the use of Diammofosk fertilizer.

Pepper

Most varieties are grown in greenhouses, some in open ground. To increase productivity, mineral fertilizer is used. Ammofoska is an optimal agrochemical that provides pepper with all nutrients.

The soil can be fertilized at the stage of soil nutrition in the greenhouse, then the agrochemical is applied in granular form. If feeding is carried out on an adult plant, then the drug must be diluted, taking 10 tablespoons of the substance per 10 liters of water. It should be taken into account that phosphorus does not dissolve in cold water, and nitrogen cannot be diluted with boiling water. Therefore, it is recommended to first dilute ammophos in cold water, and then add a cooled superphosphate suspension.

Tomatoes

Ammophoska for tomatoes is used in different ways. Some people add it when planting seedlings in the ground, some as a top dressing during the growing season of the plant. Potassium, which is a component of fertilizer, is responsible for the formation of fruits and the formation of ovaries. Experienced gardeners recommend applying ammophoska during the flowering period, and then ten days after the first ovaries are detected.

If you use organic and mineral fertilizers together, you can achieve better results. The following fertilizer is useful for tomatoes: take 10 liters of slurry, to which add 0.5 grams of boric acid, 50 grams of ammophosphate and 0.3 grams of manganese sulfate.

Pear

It is very difficult to obtain a good harvest of pears in central Russia. Therefore, gardeners use various tricks to speed up the process of fruit ripening. There is not enough heat for the entire growing season, so the fruit tree needs some kind of feeding.

In spring it is worth feeding pears with ammophoska. This will be an excellent mineral fertilizer at this stage. The agrochemical will enrich the tree with nitrogen, it will grow and accumulate strength. Sulfur, which is included in the complex, will help with the absorption of nitrogenous compounds. Then the plants need potassium in order to set fruit, after which the plant will also receive the necessary phosphorus, which by this stage will reach an easily digestible form. It will help the fruits form and give the pears flavor. Phosphorus will also boost immunity.

It is most effective to apply Ammofoska using wells - pits, about 30 cm deep. Fertilizer is placed in them. You can think through such a system in advance; when planting, install a vertical drainage system; organic and mineral fertilizers will be regularly poured through it, which will reach the roots of the trees.

Beet

This agrochemical promotes the accumulation of sugar in root vegetables, increasing taste. To fertilize a plot of 1 m2, only 5 g of granules are used, embedded in the ground when preparing the beds.

An excess of phosphorus in the soil can cause significant harm to crops, and even more than its deficiency.

bell pepper

Fertilizer is applied to the soil during digging. To feed already formed bushes, use an aqueous solution of ammophos. To do this, dissolve 10 tbsp of granules in a bucket of water. The water must be hot, since phosphorus cannot be dissolved in cold water.

Tomatoes

Fertilizer is applied during flowering and during fruit set. However, phosphorus alone is not enough for tomatoes, so experienced gardeners advise combining ammophos with organic matter and other agrochemicals:

• liquid mullein - bucket;
• ammophos - 50 g;
• boric acid - 0.5 g;
• manganese sulfate - 0.3 g.

All components are thoroughly mixed, ammophos must be diluted with hot water separately. After this, the crops are fertilized using the root method.

Grape

In spring, vineyards are watered by dissolving 400 g of agrochemical in a bucket of water. After a couple of weeks, the leaves are sprayed by diluting 150 g of fertilizer in a bucket of water.

Compatibility with other fertilizers

Potassium salt and potassium sulfate combine well with ammophos as sources of potassium. You can make a mixture with both substances, but you cannot store it.

For nitrogen fertilizing use:

• urea;
• ammonium nitrate;
• ammonium sulfate.

Only ammonium sulfate can be mixed with ammophos in advance; with other nitrogen-containing substances, prepare the mixture immediately before adding it to the soil.

Ammophos is poorly compatible with alkaline fertilizers (lime, ash) and organic matter (cow manure and chicken droppings).

Analogs

The closest analogue of ammophos is the MAF fertilizer. This substance is pure monoammonium phosphate, which occupies the main share in ammophos. MAF has a high phosphorus content - up to 61%.

Complex fertilizers, which, like ammophos, contain the three main macroelements, differ significantly from it in the proportions of active substances.

Because of this, each drug has its own specific application and cannot serve as a full replacement for others.

1. Nitroammophos. The proportions of phosphorus and nitrogen in the substance are 20-25%.
2. Nitroammophoska. Contains 16% nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
3. Nitrophoska. The product contains 10% phosphorus and 15% nitrogen and potassium.
4. Ammofoska. Includes 15% phosphorus and potassium, 14% sulfur and 12% nitrogen.

A mixture of 2.5 kg of superphosphate and 350 g of ammonium nitrate can replace 1 kg of ammophos. These fertilizers can be mixed, but the prepared solution should be used immediately.

Ammophos analogs

Among the analogues of Ammophos one can distinguish Nitroammofoska and Ammofoska.

Nitroammofoska is practically no different from Ammophos, except that Nitroammofoska does not contain sulfur and, on the contrary, contains chlorine.

The basic standard chemical composition of nitroammophoska is as follows: N (nitrogen - 16), P (phosphorus - 16), K (potassium - 16).

Nitroammofoska

Ammofoska. Unlike Ammophos, in addition to the main elements - nitrogen and phosphorus, Ammophos contains potassium and sulfur. Potassium sulfate improves plant immunity, and sulfur improves the ability of plants to absorb nitrogen.

When used correctly, taking into account the instructions for use, Ammophos fertilizer can significantly increase plant productivity.

Security measures

Ammophos is a caustic substance that is harmful upon contact with mucous membranes and skin; working with it requires compliance with a number of safety measures:

1. Protect your hands with gloves, and your respiratory tract and oral mucous membranes with a Petal-type respirator.
2. Wear closed clothing with long sleeves for work.
3. Upon completion of the procedure, wash your hands thoroughly with running water and soap.
4. If the drug gets into your eyes, wash them immediately with soap and water.
5. If the product gets into the stomach, you need to drink a large amount of water, induce vomiting, and seek help from a doctor.

Storage rules and duration

For retail trade, the shelf life of ammophos is 24 months from the date of manufacture.

The drug should be kept in a dry place, inaccessible to children and animals, in a tightly closed container or in an airtight package.

Metal containers should not be used to store the substance. Permissible temperature limits are from 0 to +30°C.

Complex fertilizers: Nitroammofoska and Ammophos. Advantages and disadvantages

Storage rules and precautions

Ammophos increases potato productivity and tuber quality.
Fertilizer should be placed in each hole when planting, 2 g of granules. The shelf life of ammophos is up to 2 years, depending on storage conditions. Like any other chemical, ammonium phosphate can break down, so it must be handled correctly.

Do not leave bags of fertilizer under the sun. If the package is opened, you need to protect it from water. Temperature is also important. The granules should not be allowed to heat or freeze excessively.

All work with ammophos must be done with gloves. This fertilizer does not produce dust, so it is not necessary to wear a protective mask. It is only required if there is an allergy or the possibility of an asthmatic reaction.