Look at the label on any package of fertilizer and you will see three numbers separated by a dash that correspond to the amount of essential nutrients in the product. A fertilizer with three equal numbers, such as 4-4-4, is called a "balanced" fertilizer because it contains equal amounts of the big three NPKs (which always appear in that order). We have many options for fertilizing the soil, from slow-release granules to powders, liquids or even sprays applied to the leaves. Here's what you need to know about such a popular azophoska.
- What is azofoska
- Where is azofoska used?
- What types of azofoska are there?
- How much azofoska is needed in spring How to fertilize tomatoes with azofoska
- How to fertilize potatoes with azophoska
- How to fertilize cucumbers with azophoska
Chemical composition
Azofoska is a balanced complex of fundamental nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) for all agricultural crops without exception in an easily accessible form. Nitrogen (N) is responsible for metabolism, is a building material for proteins, and stimulates the growth of green mass. Phosphorus (P) controls metabolism, energy exchange and the course of biochemical processes in cells, and takes part in protein synthesis. Potassium (K) controls the process of photosynthesis, increases resistance to cold, and is responsible for immunity. The total specific gravity of all nutrients in the composition of the beneficial substance is from 41 to 56%.
Several brands of azofoska are available with different ratios of components:
| Brand | Mass NPK,% | Application area |
| A | 16-16-16 | Can be used on any type of soil, suitable for all vegetable and garden crops |
| D | 8-24-24 | Recommended for soils depleted of phosphorus and potassium as a result of intensive farming |
| M | 17-0,1-28 | Recommended for soils with a high content of available phosphorus, typical for the southern regions of Russia |
| P | 21-0,1-21 |
In addition to the listed elements, the fertilizer contains sulfur (S) - from 2 to 4%, depending on the brand.
Advantages and disadvantages of ammophoska
Advantages
- The complex agricultural product contains all the main elements, as well as micro- and mesoelements, in one granule.
- Can be used in different climatic zones and on different soils.
- Nitrogen is present in fat in two forms.
- Due to its high fluidity, the fertilizer is evenly distributed over the entire surface.
- The agricultural product has good friability and is not dusty.
- Depending on the condition of the soil and the type of crop, you can select the application rate and method of fertilizing.
- Contains a low amount of toxic elements and heavy metals that can accumulate in plants.
- Economical: low price, low consumption of agricultural fertilizer.
- Easy to use, soluble in water.
- It is possible to use fertilizing at any phase of the crop growing season.
Flaws
- Possible accumulation of nitrates in the plant. To eliminate this possibility, you should strictly observe the application rates and fertilizer application rules.
- Capable of self-ignition and explosion. It is necessary to properly store and dispose of agricultural products.
- Short shelf life compared to other mineral and organic complexes.
Beneficial features
Timely application of azofoska to tomatoes:
- provides plants with complete nutrition;
- strengthens the root system, activates the growth of the vegetative part, ensures high strength of the stems;
- increases stress resistance;
- strengthens the immune system, minimizes the risk of rust, root rot, and powdery mildew;
- prolongs and increases the abundance of flowering.
As a result, the use of azophosphate increases tomato yields by up to 1.5 times compared to control plantings.
Storage rules
Opened fertilizer packaging quickly loses its beneficial properties when exposed to air and sunlight.
If there is a large accumulation of dust from azofoska and nitrophoska, the substance can spontaneously explode, and when heated, the fertilizer releases toxins that are hazardous to health. Therefore, it is wiser to calculate before purchasing how much of the drug you need to add in order to use it completely. If this still fails, the remaining unused substance must be poured into an airtight container with a tight lid.
Store the drug in a ventilated, dry and dark place for no more than 1.5 years.
(+) Benefits of azofoska
The preference of vegetable growers in favor of azofoska when choosing fertilizers for tomatoes is completely justified. Fertilizer has undeniable advantages:
- perfectly absorbed by all parts of the plant;
- provides the crop with complete nutrition, eliminating the need to combine fertilizers of different compositions;
- resistant to being washed out of the soil by precipitation;
ALL the benefits of Azofoska (click to apply)
- has no ballast, therefore completely soluble in water;
- does not cake during storage;
- economical per unit area;
- affordable.
Release form
Azofoska is a variety of light pinkish or beige granules with a diameter of 1 to 5 mm.
Surfactants prevent granules from sticking together during storage.
Despite the fact that the granules are non-hygroscopic, do not cake, and do not form lumps, the fertilizer should be stored in airtight packaging in a dark, dry room. Otherwise, the active substance will lose its productive properties. The warranty period, subject to storage rules, is 1.5 years from the date of manufacture.
The fertilizer is available for retail sale in 1, 2, and 3 kg packages.
Tip #1 . When purchasing azofoska, it is better to give preference to domestically produced products, developed taking into account the climate and soil composition of central Russia.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros and cons
high concentration of minerals;
duration of storage (subject to conditions in the original packaging);
convenient release form;
affordable price;
safety for humans (subject to compliance with standards and requirements);
high solubility in cold water;
flammability of the substance;
short shelf life after opening;
the formation of nitrates in vegetables and soil if the conditions of use are violated;
inorganic nature of the mixture.
Humatized form of azofoska
In addition to traditional azophosphate, the agrochemical industry produces a humatized form of fertilizer.
Azofoska with the addition of humates is perfectly adapted for feeding tomatoes.
Humate, which is part of the fertilizer mixture, ensures the transition of mineral substances into an accessible form that is easily absorbed by plants, which significantly increases the efficiency of fertilizing. In addition, humate:
- accelerates growth and ensures proportional development of roots;
- prevents the deposition of nitrates in fruits;
- increases resistance to infections;
- reduces sensitivity to temperature changes;
- improves the commercial quality and shelf life of products.
Application schedule for tomatoes
Azofoska is applied before the end of the active growing season of tomatoes. Approximate seasonal application schedule:
| Periodicity | Application time | Dosage | Method of application |
| Basic application into protected soil | When preparing greenhouse soil | 50-100 g/m² | Refilling the soil by digging |
| The main application when growing in open ground | During spring tillage | 40-60 g/m² | Refilling the soil by digging |
| First feeding | When transplanting seedlings to a permanent place | 10 g per planting hole | Mix dry granules with soil |
| Second feeding | 2 weeks after planting in the ground | 40 g per 10 l of pink solution of potassium permanganate | Water the plants at the roots until the soil is completely moistened |
| Third feeding | With the beginning of flowering | 35 g/10 l water + mullein infusion (see → how to prepare mullein) | Water the plants at the roots until the soil is completely moistened |
It is permissible to replace liquid fertilizing with dry application to the ground with mandatory subsequent watering. The granules are buried 5-8 cm between rows at a rate of up to 10 g per m².
Azofoska granules are evenly distributed between the rows of tomatoes and incorporated into the soil during loosening.
Important! It is unacceptable to apply azofoska “by eye” or intentionally exceed the recommended dosage. Excess nitrogen not absorbed by the plant turns into nitrate form, accumulates in the soil, in plant tissues and settles in the fruits.
When to fertilize?
Azofoska is well suited for fertilizing vegetable, fruit and berry crops. In most cases, the timing of applying such fertilizing is not limited, however, experienced gardeners still advise being careful with such a mixture. It should be applied during sowing or during the active growing season.
IMPORTANT! The application of azofoska gives especially effective results when used on chernozem and substrate with high humidity levels.
If you want to compensate for the lack of mineral components in clay soil, then apply azofoska during autumn work. For light soils, spring application is more suitable.
The exact calculation of time and dosage will depend on the specific plant crop:
- Fertilizer should be applied to tomatoes in three stages: 14-15 days after planting the seedlings, then 30 days after applying the first portion, and the last time during the formation of the ovaries.
- Cucumbers should be fed according to the same scheme as tomatoes, with the only difference that azofoska is applied the first time while the seedlings are not in the ground, and the second time during the formation of the ovaries.
- You can also use nitroammophoska for potatoes. It is added at the time of planting the tubers into the substrate. Fertilizer should be applied after first mixing it with the soil.
Terms of use
When applying azofoska, you should not only follow the application rates, but also know certain nuances of using this fertilizer.
- Azofoska is recommended to be applied only to heated soil. In cold soil, the active substance passes into a form inaccessible to the plant. There is an accumulation of nitrate compounds that pollute the earth. The best period for pre-sowing soil filling in the middle zone is from the second ten days of May. At this time, the soil is sufficiently warmed up and saturated with moisture, which best facilitates the diffusion of useful elements.
- With the beginning of mass formation and ripening of fruits, the plants’ need for nitrogen decreases, therefore, there is no point in feeding tomatoes with nitrogen-containing fertilizers at this time.
- The use of azofoska does not exclude the addition of organic matter. On the contrary, regular application without alternation with organic fertilizers increases the risk of nitrate accumulation in the soil. If, for example, azofoska was used on one site for 2 years in a row, it makes sense to completely replace it with organic matter in the third year. Moreover, it is better to use manure or chicken droppings not in their pure form, but as part of composts. Find out → using compost as a plant food + reviews from gardeners, → how to use chicken manure.
- If stored improperly, azofoska can not only lose its beneficial properties, but also pose a health hazard. Thus, when the drug is heated strongly, toxic gases are released
- Azofoska has a balanced composition, and as a rule, the question of combining it with other types of fertilizers does not arise. But if necessary, this fertilizer can be used in combination with other chemicals. Azophoska is a physiologically neutral fertilizer, therefore it combines well with ammonium sulfate, superphosphate (see → how to use superphosphate), ammonium nitrate, potassium chloride, ammophoska. A combination with magnesia or magnesium sulfate is acceptable. The main thing is to ensure that the concentration of one or another element is not exceeded permissible for the plant. It is not recommended to combine azofoska with urea, ammonium sulfate, and calcium nitrate. Find out → the use of ammonium sulfate as a fertilizer for the garden.
Recommended dosages
Compliance with the recommended dosages when applying nitroammophoska is extremely important. Firstly, the condition of plant crops, and, secondly, the final result depends on it.
IMPORTANT! If the dosage is calculated incorrectly, there is a high risk of nitrate accumulation in the soil, cells, tissues and fruits of plant crops.
You can avoid the accumulation of nitrates and other unpleasant consequences. You just need to strictly follow all the instructions and take into account the needs of the plants themselves.
Recommended norms for different crops:
- when applying in spring, it is recommended to evenly distribute 40 g of dry fertilizer per square meter of planting space;
- during the first digging, 50 g of the composition is added per square meter;
- It is forbidden to apply azofoska simultaneously with other nutrient solutions and mixtures (especially if you are root feeding berry and fruit plantings);
- the exact amount of the nutrient mixture should be calculated only after you have taken into account all possible additions of third-party fertilizers for planting.
Basic mistakes
- When growing tomatoes, you should not rely on using only one fertilizer, even such a universal one as azofoska. Sometimes a plant experiences a deficiency or, conversely, an excess of a certain element, which requires adjustments in the nutritional pattern. Therefore, the use of other, single-component or complex fertilizers cannot be excluded.
| Batteries | Symptoms of deficiency | Signs of excess |
| Nitrogen | Pale color of the tops, possible yellowing and death of the lower leaves | Hypertrophied growth of green mass to the detriment of the formation of ovaries, delay in the development and ripening of fruits |
| Phosphorus | Growth inhibition, unnatural dense green leaf color, appearance of purple-brown spots | Interveinal chlorosis due to impaired absorption of iron and zinc |
| Potassium | Curling of leaves, bluish-green color of tops, development of brown spot, growth inhibition | Slowing growth, shredding of leaves due to disturbances in the absorption of zinc, magnesium, boron, calcium |
- There is no point in introducing azofoska before winter. This also applies to filling greenhouse soil. Under the influence of low temperatures and precipitation, the beneficial properties of the fertilizer will be completely lost.
Answers on questions
Question No. 1: How does azofoska differ from nitroammrofoska? Which of these fertilizers is more suitable for tomatoes?
In fact, these are two names for the same complex fertilizer. There is no sulfur in the composition of classic nitroammophoska. Perhaps this is where the differences end. Sometimes manufacturers indicate both names on the packaging, but more often marketers avoid the prefix “nitro” so as not to confuse the consumer with the association with the scary word “nitrates”. In fact, the second name means that the nitrogen in the fertilizer is presented in nitrate, easily accessible form, and has nothing to do with the accumulation of nitrates.
Question No. 2. Recently, the drug “Azofos” appeared on sale. Is this a new modification of azofoska? (click to expand)
No, “Azofos” has nothing to do with azofoska. This is a new generation fungicide intended for the prevention and treatment of fungal infections, the composition of which is supplemented with macro- and microelements. The drug is toxic and requires compliance with safety rules and the use of individual protective measures when working with it.
Instructions for use of Azofoski
The rules for using mineral fertilizer are printed on the packaging. For the most part, they are presented in the form of a table, which indicates the maximum permissible amount of the drug based on the square footage of plantings. The tables also show the method of application.
Exceeding the recommended doses, as well as its combination with compounds containing nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium in any proportions and ratios can cause an excess of minerals in the soil.
This can lead to the death of plants and cause disturbances in their development, as well as cause harm to the health of a person who has eaten vegetables grown in violation of cultivation technology.
General rules and safety measures
Azofoska does not have a harmful effect on the skin, mucous membranes and respiratory tract of humans and is considered safe, because if the recommendations for preparing the nutrient solution are followed, no harmful or toxic substances are released. But, nevertheless, when working with this fertilizer it is necessary:
- comply with safety requirements;
- adhere to the rules of personal hygiene;
- use rubber gloves.
After working with the substance, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands and face with soap and water, and also wash all containers that came into contact with the mineral fertilizer.
Dry granules are usually suitable for use for six months from the moment the package is opened. Azofoska loses its properties when exposed to the sun or in damp rooms, and therefore it is recommended to store it in its original packaging or tightly closed containers with mandatory labeling and information about the contents. The substance must be inaccessible to children and animals, and must also be kept separate from food and water.
In case of unusual situations, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations described in the instructions.
If the concentrated composition gets on the skin, the contact area should be washed with plenty of water.
It is enough to remove the dry substance from the surfaces with a dry cloth. If you accidentally swallow a dry mixture or a ready-made solution, it is important to induce vomiting and then seek medical help.
Azofoska and any other subspecies should be excluded from use at least 14 days before harvest
For tomatoes, potatoes and cucumbers
One of the most popular crops - potatoes - needs Azofoska only once per season. Fertilizer is applied to the holes. Tomatoes are added with a saturated solution twice: when transplanting into open ground and 14 days after the first buds appear. If soil from the garden is used when planting seeds, it can be watered with Azofoska.
Cucumbers need feeding 3 times per season. The first is adding fertilizer to the soil (beds or holes in which the seeds will be planted). 2 subsequent treatments are carried out with an interval of 2 weeks, starting from the beginning of June (for mid-latitudes).
For apple trees, other fruit trees and strawberries
Fertilizer is applied to the tree trunk or during transplantation. The maximum weight of mineral fertilizer is 125 g per tree or 50 g for one shrub.
Strawberry bushes are fed before flowering. It is noteworthy that in this case Azofoska can be used as a means for foliar feeding.
For garden and indoor flowers
Deciduous and flowering plants are watered with NPK 16:16:16 at intervals of 1-2 months. The first fertilizing is usually done in early spring, when plants enter the active growth phase and are most in need of essential minerals.
For seedlings
It is recommended to feed vegetable crops cultivated by seedlings no earlier than two weeks after picking. It is during this period that natural rooting ends and the growth phase begins.
The classic proportion of NPK application is 16:16:16 - 4 g in each well.
