A suspension fertilizer is a fluid fertilizer which contains both dissolved and undissolved plant nutrients.suspension fertilizer It is kept in solution with a suspending agent, such as a swelling type clay, so that the ingredients can be mixed, pumped, agitated and applied to soil in an even and accurate manner. The key functional benefit of a suspension is that it allows for high homogeneity in the chemical composition, unlike the separation of components seen with solid fertilizers. This results in better nutrient utilization, especially during periods of drought, as well as more precise dosing.
Liquid suspension fertilizers also offer a number of economic and ecological benefits.suspension fertilizer They can be made from a wide variety of raw materials, including dusty and sparingly soluble raw materials such as fine ground rock phosphate [1]. The use of these types of waste reduces the demand for expensive pure mineral fertilizers, especially for key nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium, which are in short supply worldwide.
In addition, they are a good alternative to dry granular fertilizers in regions where irrigation is difficult and soils are sandy.suspension fertilizer Their application allows for the use of higher concentrations of plant nutrients per gallon of material, which reduces the cost of transportation and storage. These savings are especially significant for larger quantities of high analysis liquids, such as those containing 6% or more plant nutrients by weight.
Moreover, a high proportion of undissolved solids in a suspension is beneficial for the soil due to its high water holding capacity. This increases the water availability for the roots of plants, which results in improved aeration and less water runoff. This feature is particularly important in sandy and stony soils, as it prevents the formation of dense crusts in these types of environments.
Suspension fertilizers also tend to have a lower evaporation rate than liquid nitrates and ammoniums. This is due to their high concentrations of raw materials, which increases the surface area over which they can be absorbed. This makes them a very efficient form of application, especially for crops which require high levels of nitrogen such as legumes and cereals.
For these reasons, suspensions are the most commonly used form of liquid fertilizers worldwide. They provide a unique set of environmental and agronomic criteria which are difficult to meet with other forms of fertilizers. For example, their ability to be sprayed in concentrated bands decreases the chemical tie-up that happens with phosphorus and reduces the physical tie-up that occurs with potassium, which leads to a higher level of nutrient utilization by plants. This in turn results in higher crop yields and net returns. In many areas, these advantages are even more pronounced than in countries with a high level of rainfall. They can be combined with irrigation and plant protection treatments, making them a comprehensive solution for the modern farmer. Moreover, they can be formulated with additional ingredients to improve their performance in specific soil and crop conditions.