Soil and Plant Nutrition

The formula for calculating the fertilizer to be Therefore, for soils with sulphur deficiency, am-
applied (kg/ha) = monium sulphate is a better choice and for soils
with normal sulphur levels, urea presents a better
100
N source.
--------------------------------------- X recommended
Nutrient content in the dose (kg/ha) Example - 2
fertilizer material (%)
1. Single Super Phosphate (SSP) with 7 % P
Nutrient cost comparison costs Rs.480 per 100 kg.

Example - 1 2. Di - Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) 20% P

and 18% N costs Rs.1596 per 100 kg.
1. Urea with 46% N costs Rs.562.20 per 100 kg.
2. Ammonium sulphate 20% N costs Rs.1029 per SSP has 7% P i.e. 7 kg P in every 100 kg SSP. There-
100 kg. fore unit value of P in SSP: 480/7= Rs.68.57 per kg P.

Urea has 46% N i.e. 46 kg N in every 100 kg urea. Whereas, DAP has 20% P and 18% N, i.e. 20 kg P
Therefore unit value of N in urea: 562.2/46= Rs.12.22 and 18 kg of N in every 100 kg of DAP.
per kg N. Ammonium sulphate has 20.6% N i.e. 20
Cost of Nitrogen in 100 kg of DAP = (18 X 12.22 ) =
kg N in every 100 kg fertilizer and 24% sulphur.
Rs.219.96. Therefore unit value of P in DAP: (1596
Therefore unit value of N in ammonium sulphate:
– 219.96 = 1376.00); i.e. 1376/20= Rs.68.80 per kg P
1029/20.6= Rs.49.95 per kg N. Thus, the nitrogen is
cheaper in urea. Yet, ammonium sulphate also has Thus, the unit cost of P is the same in both the ferti-
24% sulphur in it. lisers. Yet, DAP also has 18% N in it. Therefore, for
soils with nitrogen requirement, DAP is the better
choice.

GUIDE FOR MIXING FERTILIZERS

1. Muriate of Potash

2. Sulphate of Potash

3. Sulphate of ammonia

4. Calcium ammonium nitrate

5. Sodium Nitrate

6. Calcium cynanamide

7. Urea

8. Superphosphate single or triple

9. Ammonium phosphate

10. Basic slag

11. Calcium carbonate

           1. Muriate of Potash
           2. Sulphate of Potash
           3. Sulphate of ammonia
           4. Calcium ammonium nitrate
           5. Sodium Nitrate
           6. Calcium cynanamide
           7. Urea
           8. Superphosphate single or triple
           9. Ammonium phosphate
           10. Basic slag
           11. Calcium carbonate

 Fertilizers which can be mixed

 Fertilizers which may be mixed shortly before use
 Fertilizers which can not be mixed
Note: The crossing point of the required vertical column and horizontal colum indicates the possibility of mixing or otherwise
of the fertilizer
Compatibility of Fertilizers

Farmer’s Handbook on Basic Agriculture 49