Types of Fertilizers, Their Uses, and Varieties

Agriculture: A Sustainable Path with Effective Fertilizer Use

Agriculture is a process that provides humanity with essential food resources and utilizes natural resources efficiently. The sustainability of this process depends on proper agricultural practices and effective fertilizer usage. The agricultural sector requires different types of fertilizers to achieve productive and sustainable yields.

İGSAŞ (Istanbul Food and Agriculture Industry Inc.) contributes to the development of agriculture in Turkey by producing various types of fertilizers. These fertilizers play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity, preserving soil health, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

The proper use of fertilizers not only increases soil fertility but also ensures environmental sustainability. However, excessive use can lead to certain adverse effects. In this article, we will explain in a simplified manner the benefits of fertilizers produced by İGSAŞ, the potential harms of overuse, and why these fertilizers are highly preferred.

Urea

Urea is one of the most commonly used nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture. It contains a high amount of nitrogen (approximately 46%), which is essential for plant growth. Nitrogen supports the healthy development of green parts of plants, promotes leaf growth, and enhances the photosynthesis process. Urea acts quickly due to its high nitrogen content and is cost-effective. Moreover, its granular form makes it easy to spread and ensures effective delivery to plants.
Benefits: When used correctly, urea boosts productivity. However, excessive use can lead to ammonia accumulation in the soil and harm the environment. Overuse may also cause soil acidification.

Ammonium Nitrate

Ammonium nitrate is a powerful fertilizer containing nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrogen is crucial for plant protein and cell development. This fertilizer is widely used for crops with high nitrogen needs, such as leafy vegetables and corn. It facilitates high yields, ensuring nitrogen is readily available to plants for rapid growth.
Benefits: Ammonium nitrate penetrates the soil quickly and provides nitrogen to plants efficiently. It significantly increases yields, especially in fruit and vegetable cultivation.
Harms of Overuse: Excessive use can acidify the soil and harm water resources. Overapplication may also cause plant burns.

Ammonium Sulfate

Ammonium sulfate is a fertilizer containing both nitrogen and sulfur. Sulfur is an essential element for healthy plant growth, as it helps plants produce proteins and amino acids. By providing both nitrogen and sulfur, it addresses multiple nutritional needs simultaneously. Sulfur is particularly important for maintaining soil health, as some soils may lack this element.
Benefits: Ammonium sulfate is ideal for plants with high sulfur needs. It also helps reduce soil pH, making it effective in calcareous soils.
Harms of Overuse: Excessive use can lead to soil acidification, which may inhibit root development in plants.

DAP (Diammonium Phosphate)

DAP is a fertilizer containing phosphorus and nitrogen, available in both liquid and granular forms. Phosphorus promotes root development and is critical for flowering and fruiting. DAP acts rapidly in phosphorus-deficient soils and is highly soluble, ensuring quick delivery to plants.
Benefits: DAP is essential for areas with phosphorus-deficient soils. It enhances root growth and supports healthier plant development.
Harms of Overuse: Excessive use can lead to soil saturation with phosphorus, which may cause toxicity in plants.

15-15-15

The 15-15-15 fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal proportions, making it suitable for all types of agricultural crops. Its balanced formulation addresses a wide range of plant nutritional needs. This fertilizer is particularly ideal for supporting overall plant development.
Benefits: It ensures balanced growth and high yields due to its equal distribution of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Harms of Overuse: Overuse can disrupt the nutrient balance in plants, leading to reduced productivity.

Ammonium

Ammonium-based fertilizers provide nitrogen in an accessible form for plants. When dissolved in soil, ammonium becomes readily available to plants. It dissolves quickly, delivering nitrogen efficiently to increase yields.
Benefits: A rapid source of nitrogen for plants, ensuring quick absorption.
Harms of Overuse: Excessive use can create highly acidic soil conditions, potentially causing root burns in plants.

Organomineral Fertilizers

Organomineral fertilizers combine organic matter with mineral fertilizers. These fertilizers provide the benefits of both organic matter and mineral nutrients. Their use supports sustainable agriculture by encouraging the use of natural resources and maintaining soil health.
Benefits: Improves soil structure, increases water retention capacity, and promotes microorganism activity. It also provides all essential nutrients in a balanced manner.
Harms of Overuse: Excessive application can cause nutrient imbalances in the soil, negatively impacting plant development.

Conclusion

Fertilizers produced by İGSAŞ are critical for enhancing productivity and maintaining soil health in agriculture. Each type of fertilizer is designed to meet the specific needs of different plants and soil conditions. However, avoiding overuse of any fertilizer is essential to prevent environmental pollution and protect soil health. Proper fertilizer use and soil management are key to sustainable agriculture, ensuring increased productivity while preserving natural resources.