Fertilizers Collection Project

Collection of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

• Compost Manure: Organic matter obtained from decomposed materials, critical for organic farming.

  • Requires wet organic matter (green waste) to be heaped for weeks/months.
  • Enhanced by aeration, shredding plant matter, and microbial action (worms and fungi).
  • Benefits include nutrient release, soil conditioning, and natural pest control.
  • Applications in erosion control, land reclamation, and horticulture.

• Goat Manure: Odorless and easier to handle, it contains 22 lbs of nitrogen per ton.

  • Acts as a soil conditioner, enhancing soil texture and nutrient availability.
  • Improves water efficiency and oxygen levels in soil for plant roots.
  • Promotes healthier plant growth and higher crop yields.

• Green Manure: Crops specifically planted to enrich soil fertility.

  • Can be planted post-harvest in fall or during crop rotation.
  • Acts as a cover crop, preventing topsoil erosion.
  • Includes legumes (e.g., alfalfa, clover) which fix atmospheric nitrogen, and non-legumes (e.g., ryegrass, buckwheat).

• Cow Dung Manure: Originates from animal waste; provides nutrients upon decomposition.

  • Improves crop productivity and soil physical properties.
  • Less concentrated nutrients result in longer residual effects compared to chemical fertilizers.
  • Categorized into bulky and concentrated organic manures.

• Poultry Manure: Commonly used as fertilizer, it has high fertilizing value but lower concentration than chemical options.

  • Best utilized near farms to minimize nitrogen loss during transport.
  • Groundnut cake serves as both livestock feed and manure.

• Neem Cake: By-product from neem oil extraction, rich in essential nutrients (NPK).

  • Protects plants against nematodes and promotes soil fertility.
  • Beneficial for crops such as paddy, cotton, and sugarcane.
  • Enhances organic matter in soil, improving texture and aeration.

• Cotton Cake: Dried cottonseed meal utilized as an organic fertilizer.

  • Improves soil texture, moisture retention, and nutrient delivery.
  • Suitable for various plants, including flowers and vegetables.

• Nitrogen Fertilizers: Key types include ammonia, ammonium nitrate, and urea.

  • Urea contains 46% nitrogen and presents advantages in handling and stability.
  • Nitrogen is essential for plant growth, often injected directly into soil.

• Single Super Phosphate (SSP): Contains 16% water-soluble phosphate, essential for pre-land preparation.

  • Considered a standard fertilizer for comparison against others.
  • Three grades available based on phosphate content: single, dicalcium, and triple superphosphate.

• Murate of Potash: Potassium-rich fertilizer enhancing crop quality.

  • Improves water retention and disease resistance in crops.
  • Major consumers include China, USA, Brazil, and India; Brazil heavily relies on imports.
  • Soluble in water, making it effective even in rainy conditions, suitable for a variety of crops including fruits and grains.