The Impact of Particle Size in Fertilizers

The reasons why particle size in fertilizers is critical include agronomic response, storage and handling properties, aerial application, and blending properties.

Examples of low-solubility fertilizers that require fine grinding for rapid dissolution in the soil include phosphates rocks, basic slags, limestone, dolomite, dicalcium phosphate, and fused phosphates.

Proper particle size prevents dusty and caked fertilizers during storage and handling. Avoiding small particles reduces airborne dust, ensuring farmer acceptance and healthier working conditions.

Large granules (over 4 mm) are desirable for aerial application to forests as they minimize wind drift and lodging in tree branches.

Controlling particle size in granular fertilizer blends reduces segregation tendency, improving the distribution of nutrients in bulk blending operations since materials of different sizes can segregate if not blended properly.

Phosphates rocks

To reduce airborne dust

Large granules over 4 mm

To reduce segregation tendency

Ammonium nitrate