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Types of Nitrogen Fertilizers. There are two main classifications of nitrogen fertilizers. Quickly available inorganic salts such as ammonium sulfate (NH 4 SO 2 ) urea. Slowly available complex molecules such as sulfur-coated urea, manure, sewer sludge. Nitrogen Salts.
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Types of Nitrogen Fertilizers • There are two main classifications of nitrogen fertilizers. • Quickly available inorganic salts such as ammonium sulfate (NH4SO2) urea. • Slowly available complex molecules such as sulfur-coated urea, manure, sewer sludge.
Nitrogen Salts • Inorganic salts which dissolve easily in water. • They are produced industrially using natural gas, atmospheric nitrogen, and minerals. Examples: Ammonium sulfate NH4SO2 Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) Potassium nitrate(KNO3)
Complex Nitrogen Containing Compounds • These fertilizers do not dissolve easily in water. • Their nutrients are released slowly. This provides a more even supply of nutrients to plants. Examples: Urea, leguminous cover crops, and manures.
Phosphorus Sources • Rock phosphate: a mined rock which is treated with acids to form chemical fertilizers. • Slag: by-product of steel production. • Ammonium phosphate (NH4PO3): an inorganic salt made using rock phosphate.
Potassium Sources • Potassium chloride or muriate of potash: these are produced from processed potassium salts. • Sulfate of potash: potassium chloride combined with sulfuric acid. • Potassium nitrate: potassium chloride treated with nitric acid.