In today’s agribusiness, every farmer seeks the best solutions to increase yields and enhance product quality. Liquid complex fertilizers (LCFs) promise to be such a tool, but do they truly deliver on their promises? This is a question that concerns many farmers, as despite their numerous advantages, potential risks must also be considered. In this article, we delve into the pros and cons of LCFs, explore how they can influence your agronomic decisions, and offer recommendations for their effective use.
Theoretically, plants cannot differentiate between nutrients derived from granular or liquid fertilizers. Both types of fertilizers have their own strengths and weaknesses, depending on the specific agricultural application and emerging trends.
The current state of the fertilizer market, the rise of new technologies, and the imperative to maximize the return on investment in plant cultivation necessitate the optimization of crop nutrition systems. Moreover, global challenges such as climate change, rising temperatures, erratic precipitation patterns, and the resulting shifts in soil and climate zones demand the development of fertilizer systems that efficiently utilize every nutrient percentage.
Under these circumstances, fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other elements in a readily plant-available, water-soluble form are gaining significant traction among producers and farmers. Liquid complex fertilizers, which typically supply macronutrients essential for robust plant development, are particularly popular.
Starter fertilization involves applying liquid complex fertilizers near or with seeds during spring or autumn sowing to stimulate initial growth. This application supports the development of emerging seedlings and can contribute to increased yields. Starter fertilizers commonly contain nitrogen and phosphorus, with nitrogen in the ammonium (NH4) form, which enhances phosphorus uptake. Scientific research has demonstrated that applying liquid starter fertilizers can improve early growth and marketable yields.
Fertilizer Granule Placement Methods
The increase in productivity can vary depending on production systems and environmental conditions. This is particularly important when soil temperatures are low, reducing the rate of organic matter mineralization and root activity. This can negatively impact plant uptake of phosphorus and nitrogen, potentially leading to stunted growth of young plants. This, in turn, highlights the relevance of using liquid fertilizers.
Liquid starter complex fertilizers primarily contain basic nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. Some liquid fertilizers are enriched with trace elements, such as zinc, which can be particularly beneficial on soils deficient in these elements or in crop nutrition systems that require them in larger quantities.
It has been determined that the maximum effectiveness of liquid complex (starter) fertilizers is achieved when applied using the IN-FURROW® technology, either in the seed furrow or directly to the seeds. The goal of this technology is to promote a strong start for seed germination and mitigate the impact of negative stress factors during the initial stages of plant growth and development.
Regarding the benefits of liquid complex fertilizers, the following factors are noteworthy:
According to O. Fersman, phosphorus, the element of life and thought, is crucial for root system development. The orthophosphoric acid anion can be absorbed by plant roots from a distance of 1-2 mm through diffusion, a process that slows down at soil temperatures below 14°C. In such conditions, applying a highly water-soluble form of phosphorus that is rapidly absorbed by seeds and used to build a strong root system offers a significant advantage for using liquid complex fertilizers.
- Nitrogen is essential for plant growth and vitality, shaping their habitus. In the field, nitrogen and phosphorus exhibit synergy, increasing each other’s utilization rate by plant roots. Therefore, it can be argued that liquid complex fertilizers, containing both nitrogen and phosphorus, can enhance the utilization and assimilation of nitrogen.
Comparison of Starter Fertilizer Impact
- Pop-up seeders can be equipped for highly precise furrow placement and accurate application of preset fertilizer volumes. The fertilizer is immediately accessible to plants as it is applied directly into the planting furrow, very close to the seeds. This results in faster and more uniform seedling development, leading to improved subsequent plant growth and development. With in-furrow technology, all young plants have an equal opportunity to compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight, thereby increasing photosynthesis.
- Under unfavorable environmental conditions, such as low temperatures and suboptimal moisture during sowing, the efficiency of liquid complex fertilizers (LCFs) is increased. However, it’s important to note that LCFs are not a magic solution; they are just one important component of intensive crop production technology. Increasing yields and quality requires a scientifically sound combination of all technological factors, including pest and disease control and nutrient provision during critical growth stages.
As for the drawbacks of liquid complex fertilizers, they primarily relate to the potential for crystallization and precipitation under improper storage conditions, such as ultra-low temperatures (-18°C) or high temperatures (+28°C).
Therefore, liquid complex fertilizers can be a valuable tool for farmers aiming to increase crop productivity. However, their effectiveness depends on accurately assessing plant needs and considering growing conditions. Before implementing LCFs on your farm, carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages to make an informed decision. The appropriate use of LCFs can significantly enhance the outcomes of your agricultural production.
