Content of the article:
Ammonium nitrate is a mineral fertilizer that is widely used in the cultivation of various garden crops. It is produced in the form of small granules in the form of a sphere, white or pink color.
Characterization of the drug
The fertilizer contains up to 34% nitrogen. So that it is better absorbed by plants, a small amount of sulfur( up to 14%) is also included in the preparation. The use of ammonium nitrate is limited only by root dressing, direct application to the culture in the form of a solution can cause leaf burn, which will lead to the death of plants.
Since the nitrogen in the preparation tends to evaporate, after opening the package with fertilizer, it must be used in the coming month. Sealed saltpeter can be stored no more than six months in a cool room, protected from sunlight.
When the fertilizer is heated to 33 degrees, it may explode.
Action of ammonium nitrate
The main task of fertilizer is to provide growing crops with nitrogen. However, fertilizer also serves as a good protection for plants from various bacteria and fungi that accumulate in the soil. This is especially important in cases where it is not possible to observe crop rotation. A characteristic feature of ammonium nitrate is its action at low temperatures.
Simultaneous application of ammonium nitrate with sawdust, straw, or other “combustible” substances is not allowed. In the process of interaction, they can catch fire.
Features of the use of
Like all nitrogen fertilizers, ammonium nitrate is used in spring and summer, when garden crops are actively growing and need nitrogen. The first introduction to the garden can be done even before planting, scattering the granules on the site and putting them in a rake in the soil. On 1 square.m. land will need from 20 to 50 g of the drug, depending on the composition of the soil. This will be the main feeding.
In the future, ammonium nitrate fertilizer is used in the garden as an additional feeding of vegetables:
- When planting tomato, pepper and melons, add 1 tbsp.lsaltpeter in each well and water well.
- When planting potatoes - also add to the wells.
- During summer fertilizing of plants, when they bloom and form the ovary - sprinkle fertilizer at the site at the rate of 5 g per 1 sq. Km.m.
- For fertilizing root crops - a one-time feeding by introducing the drug in the aisle( or furrow) in 5 g per 1 square.m. It should be done 3 weeks after germination.
- For watering plants during the growing season - prepare a solution of 30 g of the drug and a bucket of water. Pour at the root, avoiding contact with the leaves. It is better to do a liquid feeding of potatoes during the first hilling.
It is not recommended to fertilize pumpkin, cucumbers, zucchini and squash with ammonium nitrate in order to avoid accumulation of nitrates.
The last dressing should be done 15-20 days before harvest.
