Does black fertilizer turn gray and volatilize? An analysis of why fertilizers volatilize

Even in winter, fertilizer will still volatilize, just somewhat less. Volatilization tends to be more serious in summer, so fertilizer should be stored properly at all times. How should fertilizer be stored in winter? Experts answer your questions one by one!

How should fertilizer be stored in winter?

1. Choose good-quality packaging!

Expert: In winter, fertilizer is best kept in a warehouse; do not leave it outside, because snow and wind outside, and freezing, can easily damage the bags. Our fertilizer generally comes in two-layer packaging, with a thin plastic film laminated onto the outer film, which gives better sealing; if the packaging quality is relatively poor, the sealing may not be good, so you should choose packaging of relatively good quality.

2. Prevent fires

Expert: Nowadays, ammonium nitrate is generally sold less; sometimes, in some places, urea, ammonium nitrate, and potassium nitrate may be used as raw materials for machine irrigation, water-soluble fertilizer, and the like. These fertilizers are combustion-supporting, so during storage they must be kept separate from kerosene, gasoline, wood shavings, straw, and similar materials. If there are flammable substances in the fertilizer warehouse, fires must be prevented.

What should be noted when storing explosive fertilizers?

1. Do not strike them with metal!

Expert: Ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate mixed with metals such as copper and iron can easily explode, so if caking occurs, never strike it with metal, such as a hammer or iron shovel; striking will cause an explosion.

2. Do not store ordinary superphosphate together with seeds!

Expert: Calcium superphosphate is what is conventionally called ordinary superphosphate. It contains some free acid, so during storage it should not be placed together with materials such as seeds, to prevent any effect on seed germination.

3. Store by category!

Expert: In addition, fertilizers are also classified into acidic fertilizers and alkaline fertilizers. During storage, they should be kept separately by type to prevent some volatile substances from affecting their fertilizer efficiency.

Do not think that because winter temperatures are low you can cut corners on everything. That is really not the case! None of the work that should be done can be skipped. In winter, temperatures are low, rainfall decreases, and the soil is relatively dry; these are clearly different from spring, summer, and autumn. Therefore, in fertilization, fertilizer types should be selected in a targeted way, and correct fertilization methods should be adopted to ensure that fertilization is economical and effective.

1. For topdressing, pay attention to choosing quick-acting fertilizer types. In winter, temperatures are low and microbial activity weakens, so quick-acting fertilizers need to be applied as topdressing. For nitrogen fertilizer, ammonium bicarbonate can be chosen; for phosphate fertilizer, calcium superphosphate should be chosen as far as possible; for potassium fertilizer, potassium chloride can be chosen (but for chlorine-sensitive crops such as potato and tomato, potassium sulfate should be chosen in the middle and late growth stages); for compound fertilizer, 45% three-element compound fertilizer can be chosen; for farmyard manure, decomposed human excrement and urine can be chosen.

2. For cruciferous crops, pay attention to applying boron fertilizer. Among winter crops, cruciferous crops account for a relatively large proportion, such as Chinese cabbage, cabbage, radish, rapeseed, and so on. These crops are particularly sensitive to boron; at the same time, celery, wheat, carrot, and so on are also relatively sensitive to boron. Boron deficiency not only severely affects reproductive growth, but also hinders vegetative growth, reduces cold resistance, and easily induces heart rot.

3. Before low temperatures, pay attention to applying winter manure. Applying winter manure can raise the ground temperature by 2-3°C and can increase the potassium content in crop cells, thereby improving the water-holding capacity of the cells, making the cells less likely to freeze at low temperatures and enhancing cold resistance.