Four points to note when storing chemical fertilizers in summer

Watch out for deterioration from moisture regain. Urea easily absorbs moisture, which causes nitrogen volatilization loss; ammonium nitrate is highly hygroscopic and easily cakes and deliquesces; lime nitrogen and superphosphate easily cake after absorbing moisture, which affects application results. Therefore, these fertilizers should be stored in a dry, cool place to prevent moisture, and especially when storing ammonium bicarbonate, the packaging must be sealed tightly to avoid contact with air.

Watch out for fire and avoid sunlight. After nitrogen fertilizers are exposed to sunlight or high temperatures, nitrogen volatilization loss accelerates; ammonium nitrate decomposes and oxidizes at high temperatures and burns when exposed to fire. In particular, never strike caked fertilizer hard with an iron hammer, to prevent an explosion. Therefore, nitrogen fertilizers should be kept out of sunlight and strictly away from fire and smoke during storage.

Watch out for loss from volatilization. Ammonia water and ammonium bicarbonate are both extremely prone to volatilization loss, so they must be sealed during storage. Even more, nitrogen fertilizers and superphosphate must not be stacked together with alkaline substances (lime, plant ash, etc.), otherwise this will cause volatilization of nitrogen fertilizers and render phosphate fertilizer ineffective.

Watch out for corrosion and toxicity. Since superphosphate is corrosive, prevent it from contacting skin and metal tools; ammonia water is strongly corrosive to copper and iron, so it should be stored in ceramic, plastic, or wooden containers. In addition, chemical fertilizers must not be stacked together with seeds, and fertilizer bags must not be used to hold seeds.