What causes the floating fertilizer phenomenon in rice fields

During the fertilization process in rice paddies, a phenomenon occurs in which fertilizer floats on the water surface, which farmers call the floating fertilizer phenomenon. Many friends are not very familiar with this phenomenon and do not know what causes it. Now let's take a look at the causes of the floating fertilizer phenomenon in rice.

1. Properties of the fertilizer

The reason fertilizer floats on the water surface is that we have not properly controlled the properties of the fertilizer. When the density of the fertilizer is lower than that of water, the fertilizer will float on the water surface, producing the floating fertilizer phenomenon. Therefore, when choosing fertilizer, it is best to choose phosphate as the fertilizer, as its specific gravity will be lighter. In nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizers, the nitrogen content is relatively high and they contain more nitrate, and the porous shape will cause them to float on the water surface. During the use of water-soluble fertilizers, the nutrients basically dissolve in the water, and the floating part is in the process of evaporation and absorption, which will not cause nutrient loss.

2. A normal phenomenon

If the floating fertilizer phenomenon occurs, there is no need to worry too much. Many farmers do not know much about rice cultivation, and when they see the floating fertilizer phenomenon they mistakenly think it means insects or that the rice has gone bad. In fact, this is not the case. In a sense, the floating fertilizer phenomenon is a normal phenomenon, because temperatures differ from region to region and rice cannot fully absorb the nutrients in the fertilizer. After the fertilizer is dissolved, the fertilizer itself is an empty shell with almost no weight, so floating on the water surface is also a relatively normal phenomenon. Therefore, there is no need to worry too much; you only need to remove the empty shells.

3. Anti-caking agents

In order to prevent the fertilizer from caking and thus floating on the water surface, many companies now spray this kind of substance on the fertilizer packaging, and many farmers have never come into contact with them. If rice is produced in a factory, this anti-caking agent will be chosen. It can improve the combination of molecular substances and, after use, can speed up the rate at which rice absorbs the fertilizer, which is why the fertilizer floats on the water surface.

4. Planting habits

The floating fertilizer phenomenon is also related to planting habits. Many farmers apply fertilizer directly in the rice field and then use a wooden stick to spread it around in the paddy field, so that the fertilizer does not go deep into the soil. The main reason they do this is that there is no professional basis for it, so many farmers use this method when applying fertilizer. This fertilization method makes the specific gravity of the fertilizer very light, so it naturally tends to float on the water surface.

The above is an introduction to the causes of the floating fertilizer phenomenon in rice. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.