If you’re looking to create a top-tier fertilizer for farmers and home gardeners, you must include several ingredients. The most important are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are vital for plant growth. Learn the five essential ingredients for manufacturing fertilizer that helps plants thrive.
Amino Resins
Amino resin is one of the most important ingredients in a quality fertilizer because it creates nitrogen. As the amino resin breaks down, it releases nitrogen particles into the soil. Because the resin takes time to dissolve fully, it releases the nitrogen slowly, ensuring the plants have plenty of time to absorb all the nutrients. It’s vital to find a reliable resin supplier when sourcing your amino resin.
Rock Phosphate
The second most essential ingredient for manufacturing fertilizer is phosphorus. While organic farmers often use bone meal and compost to supply their phosphorus, commercial fertilizers use rock phosphate, also known as phosphorite. It is a type of rock with a high concentration of phosphorus particles. It’s a fantastic ingredient in fertilizer when ground into fine pieces.
Potassium Sulphate
Potassium is the third macronutrient plants require for healthy growth. Organic farmers tend to use banana peels and other vegetable and fruit waste for this ingredient. Commercial fertilizer, which needs to be shelf stable, uses potassium sulphate. Most manufacturers use a synthesized version derived from magnesium salts and potassium sulphate, which produces a granular compound.
Plant Micronutrients
The best kinds of fertilizer (and therefore the most desirable to consumers) provide micronutrients. They are helpful for healthy plants and are necessary in much smaller amounts. The most common micronutrients to add to a quality fertilizer include the following:
- Zinc
- Boron
- Iron
- Manganese
- Copper
- Silicon
- Sodium
Soil Amendments
In addition to nutrients, plants also need the right type of soil to grow. Some fertilizers include soil amendments—ingredients that change the texture and pH of the soil for better plant health. Common soil amendments include composted manure, peat moss, and garden soil. They aerate the soil and make it easier for nutrients to move around.
