Comparison of liquid fertilizers and suspensions

Comparison of liquid fertilizers and suspensions. In modern agriculture, the judicious selection and efficient application of fertilizers are paramount to successful crop cultivation. Among the various fertilizer forms, liquid fertilizers and suspensions have gained significant attention. These two types possess unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages that influence farmers’ choices based on specific crop requirements and soil conditions.

This article delves into a detailed comparison of liquid fertilizers and suspensions, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, and providing recommendations for the most effective feeding methods under various agricultural conditions.

Mineral fertilizers play a pivotal role in enhancing crop yields and overall plant health, driving a constant expansion and diversification of the fertilizer market. Each fertilizer exerts a unique influence on plants, contingent upon its composition and intended purpose. The primary objective of fertilizer application is to nourish plants, which can be achieved through soil application or foliar feeding.

Farmers are continually seeking innovative solutions to refine existing feeding technologies. Foliar fertilizers, dissolved nutrients in liquid form, offer a more efficient method of plant nutrition compared to granular fertilizers. Moreover, these fertilizers often contain metals in chelated form. The form of elements within a fertilizer is crucial; the chelated form of metals is most readily available to plants.

Chelates are compounds that render elements, typically inaccessible to plants, bioavailable. These are usually metal salts that, in their native form, are not easily absorbed by living organisms.? Why is it so important? The significance of chelates lies in their positive impact on chlorophyll synthesis and the regulation of leaf stomata. Consequently, chelated metals are highly nutritious for plants, making them more effective than other liquid fertilizers.

It’s worth noting that all Wonder fertilizers containing metals feature chelated forms, ensuring optimal plant uptake. Furthermore, the liquid formulation enables foliar feeding, a method with numerous advantages that will be discussed later.

Foliar Feeding Offers Several Advantages:

• Rapid Nutrient Uptake: Plants absorb micronutrients very quickly through their leaves. Under optimal conditions, leaves can absorb up to 50% of nutrients within 3-5 hours.
• Near-Complete Nutrient Absorption: When applied correctly, foliar feeding ensures almost complete nutrient uptake. Optimal conditions include a temperature below 25°C, no dew, and wind speeds below 5 m/s.
• Efficiency: Foliar feeding is less labor-intensive. It is often combined with the application of plant protection products.

Due to these significant benefits, foliar feeding is becoming increasingly popular, as it promotes plant growth and development at all stages. It’s crucial to understand the components to add to the tank mix and their form for maximum efficacy. Let’s delve into the differences between suspensions and liquid fertilizers.

Suspended fertilizers are solutions or mixtures containing solid particles. The active ingredients exist in these products as a suspension. In traditional suspended liquid concentrated fertilizers (SLCs), mineral components are present in the liquid as solid particles. Clays often serve as suspending agents.

Liquid foliar fertilizers are aqueous solutions containing two or more nutrients. These solutions undergo filtration to remove any solid impurities.

Advantages of Liquid Fertilizers:

1. Rapid nutrient supply: The liquid form allows for quick nutrient uptake by plants, providing immediate access to essential nutrients. This makes them ideal for rapidly correcting deficiencies or stimulating growth at critical stages.
2. Ease of application: Liquid fertilizers can be applied using various methods, such as spraying or fertigation, making them versatile and convenient to use.
3. Compatibility with irrigation systems: Liquid fertilizers can be easily mixed with irrigation water, enabling simultaneous irrigation and fertilization. This process, known as fertigation, enhances nutrient use efficiency and reduces labor costs.

Disadvantages of Liquid Fertilizers:

• Rapid Nutrient Release: Active ingredients in liquid form typically dissolve more quickly, leading to a shorter duration of action.

• Storage Requirements: Liquid fertilizers require specific storage conditions to prevent nutrient loss or contamination.
• Higher Production Costs: They are often more expensive to produce and transport due to the need for specialized containers and their high water content.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of suspensions? Let’s take a closer look at them!

Advantages of Suspensions:

1. Slower Nutrient Release: The active ingredients in suspensions are typically surrounded by small particles, which dissolve more slowly, providing a more prolonged release and duration of action.
2. Reduced Leaching: The solid particles are less likely to leach from the soil, reducing the risk of water contamination.
3. Lower Production Costs: They are often cheaper to produce and transport due to lower water content and less specialized container requirements.

Disadvantages of Suspensions:

1. Viscosity and Adhesion: Suspensions can be thicker and stickier than liquid fertilizers, which can make application more difficult.
2. Clogging Potential: Solid particles can settle in irrigation or spraying systems, requiring additional measures to prevent clogging.
3. Agitation Requirements: Some components of suspensions may settle or separate from the liquid if not agitated, necessitating regular mixing.

Foliar fertilizers are commonly used for the following purposes:

• Precision Nutrient Management: Foliar fertilizers allow for precise control of nutrient application, ensuring that plants receive the optimal nutrients they need.
• Fertigation: Both liquid and suspended fertilizers can be applied through irrigation systems, providing uniform nutrient distribution and efficient nutrient use.
• Soil Application and Foliar Feeding: Foliar fertilizers can be applied directly to the soil or as a foliar spray, offering flexibility to meet the specific nutrient requirements and application preferences of different crops.

The choice between liquid fertilizers and suspensions depends on the specific needs of your garden or field, as well as your agricultural capabilities. Liquid fertilizers provide rapid nutrient uptake and ease of use, making them ideal for promoting rapid plant growth and development. On the other hand, suspensions offer a long-lasting effect and stable nutrition, which can be critical for certain crops. Ultimately, the choice is yours!

If you would like professional advice to select the optimal fertilizer for your crops, our expert agronomists are always available at +380674340428.