Basics of Fertilizers

This is an introductory level course that that covers the entire range of products that improve fertility of the soil, in a simple and concise way. This course includes nitrogenous, phosphatic and potassic fertilizers, the secondary nutrients (calcium, magnesium and sulfur), all of the micronutrients, advanced fertilizer materials (slow-release, controlled-release and smart fertilizers), organic fertilizers (including biofertilizers) and calculating fertilizer dosages. For each type of nutrient there is a description of the different products available, an outline of their manufacture, important properties, application methods and what causes fertilizer losses. Environmental issues caused by fertilizers are also discussed briefly. Newer types of fertilizers that can reduce environmental impacts are described. This course also discusses various categories of organic fertilizers that include vermicompost, biofertilizers and biostimulants. The last topic examines how to calculate fertilizer doses; methods for calculations for straight fertilizers and mixed or complex fertilizers are detailed together with generic formulae that can be used for any situation.