2N-technology
The use of a nitrification inhibitor and granule coating on some controlled release fertilisers with the aim of improving the efficiency of nutrient release. See DuraTec.
3,4-Dimethylpyrazole Phosphate
A nitrification inhibitor, with the active phase typically being from 4 to 10 weeks, depending upon soil temperature, soil relative humidity and soil pH. It aims to reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions/losses due to denitrification, and nitrate (NO3-) leaching, especially in higher rainfall areas, although its effectiveness can be variable due to the many potential contributory and interacting factors. It is usually just referred to by its acronym of DMPP. (Further reading: Hao-ruo LI, Xiao-tong SONG, Lars R. BAKKEN, Xiao-tang JU, ‘Reduction of N2O emissions by DMPP depends on the interactions
Continue reading about this
Ammonia
A gas which is used to make fertilisers. It has the chemical formula NH3.
Ammoniacal Nitrogen
The amount of nitrogen within a fertiliser that is made from ammonia as its source. The nitrogen content of the ammonia is expressed as NH3-N, whilst the ammonium content is NH4-N. Other forms of nitrogen will also be identified on a product label. An example is ICL Greenmaster Pro-Lite which has an N content of 11%, with this being supplied as Ammoniacal nitrogen of 5.6% (NH4-N) and Urea nitrogen of 5.4% (Ur-N).
Ammonium
A gas that is made from the combination of ammonia with a single hydrogen ion. It has the chemical formula NH4.
Available Nutrients
Soil nutrients which are available, when in a soil solution, for use by a plant, rather than potentially available but locked up in soil complexes or minerals.
Balanced Fertiliser
A term that is also referred to as a Balanced feed.
1. The main meaning is where the macronutrients of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium are provided in the same ratio, such as a 10:10:10 fertiliser.
2. A fertiliser is applied in appropriate proportions so as to replace the balance of nutrients removed from mowing and the disposal of grass cuttings. This will ensure that there are adequate nutrients within a soil to aid the development and maintenance of a healthy grass plant, without excessive growth.
3. A balance between just two nutrients, because the third nutrient is already a
Continue reading about this
Basic Cation Saturation Ratio
A theoretical recommendation following soil testing for maintaining a defined balance between different cations of calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+) and potassium (K+) in a ratio (although this varies depending on author and crop) of 70:10:5, with the remainder primarily being hydrogen (H+) ions within a soil. The aim being to ensure maximum crop yield by ensuring the supposed optimum ratio is maintained.
Where an imbalance is found, the recommendation is to apply certain nutrients to bring the ratio back into an appropriate balance. The practical application of this ratio is not generally
Continue reading about this
Beneficial Element
Elements, or nutrients, which are not essential for most plants to complete their life cycle, but which can stimulate plant growth. An example is silicon which can accumulate in grasses aiding plant rigidity as well as improving resistance to disease. Halophytes also have a relatively high concentration of sodium and this can improve the outcome of photosynthesis, although the element isn’t essential for photosynthesis. In addition, sodium can replace potassium in some species to a certain extent without having a negative effect on growth.
Beneficial Nutrient