Why is NPK 14-14-14 Bulk Blended Fertilizer Better?

The Difference Between Bulk Blending Fertilizer and Compound Fertilizer

What is the difference between bulk blending fertilizer and compound fertilizer of chemical fertilizer?

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BB fertilizer, its English and full name is Bulk blending fertilizer. It is a kind of compound fertilizer which composed by variety of granular simple fertilizers/compound fertilizers with certain proportion.

Compound fertilizer is a kind of compound blending fertilizer made by chemical method and it shows at least two of three nutrients of nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium.

Compound fertilizer with the advantages of high nutrient content, low side components and prior physical properties plays an important role in the area of balancing fertilization, improving fertilizer utilization and promoting high and stable yield of crops. Of course, there also are some disadvantages of it. For example, the nutrients proportion of compound fertilizer always is fixed while different soil or crops have different need about the species, quantity and proportion of nutrient element. Therefore, in order to get better effect, users not only need to do soil testing or to learn about the nutrient status and texture of field soil before using it but also should pay much attention to use it cooperate with simple fertilizer.

Complex Fertilizers Outperform Blends in Uniform Nutrient Distribution

When it comes to solid fertilizers, growers are often faced with the choice between complex fertilizers and fertilizer blends.

While fertilizer blends have long been the industry standard simply because they were the only multi-nutrient option available, complex fertilizers have become the preferred choice in many cases – a fact exhibited in a recent forecast by Markets and Markets. According to the firm, a healthy 6.5% CAGR is expected from to , settling on a 54.32 Billion USD market value (up from 44.03 Billion in ).

The growth can likely be attributed to the many advantages complex fertilizers can offer over blends – most notably when it comes to promoting uniform nutrient distribution on fields.

Complex vs. Blend: What’s the Difference?

In some ways complex fertilizers and blends are similar; they both provide a multi-nutrient solution; both can incorporate additional micronutrients or other components into the formulation; and they can both be applied with standard spreaders.

Combined with their similarities, confusion around terminology often results in many perceiving no difference between these two fertilizer types. In actuality, however, they are very different…

For the purposes of this article, we’ll use the following definitions:

Fertilizer Blend – A multi-nutrient fertilizer that has been produced via bulk blending.

Complex Fertilizer – A multi-nutrient fertilizer where the entire formulation is contained within each and every granule. May also be referred to as a Complex Compound Fertilizer, or CCF.

Compound Fertilizer – Any solid, multi-nutrient fertilizer. Can be a blend or a complex fertilizer.

Fertilizer Blend

A fertilizer blend is a multi-nutrient product in which the various components are separately manufactured and then “blended” or mixed together in specific quantities to create the desired formulation.

Because the various nutrient components are manufactured separately, they often vary in particle size and density.

Complex Fertilizer

Conversely, complex fertilizers are manufactured so that each and every granule contains the desired formulation instead of the nutrients being brought together as separate components. Raw materials are combined and homogeneous granules are produced – each containing the entire nutrient formulation, as illustrated below.

Achieving Uniform Nutrient Distribution

Uniform nutrient delivery is a key aspect not only in providing optimal crop nutrition and maximizing yields, but also in realizing the full value of the applied nutrients and protecting the environment. When nutrients are unintentionally applied in excess, or in concentrated areas throughout a field, the potential for nutrient runoff to occur can be increased, though it’s important to note that this is dependent on many variables.

In order to maximize the ROI of applied fertilizers, provide complete nutrition, and reduce the potential for runoff to occur, it is necessary to achieve as much uniformity in nutrient delivery as possible.

While it might seem a slight difference, the all-in-one granule approach of complex fertilizers can make a big difference in performance when it comes to a uniform dispersion of nutrients on fields.

There are many factors that can influence the uniformity in which nutrients are distributed. Two primary considerations that can be controlled through the fertilizer itself are segregation of particles and the dispersal of particles from the spreader – both of which are significantly affected by product uniformity.

Particle Segregation

Particle segregation occurs as a result of the differences in size and density of the varying nutrient granules in a fertilizer blend. When exposed to the natural jostling of handling throughout the fertilizer lifecycle, this difference in particles results in larger particles being pushed upward – a phenomenon often referred to as the brazilian nut effect, in reference to a can of mixed nuts where brazil nuts make their way to the top of the tin as a result of handling.

When applied to granular fertilizer blends, this effect can cause nutrients to become concentrated to some areas instead of homogeneously mixed as they once were. This can occur during shipping or storage, or even in the spreader feed hopper. And while not the only factor influencing the uniformity of spreading, it has the potential to significantly affect the distribution of nutrients.

As such, product uniformity is the key to the success of complex fertilizers; because all granules were manufactured in the same setting from raw materials, the granules are much more uniform in size, shape, and density, eliminating the opportunity for segregation during handling.

Nutrient Dispersion in Spreading

The difference in particle size, shape, and density can also be problematic during spreading. Depending on the characteristics of the granules, they may be more or less able to fly long distances when expelled from the spreader, resulting in uneven dispersion.

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Again, this uneven distribution of nutrients can result in unpredictable results, increased potential for runoff, and wasted nutrients.  

Production of Complex Fertilizers

There are a number of avenues available to produce complex fertilizers, depending on the desired formulation and the feedstock materials. The primary methods include:

Compaction granulation

Pelletizing

Drum granulation

While compaction granulation and pelletizing are common methods, the drum granulation approach, originally developed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, is one of the most commonly employed techniques.

Within this highly flexible approach, a significant amount of variation on the process exists. In some cases, raw materials are pre-neutralized in tanks and fed to the granulation drum to tumble and solidify the material into granules while the reaction completes.

In other cases, such as when working with manure-based fertilizers, the granulator is replaced by a twin shaft paddle mixer, or pugmill mixer, used to mix the large amount of recycle due to the high moisture content of the manure. The wet manure acts like a binder and as the material tumbles and mixes, granules form via coalescence.

Additional materials such as micronutrients or anti-caking agents may also be incorporated to create a highly customized fertilizer product typically using a paddle mixer or pugmill mixer.

Once granules are formed in the drum or mixer, they move on to a rotary dryer, where the moisture content is reduced and the granules are hardened. Then a rotary cooler brings down the temperature of the product so it can be further handled and/or bagged. Cooling, and in some cases coating, also helps to reduce the potential for product caking.

Conclusion

While fertilizer blends are still a viable and even preferred choice in many cases, the advantages that complex fertilizers can offer in the way of uniform nutrient distribution have caused many growers to switch to this improved product.

Mosaic Crop Nutrition

Many soils require adding several essential nutrients to alleviate plant deficiencies. Farmers may opt to select a combination of single-nutrient fertilizers or apply a fertilizer that combines several nutrients into each particle. These combination fertilizers (compound or complex) can offer advantages of convenience in the field, economic savings and ease in meeting crop nutritional needs.

Production

Manufacturers make compound fertilizers by using basic fertilizer materials, such as ammonia (NH₃), ammonium phosphate, urea, sulfur (S) and potassium (K) salts. There are many methods used for making these fertilizers, with the specific manufacturing processes determined by the available basic components and the desired nutrient content of the finished product. Here are four brief examples.

Compaction methods (agglomeration) involve binding small fertilizer particles together using compaction, a cementing agent or a chemical bond. Various nutrient ratios can be combined using undersized particles that may not be suitable for other applications.

Accretion-based fertilizers are made by repeatedly adding a thin film of nutrient slurry, which is continually dried, building up multiple layers until the desired granule size is reached.

Pipe-cross reactors are used to chemically melt NH₃, acids containing S or phosphorus (P), and other nutrients—such as K sources and micronutrients—into a solid fertilizer with the desired nutrient content.

The nitrophosphate process involves reacting phosphate rock with nitric acid to form a mixture of compounds containing N and P. If a K source is added during the process, a solid fertilizer with N, P and K will result.

Agricultural use

Compound fertilizers contain multiple nutrients in each individual granule. They differ from a blend of fertilizers mixed together to achieve a desired average nutrient composition. This difference allows farmers to spread compound fertilizer so that each granule delivers a mixture of nutrients as it dissolves in the soil and eliminates the potential for segregation of nutrient sources during transport or application. The multiple-nutrient granules of compound fertilizers also allow the farmer to achieve uniform distribution of micronutrients throughout the root zone.

These fertilizers are especially effective for applying an initial nutrient dose in advance of planting. There are certain ratios of nutrients available from a fertilizer dealer for specific soil and crop conditions. This approach offers advantages of simplicity in making complicated fertilizer decisions, but does not allow farmers the flexibility to blend fertilizers to meet specific crop requirements. Turf managers and homeowners often find compound fertilizers especially desirable.

Management practices

Compound fertilizers are sometimes more expensive than a physical combination or blend of the primary nutrient sources, since they require additional processing. However, when purchasers consider all the factors involved with nutrient handling and use, compound fertilizers may offer considerable advantages.

Among the nutrients, N typically requires the most careful management and reapplication during the growing season. It may not be feasible to supply sufficient N in advance of planting to meet the entire demand (using only compound fertilizer) without over- applying some of the other nutrients. Because of this, growers should consider applying a compound fertilizer early in the growing season and then later add N as needed.

Manufacturers often produce compound fertilizers regionally to meet local crop needs.  They typically adjust a wide range of chemical and physical properties to meet those needs. For example, a desire to minimize P in urban storm water runoff has led some communities to restrict the addition of P to compound fertilizers sold for turf and ornamental purposes. In another example, manufacturers customize their products by boosting certain fertilizer elements for regional soils known for deficiency in those nutrients.

Risso Compound Fertilizer 14-14-14 is a versatile and balanced fertilizer that meets the nutritional needs of a wide range of crops. By applying it at the right stages and in the proper amounts, you can maximize crop growth and yield potential. Whether you’re working with field crops, vegetables, fruit trees, or flowers, this fertilizer offers an effective solution for your agricultural needs.

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