Fertilizer

NurtureYield^® Additives for Fertilizers

Fertilizers are used in almost all crops. It is important to get maximum performance with controlled application of the fertilizer in portions, to provide a beneficial effect on plant growth. Coatings control the release of nutrients, by avoiding washing away of fertilizer salts, and by making NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium) application uniform.

Poor storage conditions or storage without proper treatment results in the formation of clumps or powders and insufficient granulation leading to yield losses. Michelman NurtureYield® K products protect those fertilizers which are most easily dissolved in water.

Anti–caking coatings preserve the granular nature of fertilizer. Urea, urea based NPK, CAN (Calcium ammonium-nitrate) or nitro–phosphatic NPK fertilizers are most in need of these coatings; whereas superphosphates, ammonium sulphate, and DAP (Diammonium phosphate) do not need anti–caking treatments due to their less hygroscopic nature.

Hygroscopicity is affected by: Chemical composition of the fertilizer, moisture content, ambient temperature, relative humidity, particle structure and porosity, exposure time, and particle surface area.

NurtureYield® K6001 and NurtureYield® K6002 bind and hold the fertilizer together to form good pellets. This allows the fertilizer to be spread evenly.

Moisture control products like NurtureYield® K6021 keep the pellets of fertilizer from immediately washing away, providing a more controlled release.

Advantages of Liquid Anti–Caking Agents

The anti–caking agents on wetting make the surface of the granule resistant to water so that the rate of moisture absorption by the granules is reduced. A hydrophobic barrier between two granules is provided to prevent bonding due to capillary adhesion. It restricts caking under the influence of humid conditions maintaining the granule geometry of the product and makes it free-flowing. Estimated loading levels are around 0.05% dry weight of emulsion on the dry weight of the fertilizer.

Slow and Controlled Release

Slow –or controlled– release fertilizers delay the availability of a nutrient(s) for plant uptake or extend its availability to the plant longer.

• Key in the control of Nitrogen
• Slow-release fertilizer treatments are dependent on soil and climate conditions as a physical coating is applied over the fertilizer granule.
• Michelman’s NurtureYield® K products can be formulated to control release.