Principles of application

Ammophos (mono-ammonium phosphate) (MAP) is the most suitable for basal application, but it can also be applied by other methods.

Fertilizer is applied at the time of main tillage with traditional and energy-saving technologies in autumn and spring. Application of fertilizer in autumn does not cause phosphorous and nitrogen losses. 

Phosphorus is distributed by the soil solution in the soil layer and settles on the colloids surface without fixing by them. Ammonium form of nitrogen is fixed by soil absorption complex and utilized by plant in result of exchange reactions. Due to such processes, nitrogen and phosphorus losses from ammophos are minimal.  Doses of fertilizer are calculated in accordance with  crop’s phosphorus demand. At the time of basic soil tillage operations it is advisable to mix fertilizer with soil to the depth of ploughed layer. No-till technology does not allow soil overturning, that is why fertilizer that have been spread on soil surface with crop residues moves into the root layer under the action of surface humidity. With strip till technologies, fertilizer is concentrated in separated strips and is taken up by plants gradually.

Application of ammophos fertilizer at time of seeding or pre-planting (in the absence of possibility to apply phosphorous fertilizer as basal one) enhances root system development.

Ammophos side dressing is practically the only possible way to catch up with phosphorous nutrition shortage. Ammophos is applied with cultivator-fertilizers.