Fertiliser material that has been compressed or formed into uniform pellets to improve handling, spreading accuracy, and storage stability. Organic fertilisers (such as poultry manure and bone meal) are commonly pelleted to facilitate mechanical application.
Ground calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) or calcium magnesium carbonate (dolomite) applied to soil to raise pH and neutralise acidity. Maintaining appropriate soil pH is essential for nutrient availability, microbial activity, and the effectiveness of applied fertilisers.
A fertiliser supplied in liquid form, either as a true solution (completely dissolved) or a suspension (containing suspended solids). Liquid fertilisers include UAN solutions, foliar micronutrients, liquid phosphorus products, and starter fertilisers. They offer precision of application and ease of mixing with crop protection products.
A nutrient required by plants in relatively large quantities. The primary macronutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Secondary macronutrients include calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulphur (S). See also Micronutrient.
A chemical additive incorporated into a fertiliser to slow a specific process that would otherwise result in nutrient loss. The two main types in fertiliser use are nitrification inhibitors (which slow the conversion of ammonium to nitrate) and urease inhibitors (which slow the conversion of urea to ammonia). See also Nitrification Inhibitor, Urease Inhibitor.
The application of dissolved fertiliser through an irrigation system, delivering nutrients directly to the crop root zone with irrigation water. Widely used in horticulture, protected cropping, and high-value field crops. Allows precise control of nutrient timing and rate.
A compound fertiliser (11-52-0) providing nitrogen and a high concentration of phosphorus. Used as a starter fertiliser and as a component in blended fertiliser products.
A slow release nitrogen compound formed by the reaction of urea with formaldehyde. Nitrogen is released through a multi-stage process involving hydrolysis and soil microbial activity over 4–12 weeks, depending on formulation, soil temperature, and moisture. Used in both granular and liquid slow release fertiliser products.
The process by which a plant-available nutrient becomes locked into forms that are unavailable for plant uptake. Phosphorus fixation in high-pH or high-iron/aluminium soils is a particular concern, reducing the effectiveness of applied phosphate fertilisers.
A nutrient required by plants in small quantities but essential for healthy growth. Micronutrients include iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), and chlorine (Cl). Deficiencies can significantly limit crop yield even when macronutrient supply is adequate.