Synthetic fertilizer processing

Fertilizer plants produce so-called NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) fertilizers, a mixture of the three major elements for good quality and quantity of crops. The most important nitrogen fertilizer is ammonium nitrate. Elemental nitrogen of air and hydrogen of natural gas form ammonia. One part is oxidized to nitrous oxides, absorbed by water to form nitric acid. The reaction of this acid with ammonia forms the base of nitrogen fertilizer. As ammonium nitrate is explosive, to counter this, limestone or dolomite powder is mixed with the melted compound. Another synthetic fertilizer, phosphorus fertilizer, has raw materials that consist mostly of minerals, like several apatites. The insoluble compound is treated with sulphuric acid to form the fertilizer superphosphate. Potassium compounds (mainly chloride, sulfate, and carbonate) are other minerals.

When making fertilizer, the different compounds are granulated and blended together with the help of a rotating drum. The fertilizer now takes its shape in the form of small beads. Any oddly sized beads are then taken out, after which the rest has inert dust applied which helps the fertilizer to keep its moisture. The beads are then dried and transported to a bagging machine.

Bagging and packing fertilizer

Each end-user asks for a certain type of packaging when it comes to the granulated fertilizer and the bulk material is packed in a bag size that is suited for different demands. Smaller gardeners prefer a bag of one to two kilos, where a bigger customer might require 25-kilo bags. Then there is of course the industrial agricultural partner that requires fertilizer in big bags. For transportation, the bags are placed on a pellet in neat stacks by a robot, wrapped in stretch foil to protect it against possible breakage and spoilage.

Some Background To Synthetic Fertilizers

Synthetic fertilizers are artificially manufactured chemical compounds used to provide essential nutrients to plants. Unlike organic fertilizers, synthetic fertilizers do not contain any organic matter or microbes. Which are crucial for improving soil fertility and soil structure. Although synthetic fertilizers can increase nutrient uptake in plants. They also have several negative impacts on the environment. These negatives include contributing to water pollution and soil degradation. On the other hand, organic fertilizers, such as bone meal, contain natural sources of essential plant nutrients. Thus are able to improve soil fertility and structure by providing organic matter and beneficial microbes to the soil. Therefore, using organic fertilizers is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to improve soil health and promote plant growth.