General Properties and Industrial Significance:
DAP 18-46 stands for Diammonium Phosphate, a widely used phosphatic fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 18% Nitrogen (N) and 46% Phosphorus (P₂O₅). This makes DAP one of the most commonly used fertilizers for improving plant growth and ensuring proper nutrient intake, particularly for promoting root development and early-stage growth.
Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) is produced by reacting ammonia (NH₃) with phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄). The result is a fertilizer that contains both nitrogen and phosphorus, two critical nutrients for plant growth.
DAP 18-46 contains:
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18% Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen is essential for leaf and stem growth, supporting overall plant metabolism, and promoting photosynthesis.
46% Phosphorus (P₂O₅): Phosphorus plays a key role in root development, energy transfer, and overall plant growth, including supporting flowering and fruiting.
Applications:
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Agricultural Fertilizer:
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Soil Application: DAP 18-46 is widely applied to soils as a starter fertilizer, providing essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. The nitrogen promotes early-stage plant growth, while the phosphorus supports root development and helps establish a strong root system.
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Root and Early Growth: The 46% phosphorus in DAP is especially useful in the early stages of plant growth, where it encourages root development, improves seedling establishment, and ensures plants are well-equipped to absorb water and nutrients.
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Promotes Early Seedling Development: DAP is commonly applied before or during planting to provide a boost of nutrients that supports initial growth, especially in row crops like corn, wheat, soybeans, and rice.
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Hydroponic Systems:
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Hydroponic Fertilizer: In hydroponics, DAP 18-46 is used to supply nitrogen and phosphorus to plants grown without soil. These nutrients are essential for plants to grow healthily, and DAP provides a readily available source of these nutrients.
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Improvement of Soil Fertility:
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Soil Fertility: DAP is used to correct phosphorus deficiencies in soil. Phosphorus is a vital nutrient for plants but can often be lacking in soils, particularly those that are low in organic matter or alkaline. Applying DAP 18-46 helps improve the phosphorus availability to plants, ensuring better growth and development.
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Phosphorus Deficiency: Phosphorus is often one of the most limiting nutrients in soils, and DAP 18-46 helps meet this nutritional need, ensuring that plants have sufficient phosphorus for strong root systems and optimal growth.
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Starter Fertilizer:
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Starter Fertilizer: DAP is considered one of the best starter fertilizers because of its high phosphorus content. It promotes early root development and helps plants establish a strong root system. This is particularly helpful in field crops, where good seedling growth is necessary for strong, healthy plants.
Key Benefits:
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High Phosphorus Content:
The 46% phosphorus makes it an ideal fertilizer for promoting root growth, enhancing energy transfer within the plant, and supporting flowering and fruiting.
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Solubility:
DAP 18-46 is highly soluble, meaning it dissolves easily in water and is absorbed quickly by plants. This ensures that the nutrients are immediately available to plants when needed.
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Versatility:
It is suitable for use in a variety of crops, including row crops, perennials, and gardens, making it a versatile fertilizer.
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Improved Root Health:
The phosphorus in DAP is particularly effective in promoting root health and seedling development, which is key to establishing healthy plants that can thrive throughout the growing season.
Common Applications:
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Row Crops:
Corn, wheat, soybeans, and rice are commonly grown with DAP 18-46, as the fertilizer promotes strong root systems, which are crucial for these high-demand crops.
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Perennial Crops:
Fruit trees, vegetables, and flowers benefit from the high phosphorus content of DAP, which supports flowering and fruit production.
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Home Gardens:
