General Properties and Industrial Significance:
MAP 12-52 stands for Monoammonium Phosphate with the nutrient composition 12% Nitrogen (N) and 52% Phosphorus (P₂O₅). Similar to MAP 12-61, it is a water-soluble phosphatic fertilizer that provides essential nitrogen and phosphorus to plants, though with a slightly lower phosphorus content (52% compared to 61%).
Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP) is made by reacting ammonia (NH₃) with phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), and it is commonly used as a fertilizer in agriculture.
MAP 12-52 contains:
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12% Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen is vital for promoting leaf and stem growth and supporting overall plant metabolism.
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52% Phosphorus (P₂O₅): Phosphorus is crucial for root development, flowering, and fruiting, and is essential for energy transfer within plants.
MAP 12-52 is a highly effective fertilizer that can be used in various crops to improve early growth and establish strong roots.
Applications:
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Agricultural Fertilizer:
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Soil Application: MAP 12-52 is widely used as a starter fertilizer to provide essential nutrients, particularly phosphorus, which is critical for root development in the early stages of plant growth.
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Improving Root System: The high phosphorus content (52%) in MAP 12-52 makes it an excellent choice for encouraging root development and establishing a strong root system, which is particularly important for crops in the germination stage.
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Balanced Nutrition: The 12% nitrogen ensures that plants also receive adequate nutrition to support leaf and stem growth in the early stages of growth.
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Hydroponics:
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Nutrient Solutions: MAP 12-52 is used in hydroponic systems as a part of nutrient solutions to deliver both nitrogen and phosphorus directly to the plant's roots. It is especially useful in systems where precise control over nutrient content is needed.
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Starter Fertilizer:
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MAP 12-52 is often used as a starter fertilizer in the planting process, especially for crops like corn, wheat, soybeans, and other plants that need a strong start. It provides the early nutrient boost to support initial growth and root development.
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Soil pH Management:
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Phosphorus Availability: Phosphorus is essential for energy transfer within plants, and when applied to soil, it can help to ensure that phosphorus is readily available for absorption by plant roots. MAP 12-52 is also useful for maintaining soil pH balance, especially in more acidic soils.
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Crop-Specific Applications:
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Row Crops and High-Demand Plants: MAP 12-52 is often used for high-demand crops like corn, rice, wheat, and soybeans, which require an early boost in phosphorus to help their root systems develop rapidly and support strong growth.
Key Benefits:
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High Phosphorus Content:
The 52% phosphorus in MAP 12-52 makes it particularly suitable for root growth, making it ideal for early-stage plant development.
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Water Solubility:
MAP 12-52 is highly soluble in water, allowing it to be easily absorbed by plants, whether it is applied to the soil or used in fertigation systems.
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Balanced Nutrient Profile:
The combination of 12% nitrogen and 52% phosphorus provides balanced nutrients for both early root development and vegetative growth.
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Versatile Use:
It can be used in various soil types, and is effective in both dry and liquid fertilizer applications.
Summary:
MAP 12-52 (Monoammonium Phosphate) is a highly soluble fertilizer containing 12% nitrogen and 52% phosphorus, primarily used in agriculture to support root development, early plant growth, and flowering. It is commonly applied as a starter fertilizer in row crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans, and can be used in hydroponics as part of a nutrient solution.
