By experience, I found out that the main task of superphosphate is to make up for the phosphorus deficiency. If the plant has enough of this element, it rarely gets sick, sets juicy fruits, better withstands frost. And with its lack, the root system does not develop well, as a result of which the leaves and stems change color, deform and fall off.
What is superphosphate and what is it like
This substance ensures the development of a powerful root system, accelerates the growth and flowering of plants, the ripening of fruits. This fertilizer contains from 20 to 50% phosphorus, as well as some other elements. Superphosphate is available in various forms. I tested all types on my site and found out their characteristics and advantages:
- Simple superphosphate (monophosphate) is a common gray powder. The phosphorus content is 20-25%. I was attracted by its low price, but since it contains almost 40% gypsum, which is useless for plants, it is unprofitable to use it.
- Double superphosphate. Contains 2 times more phosphorus than simple phosphorus, therefore it is more economically consumed. Has additives in the form of sulfur (6%) and nitrogen (2%). Of the advantages, I can note that it is suitable for all types of soil and promotes the accumulation of beneficial trace elements in plants.
- Granular superphosphate. I gave preference to this particular type, since it contains up to 50% phosphorus and 30% calcium sulfate, and is also well stored, does not damp and does not cake. I will note the only negative - it is poorly fixed in the soil.
- Ammonized superphosphate. Combines 30% phosphorus and 9% nitrogen, does not contain sulfur. Of the features, I can single out the fact that it dissolves more slowly in soil and water, so its action can last for several months.
My experience with superphosphate
It seems to me that this fertilizer cannot be dispensed with when growing many crops. I feed them not only vegetable beds and fruit trees, but also flower beds.
For potatoes
In order for this culture to grow well, when planting, I add 3-4 grams of superphosphate to each hole and during the growing season I feed the beds - 15 grams of substance per square meter.
For tomatoes
I start using superphosphate already during the growth of the seedlings. Young plants lack phosphorus, so I spray them with a superphosphate solution: 20 tablespoons I pour in spoons of the substance with 3 liters of boiling water and leave it for a day in a warm place, periodically stirring. Further, I dilute 150 milliliters of this infusion in 10 liters of water.
When planting seedlings, I put 1 teaspoon of superphosphate in each hole so that the fertilizer does not get on the roots. During the flowering period, I usually also feed tomatoes (I dilute 1 teaspoon of the substance in 10 liters of water). To accelerate the ripening of fruits, I prepare the following solution: I fill the fertilizer with water (in a ratio of 1 tablespoon in a glass of water) and let it brew for two days, then pour the mixture into a bucket of water and spray the leaves of the plant.
For cucumbers
I often use this product for spring soil preparation. Two weeks before planting, I dig it up and add 25 grams of urea, and a week later - 20 grams of potassium sulfate and 30 grams of superphosphate fertilizer. At the beginning of flowering, I definitely do spraying - I dilute 35 grams of superphosphate extract in 10 liters of water. I prepare the extract a day before processing in the ratio of 200 grams of fertilizer per 1 liter of boiling water.
I advise you to use this fertilizer immediately in combination with other elements and water the beds with them very carefully, without getting on the plants in order to avoid burns.
For strawberries
I always apply superphosphate to strawberry beds in the fall and only between the rows. In the classic version, I dissolve 10 grams in 10 liters of water. But since it combines well with organic matter, I use the following mixture: cow dung (1 liter per 10 liters of water), 2 tablespoons of superphosphate, and 1 cup of wood ash.
For berry bushes and fruit trees
To feed these crops, I embed fertilizer in the soil directly in the form of granules to a depth of 7-10 centimeters for shrubs and 12-15 centimeters for trees. For one plant, it takes me about 1-3 tablespoons of superphosphate, depending on its age and size.
For roses
In autumn, roses need a balanced feeding, so I recommend using superphosphate in combination with other fertilizers. Usually I do root feeding: I add 15 grams of superphosphate and potassium monophosphate to 10 liters of water. This amount of solution is enough for me for about 5 square meters of a flower bed.
For lilies
In the autumn, lilies need phosphorus and potassium. I use these substances to prepare plants for wintering. I feed the flower culture with the following mixture: 1 tablespoon of double superphosphate (you can use a simple, but in a double dosage) and 1.5 tablespoons of potassium-magnesium fertilizer per a bucket of water.
Conclusion
I can say with confidence that superphosphate is a universal fertilizer for many crops. Its use significantly improved the taste of the fruits I grew, shortened their ripening time, and also refreshed the appearance of the plants in my flower bed. Its only drawback, which I noted, is that it dissolves poorly in water and it is necessary to obtain extracts from it.
Read also:How to properly prune strawberries after harvest
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