Basic types of fertilisers
There are four basic types of fertilisers used in the turf industry:
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simple
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blended
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compound
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complete.
Simple fertilisers supply only one specific nutrient. For example, ammonium nitrate, used to supply nitrate.
Blended or mixed fertilisers are made when a number of simple fertilisers are mixed together. The different components of the blend can be easily seen in the finished product.
Compound fertilisers contain two or more nutrients within the same granule or prill. Individual nutrients cannot be seen.
Complete fertilisers contain the three main nutrients, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and often other macronutrients including sulphur (S) and calcium (Ca). Some trace elements may also be included. All the nutrients are combined in a single granule or prill and cannot be seen individually.
These fertilisers can be applied in liquid form, as granules or as a slow release, depending on the formulation.
