Granular quality is essential for the best fertiliser spreading pattern. No matter how good and technically advanced a spreader is, optimal and even spreading can only be achieved by using a fertiliser with high quality granules that are hard, uniform, and with the right density.
Quality fertiliser is as essential as spreader settings.
In the age of increasingly precise crop nutrition, it is more critical than ever for each fertiliser granule to be distributed as optimally as possible.
For the best spreading pattern, the quality of the fertiliser granules is just as important as accurate spreader calibration – especially if the spreading width exceeds 30m.
OCI Nutramon can provide the ideal solution. The calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertiliser is suitable for all agricultural crops, and stands out as the best-recognised granule quality on the market.
Its 50:50 combination of nitrate and ammoniacal sourced nitrogen ensures rapid and long-lasting absorption.
Three crucial properties for a high-quality fertiliser
To achieve such a high-quality fertiliser, three physical properties are essential: fraction distribution, hardness, and density.
Fraction distribution:
Fractional distribution refers to the amount of size variation in fertiliser particles.
The highest quality fertilisers contain a large percentage of granules with the same size.
Uniform size ensures an even spreading pattern when applied, and also allows for more accurate spreader calibration.
If the granules vary too much in size, larger granules may be thrown further than smaller ones, resulting in uneven distribution.
This disrupted spreading pattern can lead to over-application in some areas and under-application in others, impacting crop growth and yield.
A maximum of 1% of the granules should be smaller than 2.00mm, and at least 90% of the granules should be between 2.00 and 4.75mm.
OCI Nutramon CAN meets these requirements, with a mean particle size of 3.8mm.
Fertiliser hardness:
The hardness of a fertiliser is measured on the extent to which a granule can withstand the forces exerted during handling, transport, storage and spreading.
Measuring hardness requires a representative sample of sufficient size. Like the fraction composition, the right hardness varies per fertiliser.
Harder granules are more resistant to degradation and compaction during storage. They are less likely to clump together, aiding in flow and handling.
Reduced breakage and dust generation mean mores more of the applied fertiliser reaches the target area, maximising its effectiveness and minimizing the need for re-application.
This also reduces the risk of nutrient leaching, runoff, and volatilisation, minimising pollution and improving nutrient efficiency.
Nutramon CAN’s hard and round granules are dust-free for a safer handling experience.
Granule density:
The density of a fertiliser granule affects spreading distance and flow rate. It is measured as bulk weight, expressed in kg/l or kg/m3.
Granules of equal diameter and greater density have better spreading properties; they can be distributed further, allowing for wider application widths and increased efficiency during fertiliser application.
Those with higher density are also less susceptible to wind drift. This helps prolong nutrient availability to crops, reducing the need for frequent re-application and improving nutrient use efficiency.
The correct bulk weight depends on the type of fertiliser.
Nutramon’s high-density 50:50 formulation provides a quick boost of nitrogen to support initial crop growth and development, as well as a slower-release supply that ensures more consistent nutrient availability throughout the growing season.
Nutramon – your solution to efficient fertilisation.
Nutramon facts
- Formulated with a 50:50 ratio of nitrate nitrogen and ammoniacal nitrogen for efficient crop absorption and better answer to crop needs;
- Contains four percent magnesium, essential for protein synthesis and chlorophyl production , plus six percent calcium oxide to balance soil pH;
- Best recognised quality on the market, with hard, uniform granules that ensure even distribution, delivering spreading distances of up to 50m;
- Easily identified through its orange granules;
- Dust free for a safer handling experience.
Nutramon can be used as a straight or part of a blend and is available from merchants across the UK and Ireland.
