Fertilizer simple identification method
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There are many types of chemical fertilizers, each with unique physical and chemical properties. In situations where specialized equipment is unavailable, a simple identification method can be used based on appearance, solubility, and reaction to heat or lime.
First, look at the appearance. If the fertilizer is white or gray in color, with a distinct ammonia smell, it is likely ammonium bicarbonate.
Second, test its solubility in water. Take a small spoonful of the fertilizer and place it in a cup of water, then stir for 1-2 minutes using a clean stick. If it dissolves completely, it could be a nitrogen-based fertilizer (excluding lime) or potash (excluding wood ash). If it only partially dissolves, it may be superphosphate or triple superphosphate. If it doesn’t dissolve at all, it might be lime nitrogen, calcium magnesium phosphate, steel slag phosphate, rock phosphate, or kiln ash potassium. To further identify, add a small amount of lime to the solution (you can gently heat it if it's cold). If an ammonia smell is released, it’s likely ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, or ammonium nitrate. If there’s no ammonia, it could be potassium sulfate, potassium chloride, or urea.
Third, differentiate between ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium chloride by burning them. When heated over a flame or on hot coals, ammonium sulfate does not burn but melts gradually and emits an ammonia smell. Ammonium chloride melts quickly and gives off a strong ammonia odor along with a bright white light. Ammonium nitrate burns rapidly, produces a red-yellow flame, a loud whistling sound, and releases ammonia with white smoke.
Fourth, distinguish between urea, potassium sulfate, and potassium chloride by burning. Urea will burn, release an odor, and melt quickly into vapor. Potassium sulfate and potassium chloride also burn, but potassium chloride has a salty taste, which helps differentiate it from potassium sulfate.
Fifth, identify superphosphate and triple superphosphate by their texture and taste. Superphosphate feels moist and has a sour taste, while triple superphosphate is more concentrated and less acidic.
Lastly, differentiate between lime nitrogen, calcium magnesium phosphate, steel slag phosphate, rock phosphate, and kiln ash potassium. These are generally insoluble in water. Lime nitrogen reacts with water, producing heat and a carbide-like odor. Calcium magnesium phosphate appears as a gray or dark green glassy powder. Rock phosphate is brown, gray, or black and non-hygroscopic. Steel slag phosphate is a black powder that doesn't absorb moisture. Kiln ash potassium is a fine, light gray or yellow powder that absorbs moisture easily.
This simple method allows for quick and effective identification of common fertilizers without the need for advanced tools.