Plants need 12 essential chemical elements for their metabolism to grow. Soil is the major source of plant nutrients. The main nutrients are
nitrogen (N),
phosphorus (P), and
potassium (K). Other major elements are
calcium (Ca),
magnesium (Mg), and
sulphur (S). The micronutrients or trace elements are essential but only required in very small amounts.
The German botanist Philipp Carl Sprengel (1787-1859) formulated the “Theory of Minimum” in agricultural chemistry. This means that the growth of plants is limited by the element that is relatively at scarcest supply. The scarcest resource is also termed minimum factor.
Therefore, it is essential that all nutrients be supplied in appropriate amounts. The quantity depends on the crop specific requirements, provision of nutrients from the soil, crop residue management, weather and other factors.
The NPK+S COMPLEX fertilizer portfolio compound granulate formulations from LAT Nitrogen offers a combination of nutrients within each granule for balanced nutrition. Their composition covers all the nutritional needs of main crops throughout their growth cycle. Further, we have developed
NutriGuide® to determine the crop specific nutrient requirements of individual crops and crop rotations considering external factors such as soil fertility and the previous crop.