DAP fertilizer: Benefits, uses, and application guide for farmers

14 Jan, 2025

Fertilizers of the right kind can help farmers to increase crop production. DAP or Diammonium Phosphate is one such fertilizer. Best known for its high nutrient content, DAP fertilizers promote crop growth naturally. Don’t know what all the wonders this fertilizer can do? Scroll down and know everything important about DAP khad and DAP fertilizer price in India.

What is DAP Fertilizer?

DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) is a water-soluble fertilizer rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. The fertilizer has a granular structure and is suitable for all the leading crops. DAP khad has commonly been used in many parts of the world like Saudi Arabia, India, and the United States. 

Composition-wise, it features 18% nitrogen and 46% phosphorus. It has the highest phosphorus percentage and is widely used for promoting the yield naturally. The nutrient grade of DAP is 18-46-0, which falls under the high-nutrient grade. 

How Fertilizer DAP is made?

The chemical formula is (NH4)2HPO4 and it is a series of water-soluble Ammonium Phosphate created by reacting ammonia with phosphoric acid. The required quantity of phosphorus, sulfur, and ammonia to make 1 ton of DAP fertilizer is 1.5 tons, 0.4 tons, and 0.2 respectively.

Its production demands specific temperature and pressure controls. The reaction results in an extremely hot slurry that is further cooled down. As the slurry cools down, it takes a granular structure. It’s further sieved to remove physical impurities, if any.  

Why Use DAP Fertilizer?

• Farmers across the globe struggle hard to make sure that harvest remains healthy. DAP fertilizer, because of its rich nutrient content, makes it happen. Also, it delivers many benefits to the agriculture industry.
• As DAP fertilizer provides enough nutrients to the plants and crops, their roots become strong. Roots are parts of the plant that store nitrogen for future use. As more nitrogen is supplied to the roots, they become stronger. It reduces the possibility of uprooting the weak-stem crop by a strong wind.
• Yield treated with DAP fertilizer tends to develop more leaves and branches as enough nutrients are provided. This way, plants look lush.
• DAP fertilizers are rich in natural catalysts that promote the nitrogen and phosphorus absorption rate. Hence, harvest tends to absorb these nutrients. 
• As DAP fertilizer is water-soluble, plants or crops don’t have to wait for the nutrients to absorb. They get them instantly as fertilizer is used. Thus, it is especially helpful in treating poorly nourished crops. 
• DAP Khad is a highly diverse fertilizer and can be used for many crop varieties that include grains, vegetables, cereal, and fruits. So, farmers don’t have to invest in different fertilizers as they sow different seeds. 
• ​​DAP fertilizer comes in granular form, is dust-free, and is easy to store. Because of this, farmers can buy it in bulk and store it for a long time without any hassles. 

What Are The Disadvantages of DAP Fertilizer?

Despite the above-mentioned lucrative benefits, DAP fertilizer is not flawless. DAP khad has some evident cons that should have been in your knowledge before. 

• As it is a nutrient-rich fertilizer, the farmer often uses it in excess. The overfertilization leads to leaf chlorosis and kills many microorganisms present in the soil. 
• Like many other phosphate-based manures, DAP fertilizer increases the water contamination possibilities in the area where it’s used. As phosphorus penetrates the soil, it ties with the soil particles and sticks to them. From there, DAP Khad enters the groundwater. Also, grass and leaves of DAP-treated plants or crops enter into land water bodies via rainwater and canals. As they enter the water, they promote the growth of fungi and microorganisms. Hence, water pollution happens. 
• Once DAP granules start dissolving, ammonium is produced. This ammonium, when absorbed by seedlings, can damage their roots. It causes more damage when DAP fertilizer is used with a pH of more than 7. So, it shouldn’t be used in high quantities near the land where seeds are just planted. 

How to Apply DAP Fertilizer on Your Crop?

One can apply DAP fertilizer using several techniques, including:

• Broadcasting: Distribution of the grains consistently over the ground surface.
• Side-Dressing: Applying the fertilizer in a strip beside plant rows during particular growth phases.
• Drones: With technological advancements, it is now easier to spread this fertilizer directly from the sky. 
• Seed-Row Placement: Fertilizer should be applied on the planting row at sowing.
• Fertigation: Dissolving DAP in water and then using it via irrigation systems.

When to Apply DAP fertilizer?

The crop and growth stages determine DAP fertilizer timing. DAP is usually administered before or during planting to offer plant nutrients. However, crops with longer growing seasons may benefit from divided applications, with some at planting and the rest throughout active growth.

The time for which DAP fertilizer remains in the soil depends upon the absorption of crops, microbial activity, and soil conditions. DAP releases nutrients on average over several weeks to many months. Soil pH, temperature, moisture, and organic matter concentration all impact DAP availability and lifetime.

How to Choose DAP Fertilizer?

The right quantity and quality of DAP is essential for optimal nutrient absorption. The proportions of phosphorus and nitrogen fluctuate in DAP fertilizer. Important factors are listed below.

Soil pH and Type of Fertilizer

The proportion of DAP Khad constituents is dependent upon soil pH levels. Phosphorus disappears rapidly in acidic soils; nitrogen-containing ammonium ions may disintegrate in alkaline soils. Thus, soil pH must match crop-specific DAP fertilizer.

Overall Nutrient Projection

Manufacturers' production processes affect fertilizer constituent percentages. Therefore, choosing a DAP khad with the right ingredient balance is crucial. Additionally, DAP compound particle size might alter mineral solubility and availability.

Cost of DAP Fertilizer

The quantity and quality of manufactured products determine the price of DAP fertilizer. Therefore, choosing a cost-effective fertilizer is crucial. Contaminants can harm plant growth. Thus, only buy fertilizer from government agencies or authorized vendors.

Things To Keep In Mind While Using DAP Fertilizer

DAP fertilizer is great and is likely to deliver an amazing result, provided you use it correctly. Here is a list of a few important things to keep in mind as you plan to use DAP fertilizer. 

Soil Testing 

DAP fertilizer is alkaline with a high pH value. Hence, it’s important to use it on neutral or acidic soils to experience the desired result. Do soil testing to find out whether the soil is perfect for it. 

Know The Right Dose 

Excess of everything is bad. You’re recommended to learn the right dose of DAP fertilizer to prevent overfertilization. Every soil has different nutrient requirements. 

Know The Right Location To Use It

DAP fertilizer is water-soluble and remains immobile in soil. So, the ideal location to use is where plant roots have enough water supply. Also, understand that its ideal placement is below the seed. 

Concluding

DAP fertilizer is a water-soluble fertilizer that helps farmers promote crop growth, provide adequate nutrients, strengthen the roots, and increase the yield percentage. Yet, using it in the right manner is important to experience all these results.

Follow the tips that the post shared, stay connected with TractorGyan, and become a smart farmer.