DAP Fertilizer- Everything you need to know about this nutrient-rich fertilizer

03 May, 2023

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 contents, DAP fertilizers promote crop growth naturally. Don’t know what all wonders this fertilizer can do? Scroll down and know everything important about DAP.

What is DAP Fertilizer?

Let’s start with knowing. It’s a water-soluble fertilizer rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. The fertilizer has a granular structure and is suitable for all the leading crops. It has commonly 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?

1. 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 phosphor, sulfur, and ammonia to make 1 ton of DAP fertilizer, is 1.5 tons 0.4 tons, and 0.2 respectively.
2. Its production demands specific temperature and pressure controls. The reaction result is 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. In addition, it delivers multiple benefits to the agriculture industry.
• As DAP fertilizer provides enough nutrients to the plants and crops, their roots become strong. Roots are plants of the part that store nitrogen for future use. As more nitrogen is supplied to the roots, stronger they become. 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 busier and lush.
• DAP fertilizers are rich in natural catalysts that promote the nitrogen and phosphorus absorption rate. Hence, harvest tends to absorb these nutrients and retain them quickly. 
• 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. This is especially helpful to treat poorly-nourished crops. 
• It is a highly diverse fertilizer and can be used for multiple crop varieties that include grains, vegetables, cereal, grains, 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 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. It has some evident cons that should be 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. 

​

​

- Just 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 strongly with the soil particles and sticks to them. From there, it 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. This 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. 

 

​​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. To find the right dose of this fertilizer, the farmer can contact the IFFCO KISAN helpline at 1800-180-1551 from 6.00 A.M. to 10.00 P.M. on all 7 days a week. They can also drop an email at info@iffcokisan.com.

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 Words

DAP fertilizer is a water-soluble fertilizer helping farmers to promote crop growth, provide adequate nutrients, strengthen the roots, and increase the yield percentage. However, 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.

About TractorGyan

Tractor Gyan is an expert-led platform that aims to empower Indian farmers by providing accurate and timely information, and technological advancement about tractors and farm equipment in India.

TractorGyan helps farmers with New Tractor information, Compare Tractors, Tractor prices, Buying and selling of second-hand tractors, Tractor Insurance, Tractor Finance, Tractor tyre, Tractor Implements, Tractor EMI calculator and more. 

On our Platform, we have information about leading brands :

- In tractors like Mahindra, Sonalika, John Deere, Massey Ferguson

- In Tyres like MRF, Ceat, Apollo etc.

- In Tractor Finance like Mahindra Finance, TVS Finance, Etc. 

- In Tractor Implements like Shaktiman, Fieldking, Landforce, Khedut, etc.

- In Tractor Insurance like Mahindra Finance, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank,  etc.

TractorGyan is Helping India mechanise by delivering crucial information about tractor buying and guiding farmers at every step so that they get a tractor or farm equipment that empowers and equips them to produce quality yield.

FOLLOW US ON:- Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin