Micronutrient Inclusion in Fertilisers: Safety and Compatibility

Keywords: Self-sustaining decomposition, Fertiliser safety, Product stewardship, Fertiliser storage, Fertiliser transport, Ammonium nitrate, Micronutrients, Classification.

Micronutrients are elements which are essential for plant growth, although they are required in much smaller quantities than primary nutrients. Micronutrient deficiencies have been increasing in some crops, and have been verified in many soils through the increased use of soil testing and plant analyses. The application of micronutrients is not a straightforward process, as they can have health, safety and environmental effects on raw materials and final products. Micronutrients can be toxic, marine pollutants, irritating, carcinogenic, etc., requiring special attention during handling and use. Different inclusion methods imply the consideration of different HSE aspects. Micronutrients typically can affect the safety of final products by acting as catalysts for ammonium nitrate decomposition. The whole life cycle of fertilisers containing micronutrients must be considered.

Harri Kiiski, Phil. Lic., Kemira GrowHow Oyj, Helsinki, Finland.

28 Pages, 3 Figures, 9 Tables, 12 References.