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ACHARYA N.G.RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

RAJENDRA NAGAR, HYDERABAD

MANURES , FERTILIZERS AND AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS

Course No. : SSAC 321

Credits: 2+1 = 3

Dr. K. Sreenivasulu Reddy

Professor & Head

Dr. M. V. S. Naidu
Associate Professor

Dr. P . Madhu Vani

Assistant Professor

Dr. D. Padmaja
Associate Professor

Dr. P. Kavitha
Assistant Professor

Dr P R K Prasad
Professor & Head

Department of Soil Science and Agril. Chemistry

S.V.Agricultural College, Tirupati-517 502

MAY 2011

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LECTURE OUTLINES

Lec. Page
lecture
No. No.
1 Introduction- Definition,difference between manures and fertilizers- 1
Classification of manures (Bulky & Concentrated) with suitable
examples. Importance of manures in soil fertility management
2 Bulky organic manures –Preparation of FYM –Methods of collection 6
and storage.
3 Losses of nutrients from FYM during collection and storage-Ways to 10
minimize these losses
4 Compost and composting –Different methods of composting including 13
the starters and raw materials.
5 Methods of preparation of rural and urban compost. Mechanical 20
compost plants –their advantages over conventional composting –
Vermicomposting
6 Green manures –Classification with examples .Advantages and 26
limitations of green manuring and green leaf manures
7 Definitions of Penning, Sewage, Sullage, Sludge and Poudrette . 29
Concentrated organic manures – Oil cakes, Blood meal, Bone meal,
Horn meal, Fish meal, Meat meal and Guano
8 Biogas plant – Principles of operation and its advantages 37
9 Commercial fertilizers – Classification with examples –Nitrogenous 38
fertilizers- Manufacturing process and properties of major nitrogenous
fertilizers viz., Ammonia
10 Manufacturing process and properties of major nitrogenous fertilizers 43
viz., Ammonium sulphate, Urea and Calcium ammonium nitrate.
11 Phosphatic fertilizers –Rock phosphate –Uses – Occurrence, types 50
and properties. Manufacturing process and properties of SSP, TSP
and Basic slag
12 Potassic fertilizers –Mineral sources –Manufacturing process and 60
properties of Muriate of potash and Sulphate of potash- Mode of
action of N, P and K fertilizers in soils or reactions of fertilizers in
soils
13 Complex fertilizers-preparation and properties of Ammonium 65
phosphates, Urea ammonium phosphates, Ammonium sulphate
nitrate, Ammonium polyphosphates.
14 Preparation and properties of Ammonium sulphate nitrate, 70
Ammonium polyphosphates. Preperation and properties of
Nitrophosphates and NPK Complexes
15 Mixed fertilizers and amendments – Advantages and disadvantages 72
over straight fertilizers. Compatibility of fertilizers .
16 Secondary and micronutrient fertilizers –Different sources of these 83
nutrients and their contents . Conditions leading to their deficiency
17 Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) – Its importance and regulations. 89
specifications and fertilizer storage standards of important fertilizers
18 Biofertilizer – Use of biofertilizers in agriculture and their advantage 91
19 Out lines of organic chemistry –Theory of vitalism – Classification of 97
organic compounds based on their chemical nature / structure with
examples
20 Differences between organic and inorganic compounds. Functional 98
groups . Isomerism- Structural and Stereoisomerism
21 Diverse types of agrochemicals –Classification based on their use 105
with examples. Classification of insecticides based on their chemical
nature with examples. Botanical insecticides
22 & Natural pyrethrum –Discovery –Sources –Chemistry-Extraction and 108
23 properties . Neem and its products –Extraction –Mode of action of
neem based products. Advantages and dis advantages of natural
botanical insecticides . Brief note on Synthetic pyrethroids with
examples – Their use in agriculture.

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24 Synthetic organic insecticides –– Cyclodiene –Diels- Alder reaction – 115

structure and properties of Endosulphan
25 Organo phosphorus insecticides – Discovery – Advantages – 117
Classification –Mode of action. Structure , properties and uses of
Dichlorvos (DDVP)
26 Thiophosphoric acid derivatives –Thiolo and thiono isomers .Structure 120
and activity relationships of thiophosphoric acid derivatives, structure,
properties and uses of Methyl parathion.
27 Dithiophosphoric acid derivatives – structure, properties and uses of 123
Phorate and Malathion
28 Carbamate insecticides –Chemistry, discovery and mode of action, 125
structure ,properties and uses of Carbofuran
29 Fungicides –Definition –Systemic and non –systemic –Classification 127
of fungicides based on chemical nature with examples –Structure
and properties and uses of Copper oxy chloride and Zineb
30 Structure, properties and uses of Carbendazim, Captan, Carboxin 129
and Tridemorph
31 Herbicides –Classification of herbicides based on chemical nature 132
with examples . Selectivity of herbicides brief note on mode of action
of herbicides (Respiration , mitochondrial activity ,photosynthesis ,
protein and nucleic acid metabolism
32 Structure, properties and uses of 2,4 D , Atrazine ,Butachlor 136
Glyphosate and Benthiocarb

References :

1. Manures and Fertilizers : Yawalkar K S Agarwal JP and Bokde S 1992 Agri.

Horticultural Publishing House, Nagpur.

2. Fertilizers Guide : Tandon HLS 1994, Fertilizers Development Consulation

Organization, New Delhi.

3. Hand Book on Fertilizers : Seetharaman S Biswas B C, Yadav DS and Matheswaru S

Usage 1996. Oxford and IBH Publishing Company, New Delhi.

4. Fertilizer control order 1985: The fertilizer Association of India,

10, ShaheedJit singh marg, New Delhi.

5. Fertilizers A Text book : Ranjan Kumar Basak 2000, Kalyani publishers, New Delhi

6. The Pesticide Manual : 1995 British Crop Production Council, U.K.

A –World Compendium

7. Outlines of Organic Chemistry : Bahl & Tuli

8. Chemistry of Insecticides: Sree Ramulu US 1991. Oxford and IBH Publishing

and Fungicides Company, New Delhi.

9. Fungicides in plant disease control: Nene YL and Thapliyal PN 1991. Oxford and IBH
Publishing company, New Delhi.

10. Principles of Weed Science: Rao VS 1992.Oxford and IBH Publishing Company,
New Delhi.

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Lecture :1 Introduction- Definition , difference between manures and fertilizers-Classification

of manures (Bulky & Concentrated) with suitable examples. Importance of manures in soil
fertility management

The word “Manure” is originated from the French word “MANOEUVRER” which refers
to “work with soil” .The word Manure is also originate from Latin word “Manu” (hand) and
operate( to work).

Manure:
Manures are the substances which are organic in nature, capable of supplying plant
nutrients in available form , bulky in nature having low analytical value and having no definite
composition and most of them are obtained from animal and plant waste products.
Formerly, the word in use was “DUNG ”in English (at present fertilizer). It is derived from
the old German word “TUNG” meaning storage pit covered with manure for protection of soil
against cold .From Tung “TUNGEN is derived (to cover ) and then dung (fertilizer ) as the cover
. The corresponding English word “Fertilizer” which is now accepted internationally in
view of the old English word DUNG was derived from Latin word “Fertil” .

Fertilizer:
A fertilizer can be defined as a mined or manufactured material containing one or more
essential plant nutrients in potentially available forms in commercially valuable amounts.
Differences between manures and Fertilizers:
S.No. MANURES FERTILIZERS
1 Organic in nature Inorganic in nature
2 Slow acting Quick acting
3 Having low analytical value Having high analytical value
4 Having no definite chemical composition Having definite chemical composition

5 Obtained from plant , animal and human Mined or manufactured

resources

6 Improves physical properties of soils Don’t improve the physical properties of

soils

7 Supply almost all major, minor and Supply one or very few plant nutrients.
micronutrients.

8 Derived from French word Derived from Latin word Fertil ( means
‘MANOEUVRER’ to work with soil Fertile )

9 Bulky in nature Non-bulky in nature

Manuring: Manuring is the process of increasing the productive capacity of land by adding
plant foods to the soil in different forms.

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Classification of Manures and fertilizers with examples
I. Classification of Manures
II. Classification of Fertilizers
I. Classification of Manures :

MANURES

A) Bulky organic manures (Slow acting B) Concentrated organic manures (Quick

with large quantity of organic matter) acting with small quantity of organic matter)

1. Farm Yard Manure (FYM) 1. Plant origin

i) Cattle manure a)Edible oil cakes (suitable for cattle
and poultry feeding )
ii) Sheep manure i) Mustard cake
iii) Poultry manure ii) Ground nut cake
iv) Pig manure iii) Sesame cake
v) Biogas slurry iv)Linseed cake
2.Composts b) Non –edible oil cakes(suitable for
crop fertilization)
i) Rural or village compost i) Castor cake
ii) Urban compost ii) Neem cake
iii) Vermicompost iii) Sunflower cake
3.Green manures iv) Mahua cake
i) Green manuring in-situ v) Karanj cake
ii) Green leaf manure 2).Animal origin
4. Agro-based Industry wastes i) Bone meal
i)Press mud cake ii) Blood meal
ii)Cotton dust iii) Horn meal
5.Human habitation waste iv) Meat meal/ Tankage
i) Night soil vi) Fish product-Fish meal
6) Municipal wastes vii) Bird product- Guano(excreta and
dead bodies of sea birds)
i)Municipal rubbish
ii)Street sweepings
iii)Market wastes

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II. CLASSIFICATION OF FERTILIZERS
FERTILIZERS

A) STRAIGHT FERTILIZERS B) MULTINUTRIENT FERTILIZERS

Farm made
Granular
1.Nitorgenous fertilizers 1. Complex fertilizers 2.Mixed
Factory ferti
made
a)Ammonical N fertilizers (NH3, (NH4)2SO4) 2. Mixed fertilizers Pulvarised
Prepared by the farmers or by the manufacturers by
b)Nitrate N fertilizer (KNO3, NaNO3)
proper mixing of 2 or 3 major straight fertilizers in the
c)Ammonical nitrate (CaCO3.NH4NO3) specific ratio
d) Amide N fertilizers (NH2CONH2, CaCN2)
e) Slow release N fertilizer (urea coated, urea form,IBDU)
2.Phosphatic fertilizers
a) Water soluble-P SSP, DSP& TSP, a) In - complete complex fertilizers(NP)
b)Complete complex fertilizers(NPK)
b)Citrate soluble –P DCP, Basic slag
i. Ammonium Phosphates 10:26:26; 12-32-16
c) Citrate insoluble -P Rock phosphate , Bone meal
14-36-12;22-22-11
Monoammonium phosphate (MAP)
14-35-14; 17-17-17
3.Potassic fertilizers Diammonium phosphate (DAP)
14-28-14;19-19-19
Ammonium phosphate sulphate (APS)
14-14-14;11-11-11
a) Muriate of Potash (Potassium chloride) Urea ammonium phosphate (UAP)
20-20-10; 12-32-16
b)Sulphate of Potash (Potassium sulphate) ii. Ammonium poly phosphates (APP)
iii. Nitrophosphates (NP)
Eg.20:20:0

4) Secondary Nutrient fertilizers Direct

5) Micronutrient fertilizers Chelated
i)Calcium ii) Magnesium iii) Sulphur i) Iron ii)Manganese iii)Copper iv)Zinc
Gypsum, Burnt lime Epsomite Gypsum FeSO4 MnSO4 CuSO4 ZnSO4
v)Boron vi)Molybdenum
Hydrated lime, Calcitic lime Langbenite SSP and TSP Fe-chelate Mn-chelates Cu-chelates Zn-chelated
Boric acid Na- molybdate
Fe-EDTA
Basic slag , Dolomite Sulphate of potash Borax Ammonium molybdate

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IMPORTANCE OF MANURES IN SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT

A) Bulky organic manures:

The bulky organic manures are organic in nature and required in huge amounts.
All these bulky orgaic manures are bulky in nature and supply i) plant nutrients in small
quantities and ii) organic matter in large quantities. Eg. FYM, Composts, Green
manures, Sewage sludge. Of the various bulky organic manures FYM, Compost and
Green manures are widely used .The effect of bulky organic manures on soils is three
fold .

I. Since these manures contain plant nutrients, they have direct effect on plant growth
like any other commercial fertilizer. Bulky organic manures contain nutrients in small
quantities, therefore large quantities of these are needed. Besides the major
nutrients,they also contain traces of micro-nutrients
II. Bulky organic manures increase organic matter content and hence improve the
physical properties of soil. This effect is very important in case of most of our arable
land. Such manures increase the humus content of soil and consequently water
holding capacity of sandy soils also increased and the drainage of clayey soils is
improved .
III. Bulky organic manures provide food for soil microorganisms. This increases the
activity of microbes which in turn help to convert unavailable plant nutrients into
available form.
Organic manures have been the traditional means of improving soil fertility. The
organic matter that is applied thorough organic manures has very complex effect on
soil and on plant growth. The main effects are

Effect of organic matter on soil properties:

I. Improvement of soil physical properties

1) Improvement of soil structure

2) Improvement of water holding capacity
3) Improvement of soil aeration
4) Reduction of soil loss through erosion
II. Improvement of chemical properties

1) Supply of essential plant nutrients in balanced ratio

2) Slow release of nutrients
3) High residual value
III. Improvement of biological activity

1) Stimulation of soil fauna and flora

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B Concentrated organic manures:

Like bulky organic manures, these organic manures contain plant nutrients and
considerable amount of organic matter. They have direct effect on plant growth.
Nitrogen content is higher in concentrated organic manures and varied from 2.5 per
cent in mahua cake to 7.9 per cent in decorticated safflower cake. In addition to
nitrogen all the oil cakes contain P2O5 (0.8 to 2.9 %) and K2O (1.2 to 2.2%) since they
contain nitrogen in relatively large quantities ,they are usually classified as organic
nitrogenous manures . By virtue of this high nitrogen content they enrich the nitrogen
status of soil.

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Lecture : 2 Bulky organic manures –Preparation of FYM –Methods of collection and
storage.
A. Bulky organic manures
Definition: Bulky organic manures are those materials of plant and /or animal origin,
which when added to the soil have tendency to decrease bulk density and to increase
soil volume ,thus providing better physical conditions for plant growth especially in
coarse textured soils and also provide essential nutrients in smaller quantities than the
chemical fertilizers .
Characteristics of bulky organic manures:
1. Organic materials are relatively poorer in concentration of plant nutrients
2. These materials possess wider C:N ratio and C:S ratios and so supply energy
needed for microorganisms
3. The mineral nutrients that are available in the organic materials become available to
plants after mineralization.
4. Judicious combination of organic and inorganic manures is quite essential to
maintain fertility status. Examples : 1.FYM, 2.Composts, 3.Green manures,
4.Pouderette, 5.Biogas slurry, 6.Sewage or sludge, 7.Molasses and 8.Vermicompost

I. FARM YARD MANURE (Cattle manure)

Definition: The physical composition of cattle manure is called Farm Yard Manure,
which consists of dung and urine of cattle and the litter, a bedding material like hay,
straw used for cattle
Cattle manure is slow acting, bulky organic and however is a low analysis
fertilizer, obtained from dung and urine of farm animals mixed with litter and other
miscellaneous farm wastes.
Constituents of FYM:
A. Dung: The dung is a solid excreta voided by farm animals, which represents the
undigested and non-digestible portion of the animal feed. Besides, it is also
admixed with digestive juices, tissues of alimentary canal, microbial cells etc., The
percentage of moisture varies from 70-80 per cent.
B. Urine : The liquid excreta of farm animals, which is composed essentially of the
by products of nitrogen metabolism of farm animals .It also consists of 90 per
cent water with small amounts of urea, hippuric acid, sulphates of sodium and
potassium and also chlorides and phosphates of Ca, Mg ,K and Na etc.,
C. Litter : Litter is a variable mixture consisting of straw , leaves , stems used as
bedding material for cattle during their rest and eventually absorbs the urine and
adds carbonaceous matter in the manure to facilitate decomposition .

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Quality and composition of FYM:
The quality of manure and chemical composition in particular is highly
variable as the following factors affect the product.
1. Kind of animal
2. Age and condition of the individual animal
3. Quality and quantity of feed consumed
4. Kind of litter used
5. Collection and
6. Storage of manure
1)Kind animal:
The quality of manure depends on the class of manure .viz., cattle ,horse
manure.With in the same class ,quality varies according to the kind of animal , such as
milch cattle, dry cattle ,work cattle ,breeding bulls etc., By and large the dung and urine
from animals , which assimilates less (little ) for their maintenance and production will
provide better quality manure .
2)Age and condition and individual animal:
Growing animals ,milch cattle ,pregnant or carrying cattle utilize much of the
ingredients in the feeds for building up their growing bodies ,milk production and for the
development of the embryo[ calf] .Old or adult animals kept on light work or no work
utilize little from feeds and as such, most of nitrogen is voided through urine and dung.
Eventually, the adult old cattle provide better manure.
3)Quality and quantity of feed consumed:
Nutritious and protein rich feeds like oil cakes enriches the nitrogen content to
the resulting manure than the bulky feeds like straw and green grass. Animals fed on
concentrated feeds yield better quality manure.
4) Kind of litter used:
The quality of manure depends to a considerable extent on the nature of litter
used. Remnants of leguminous hays (Bhusa ) give richer manure than usual straws.
5) Collection of manure:
The method adopted for collection of dung, urine and litter primarily decide the
quality of manure as the loss of nutrients particularly nitrogen occurs from the time
urine and dung are voided by cattle .The quality of manure depends upon the methods
of collection viz., Byre, Lose box and Dry earth systems
a. Byre system :
Cattle are stalled in a shed with a non absorbent floor provided with
necessary slope towards the urine drains. The urine that flows into the drains is
collected into a covered tank .From where it is periodically removed and sprinkled on
the manure stored in a covered pit .The urine which is an important component of
FYM can be properly stored (conserved) in this system. The perfect cleanliness and
hygienic conditions of the stalls as well as cattle can be maintained in this system.

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b. Dry earth system :
The floor of the cattle shed is well rammed and compacted .Layers of fine sand ,red
earth of loamy soil are spread as an absorbent for urine .The wet portions are properly
covered with dry layers or any of the above materials and once a week the surface layer
is removed and dumped in the manure pit. Available saw dust , paddy husk , groundnut
shell, paddy winnowed dust would serve the purpose very well compared to the earth
absorbents. This system is popular and extensively adopted in rural parts being cheep,
convenient and practicable under the existing rural conditions in India.
6) Storage of Manure:
Method of storage of manure influences the quality of manure to a large extent.
During storage the manure undergoes fermentative changes, decomposition which
leads to loosing its original structure and shape . There are three methods of storage
viz., pit method and heap method and covered pit method.
A. Pit method ( Below ground level) :
In this method, the manure is stored in a pit with non –absorbent bottom and sides.
The pit is provided with a bund at the rim of the pit to prevent the surface run-off of
waters during rainy season .The dimensions of the pit can be variable depending on
the quantity of dung ,urine and litter produced on the farm per day .The losses also
occur in this method due to exposure to sun and rain ,but it is relatively a better
method than the heap method.
B. Heap method (Above the ground level) :
This is the most common method adopted in Indian villages . Manure is heaped on
the ground preferably under the shade of a tree. Ideal procedure is to dump the dung
first and to cover it with litter soaked urine .This is further covered with a layer of litter
/ash / earth to prevent the loss of moisture and to avoid direct exposure to sun .It is also
desirable to put up a small bund around the base of the heap to protect against surface
run-off washing out the manurial ingredients .It is beneficial to cover the exposed portion
of the heap with Palmyra leaves or any other available material.
The maximum losses of nutrients occur in this method of storage, resulting in poor
quality manure. Direct exposure to the vagaries of climate such as sunshine and rainfall
causes looseness and dryness of manure, which hasten the losses of nutrients and
rapid oxidation of organic matter.
C. Covered pit method :
Of all the methods described, it is the best method .In this method, the bottom and
sides of the pit are made non-absorbent by granite stone lining. The pit is also provided
with a bund of 1½ feet height to prevent surface flow of water (Rain water) and a
suitable cover by way of roofing with locally available materials like Palmyra or phoenix
leaves etc., organic matter and 8nutrient losses can be effectively controlled in this
method of storage in order to obtain better quality manure [FYM: 0.68 % N- 0.5%P – 1
% K].

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Improved methods of handling farm yard manure
It is practically impossible to check completely the loss of plant nutrients and organic
matter during handling and storing of FYM .However, improved methods can be
adopted to reduce such loss. Considerably, they are.
A) Trench method of preparing FYM:
This method has been recommended by C.N.Acharya .The manure preparation
should be carried in trenches of suitable size ,say 20-25 feet length , 5-6 feet breadth
and 3-3.5 feet depth .All available dry litter and refuse from the farm and the houses
should be heaped up near the cattle shed and portions of litter mixed with earth if
available should be spread in the shed in the evening @2.26 kg per animal for the
absorption of urine .The litter should be localized in the areas where urine generally
drops and soaks into the ground. Every morning the urine soaked litter and dung should
be well mixed and then taken into the manure trench .A section of 3 feet length of the
trench from one end should be taken up for filling with daily collection of refuse from
cattle shed. When the trench is filled to the height of 1.5 to 2.0 feet above ground level,
the top is made dome shaped and plastered with cow dung mixed with soil. The manure
becomes ready for about three months .By this time the next 3 feet length of the trench
being filled up. .Generally 2 such trenches would be needed for three to four cattle. It is
possible to prepare by this process 250-300 cubic feet of manure (3 to 5 tones or 10-12
cart loads) per animal. The FYM should be enriched by addition of super phosphate @
30-40 kg per trench before application to fields. The content of nitrogen is at least 0.7 to
0.8 % N on the fresh weight basis or 1.4 to 1.6 % N on dry weight basis.

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Lecture : 3 Losses of nutrients from FYM during collection and storage-Ways to
minimize these losses

LOSSES OF NUTRIENTS FROM FYM DURING COLLECTION AND STORAGE

There are two types of losses of FYM, which are as follows.
A. Losses during handling
B. Losses during preparation and storage
A. Losses during handling :
FYM consists of two original components such as i) dung (solid portion) and ii) urine
(liquid portion) which are subjected to different losses in different ways.
Both the components contains N, P2O5 and K2O. Approximately, half of nitrogen and
potash in dung and other half in urine .Whereas nearly all the phosphorus (96%) in the
solid portion. To conserve N, P2O5 and K2O, it is most essential that both the parts of
cattle manure are properly handled and stored

i) Losses of dung: Dung is a valuable manure. Still larger portion is dried in dung cakes
and burnt as fuel .Besides this large portion of cattle excrements is dropped out side the
cattle shed, when the animals are grazing on the uncultivated lands. This can be used
for preparation of FYM.

ii) Losses of urine: Urine contains nitrogen and potassium in large portions. But there is
no good method of preserving the urine in our country. In our country most of the cattle
sheds have un cemented or kachha floor and the urine gets soaked in the soils of
kachha floor of the cattle shed and the large quantities of nitrogen are thus lost
through the formation of gaseous ammonia as follows .

CO (NH)2 + 2H2 O → (NH4)2 CO3

Urea in urine Ammonium carbonate

(NH4)2 CO3 +2H2 O → 2 NH4OH + H2 CO3

Carbonic acid
NH4OH → NH3 ↑ + H2 O
Ammonium hydroxide Ammonia

B. Losses during preparation and storage :

Cow dung and other farm wastes are collected daily and these are accumulated in
manure pit in open space for months together .The manure remain exposed to sun and
rain during this period .Due to this effect the nutrients are lost in following ways .
i) By leaching :
Nutrients of manures are water soluble and these are liable to get washed by rain
water .The leaching loss of nutrients will vary with the surface exposed ,the intensity of
rain fall and the slope of the surface on which manure is heaped .The leaching loss may
be prevented by erecting a roof over the pit .

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ii) By volatilization :
During storage, the urine and dung are decomposed and considerable amount of
ammonia is produced .The ammonia combines with carbonic acid to form ammonium
carbonate and bicarbonate, which are rather unstable and gaseous ammonia may be
readily liberated and passes into atmosphere as indicated in the following equations.
I. Urea and other nitrogenous compounds in urine and dung by microbial
decomposition liberates NH3(Ammonia)
II. 2 NH3 + H2CO3 → (NH4)2CO3
III. (NH4)2 CO3 + 2H2O → 2 NH4OH + H2CO3
IV. NH4OH → NH3 ↑ + H2O

Ways to minimize these losses from FYM during handling

1) Adopt trench method as suggested by C.N.Acharya for handling of dung and urine
2) Use of Gobar gas plant: 50 % of dung is made dung cakes and burnt as fuel for
cooking. The use of cow dung in gas plant produces a combustible gas, methane
used as fuel gas which, is an improved method of handling FYM.
3) Adopting covered method of storing FYM : Nutrients losses can be effectively
controlled by this method
4) Adoption of BYRE system in collection of FYM
5) Proper field management of FYM : During spreading of FYM in the field in small
heaps leads to loss of nutrients from it .It is advisable to spread the FYM before
ploughing .
6) Use of chemical preservatives :
Chemical preservatives are added to FYM to decrease nitrogen losses. To be most
effective, the preservatives are applied in the cattle shed to permit direct contact with
the liquid portion of excreta or urine .This has to be done because the loss of nitrogen
from urine starts immediately.
Commonly used preservatives are 1) Gypsum 2) Super phosphate .It is
recommended that 450 g to 900 g of super phosphate should be applied per day per
animal in the cattle shed .Super phosphate should be applied in places where animal
pass urine . The reaction of gypsum with ammonium carbonate (intermediate product
from decomposition of urea present in urine) is

(NH4)2 CO3 +CaSO4 → Ca CO3 + (NH4)2 SO4

With this reaction ammonium carbonate is converted to (NH4)2 SO4 .As long as
manure is in moist , no loss of ammonia will occur but if dried the chemical reaction is
reversed and loss of ammonia may occur. Use of gypsum also prevents the bad smell
caused by production of ammonia in the cattle sheds. As such in Indian conditions use
of gypsum to decrease N loss does not offer practical solution.

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Super phosphate has been extensively used as a manure preservative. Since
ordinary superphosphate contains up to 50to 60 per cent gypsum besides mono
calcium phosphate. The reaction with ammonium carbonate is given below
2CaSO4 + Ca (H2PO4) + 2(NH4)2 CO3 → Ca3 (PO4)2 + 2(NH4)2SO4+ 2H2O+ 2CO2
(TCP)
In this reaction, tricalcium phosphate is formed which does not react with ammonia
sulphate when manure becomes dry as such there is no loss of ammonia.

STRAW:
Straw is sometimes left on the field as waste product from the harvest. It is useful
as organic fertilizer especially on farms without live stock. Although straw contains
few nutrients, it yields decomposable organic matter (Eg. Cellulose).Fertilization with
straw thus supplies energy [1 kg straw = 12 Kilo Joules energy] ,but mainly
improves the structure of medium and heavy soils .The nutrient contents of straw
vary but are small in any case viz., 0.5 % N – 0.1 % P – 1 % K and dry matter of
85 %. The C:N ratio is very large about 100:1 .This may cause inhibition of
decomposition because the microbes lack in nitrogen ,[Compensating supplies of N
about 1% of the quantity of straw] is thus required.

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Lecture : 4 Compost and rural composting –Different methods of composting including
the starters and raw materials.
II. COMPOST
Dry and fresh plant tissues and also animal wastes can be introduced directly
into or on the soil. .They are then decomposed at varying speeds ,but have only slight
and sometimes detrimental effects and bring about scarcely any substantial soil
improvement. Process known since antiquity make it possible to convert such wastes
into useful agents for soil improvement i.e., compost.
The word compost is derived from the Latin word “COMPONERE” to mean put
together .
Compost : Compost is a product of decomposition of plant and animal wastes with
various additives .The compost had the largest variation of all organic material ranging
from neglected garbage dumps to carefully composted and treated substances with
high fertility.
Composting : Composting is a process of converting organic matter in to manure in a
short time by accelerating fermentation process under controlled conditions is called
composting.
The organic material that is usually handled for composting are waste vegetative
material such as spoiled straw, peanut hulls, saw dust, dried leaves etc., stubbles, chilli
plants, cotton stalks, tobacco stems, weeds, municipal rubbish etc., according to
availability.
The following basic rules are important for the production of good quality
compost:
1. The purpose of composting is to convert organic matter into growth promoting
substances, for sustained soil improvement and crop production.
2. The organic matter is partially decomposed and converted by microbes. These
microbes require proper growth conditions, for their activity .i.e moisture content : 50
% and 50 % aeration of total pore space of the composting material .This is
achieved through stacking and occasional turning over . Microbes also need
sufficient nitrogen for synthesizing their body cells [the optimum C:N ratio of the
composting material is 20:1 to 30:1]
3. Soil microorganisms constitute sufficiently to the decomposition of organic matter
through their continuous activities. The majority of these soil animals provide optimal
conditions in their digestive track for their synthesis of valuable permanent humus
and stable soil crumbs. A typical compost earthworm is Eisenia foetida .
4. Certain additives accelerate the conversion and improve the final product. The
materials such as lime, earth, gypsum, rock phosphate act as effective additives
.The addition of nitrogen (0.1 to 1 %) is important in case of large C:N ratio of the
composting material. Addition of lime (0.3 to 0.5 %), if sufficient lime is not present
.The preparation of compost takes 2-3 months. The composition of compost varies
with in wide limits.

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The following average values are rough estimates
Composition of compost (Rough)
S.No. Constituent Percentage
1 Dry matter 30-50
2 Organic matter 10-15
3 N 0.3
4 P 0.1
5 K 0.3

Methods of composting
The process of composting was first initiated in England during the period of First
World War (1914 -1918).
The various systems of composting are
1. ADCO process (Agricultural Development Company )
2. Activated compost process
3. Indore process
4. Bangalore process
5. Coimbatore process
6. Rain -water compost
7. Rural compost
8. Urban compost
9. Mechanical compost and
10. Vermicompost
1. ADCO process :
Agricultural Development Company was initiated, [A private concern operating at
Harpenden, England] developed by Hutchinson, H.B and Richards , E.H. during
1914-1918, at Rothamsted Experimental Station , England .
Materials needed:
1. Straw and other wastes -Basic raw material )
2. Ammonium sulphate/Ammonium phosphate /Super phosphate/Muriate of potash
Ground limestone/ urea - Starters
Procedure:
The basic raw material straw is spread in layers and sprinkled over with a
solution of ammonium sulphate. Then powdered lime stone is applied as broadcast.
Then another straw layer is put on. The piling of the layer is continued till a decent heap
of convenient height is built up. After about 3 months of fermentation the resulting
material is similar to FYM and hence called “synthetic FYM”
The ADCO process was patented and concentrated starters were put in the
market with the trade names of ADCO accelerator and ADCO complete manure with full
direction for their use.

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Fig.1

2. Activated compost process:

This method was developed by Fowler and Ridge in 1922 at Indian Institute of
Science, Bangalore
Materials needed:
1. Basic raw materials ( Straw and farm wastes )
2. Starters : a) Cow dung b) Urine c) Night soil d) Sewage and sludge
Procedure:
In this process the basic raw material for composting straw and other farm
wastes is treated with mixture of cattle dung and urine as decoction . So that every
portion of mass comes in contact with the inoculants(dung + urine ) and fermentation
takes place evenly . On piling up in a heap of 3 feet or 4 feet height and turning over
form time to time, keeping moist with dung and urine decoction,very high temperatures
attained. When the temperatures begin to drop at the end of one week. The volume of
the material gets reduced . further quantity of the basic material is added onto the heap.
About 25 % of the new materials should be added at one time and thoroughly mixed
with starters (dung +urine decoction) at intervals as before. If properly carried out, the
compost will be ready in 5-6 weeks .Night soil and sewage and sludge are also used as
starters in this method.
Fig.2

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3. Indore process :
This process is developed in India by Howard and Ward at the Indian Institute of
plant Industry, Indore
Materials needed: a) Straw or organic farm wastes as basic raw materials
b) Cattle dung as starter (urine, earth and wood ashes)
Procedure :
A compost pit of dimensions of 30 x 14 x 3 feet with sloping sides (narrow at
bottom and at wide surface) is prepared and the raw material is spread in layers of 3”
thickness. A mixture of urine, earth, and wood ashes is sprinkled and this is followed by
2” layer of dung. The pit is filled up this way until the material occupies a height of 3
feet above the ground level . As air can conveniently penetrate only to a depth of 1.5 to
2.0 feet extra aeration has to be provided, which is done by means of artificial vents
(holes) of 4” diameter pipe for every 4 feet length of the pit. The pit is watered twice a
day i.e., morning and evening with rose can. The material is turning over 3 times, i.e.,
First – at the end of the first fort night
Second – at the end of the second fort night
Third – when the material is two months old in the process of composting.
Observations:
I. After 10 days of composting the following things happens
A. Synthesis of humus begins i.e., development of fungi and the height of the material
is reduced by half
B. Check anaerobic decomposition, as indicated by the foul smell and fly breeding
C. If there is an anaerobic decomposition ,turn over material for proper aeration
D. If insufficient fermentation, hasten by watering the material.
II. At the end of two months
A. Fungal activity is over
B. Materials become dark
C. Now the bacterial aeration takes place
D. Stock the material on the ground after 2 months .So 25 % of additional free
nitrogen will be fixed from atmosphere.
Compost is ready by 3-4 months .One cattle pair produced 50-60 cartloads per year.

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Fig:3

4. Bangalore process [ Aerobic and anaerobic process] :

This process of composting was developed by Dr.C.N.Acharya in the year 1949.

1. Basic raw material used : Any organic material
2. Starters or inoculants : FYM or mixture of dung and urine or litter
[Undecomposed]

3. Additives :Bone meal or oil cakes , wood ash

Procedure [Pit size: 20 x 4 x 3 feet]:

The basic raw material is spread in a pit of 20 x 4 x 3 feet dimensions to a depth
of 6 " layer, moistened with 20-30 gallons of water if the mate
material
rial is dry .Over this FYM
or preferably a mixture of dung, urine and litter (un-decomposed) from the cattle shed is
placed as a layer of 2" thickness. It is again covered on the top with a layer of earth to
a thickness of 6 " .It is beneficial to mix the earth with bone meal or oil cakes ,wood
ash etc., to improve manurial value of the compost .The piling of layers is continued till
the heap raises above the ground level to a height of 2 feet , .Then the heap is kept
open for one week to facilitate
facilitate aerobic decomposition . Later the heap is plastered with
a layer of moist clay for anaerobic fermentation to occur .Fissures , or cleavages
(cracks ) that occur in the clay layer , have to be sealed off periodically .The compost
will be ready in 4-5 months period starting from the day of preparation .This process is
called as aerobic and anaerobic decomposition of compost .

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In this process the basic raw material is not so well decomposed as in the other
methods .But organic matter and N contents
contents are well conserved .The number of
turnings are reduced .The out turn of the compost is relatively greater and cheapest
process .

Fig :4

5. The coimbatore process:

1. The basic raw materials: Raw organic matter

2. Starters : Powdered bone meal and cattle
cattle dung and water emulsion prepared by
mixing
Dung in water @ 5-10 kg dung in 5 to 10 liters water.

Procedure [Pit: 12 x 6 x 3 feet]:

The basic raw material loosely spread [Pit: 12 x 6 x 3 feet] to a depth of 9" and
water is sprinkled till the entire material is moist. Then about one kg of powdered bone
meal is broadcasted uniformly above the layer and above this an emulsion of 5-10 kg of
fresh cattle dung in 5-10 liters of water is applied .Repeat this process until a heap 2
feet above ground level is formed .Then the entire exposed surface area of heap is
plastered with mud to facilitate semi-aerobic fermentation which would takes place for
above 4-6 weeks depending upon the nature of the raw material .After 4-6 weeks ,the
mud plaster is removed to permit aerobic fermentation . If the heap has sunk unevenly
which is a sign of defective fermentation, the material is reheaped after forking and
moistened .The decomposition is complete in 3-4 months and is fit for application to tthe
he
field.

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Fig.5

3. Rain watered compost:

In dry areas where it is difficult to obtain water for watering, the composting can
be done with the aid of rain fall.
The compost heap is built up as usual before the rains set in. The turnings are
given during the rainy period at the end of rains the material will be ready for
application. About 400 mm rain fall received in 3-4 months is considered sufficient.

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Lecture : 5 Methods of preparation of rural and urban compost. Mechanical compost
plants –their advantages over conventional composting –Vermicomposting

4. Rural compost :
Compost prepared using farm organic wastes and fresh dung and /or urine
soaked earth as starter is called as Rural Compost. This is within the reach of farmers,
as they can individually prepare the compost in their farm sheds.

Procedure:
Composting can be done in a pit size of 3 x 6 x 3 feet size located on an elevated
place. Even length and width are adjustable depending upon the raw material available
.Keep the sides of the pit slanting .When a number of pits are dug, keep 12 feet gap
between the pits for facilitating turnings .Locate the compost pits away from the civilians
areas.
Basic raw material: 1) Green succulent, non-woody and non-fibrous material (12"thick)
2) Dry materials like sugarcane trash, stubbles etc., (3" thick)
Starter : Dung and water
Neutralizing agents for organic acids: Bone meal is preferred to ash as it provides Ca
and also phosphate, which are desirable constituents in the final product.
Procedure:
The organic material is spread in layers .The thickness depends upon
compostability of materials. Green succulent non-woody materials can be laid in 12 "
layer while tough woody materials like sugarcane trash and stubbles are spread in
3" layer .Bone meal or ash is sprinkled in a thin layer over the material to provide the
base for neutralizing organic acids produced during the decomposition .Dung and
water is then sprinkled over the layer . Dung functions as starter while the water
provides the moisture. The layers are thus built up to a height of one foot above the
ground level .It is desirable to cover the surface of the heap with a layer of earth
.Periodically watering is done .
Precautions:
1) Over watering creates anaerobic decomposition.
2) Turnings are necessary to hasten the aerobic decomposition
3) After turning the compost must be re-heaped and covered
4) Use the compost immediately
5) It is to be preserved by providing suitable cover
6) The compost will be ready by three months to one year depending upon material
(Sugarcane trash –late )

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5. Urban compost:
Compost prepared by local bodies ,municipalities, corporations etc., with their out
put of street sweepings, municipal rubbish etc., as organic matter using night soil as
starter is called urban compost
Methods of urban composting:
I. Method of urban composting :
Using municipal or town rubbish as basic raw material and night soil as starter.
Sprinkling of copper sulphate powder
powder between layers will put down the offensive odour
due putrefactive fermentation of the material, yielding foul smelling organic compounds
called Mercaptans.
II. Method of composting :
Night soil and rubbish are mixed in 1:4 ratio .Copper sulphate is added b
between
etween
layers at the rate of one kilogram for every 400 kg of the mixture and the mixture is
racked up to heaps of convenient size.
Fig :6

The heaps are moisned and racked up for every fort night and rebuilt .During the
period of two months, the manure
manure will be ready for use. The product iis
s dry and powdery,
free from foul smell.

III. Method of composting :

Town refuse is heaped into a pit of dimensions of 8 x 4 x 4 feet .A groove measuring
6x1 x 1 feet is made at the top in the centre and is filled up w
with
ith night soil and covered
over with refuse .Heap is moistened daily with sullage water and racked up once a
week. For six weeks by which the decomposition process would be complete and the
product would be ready for use as manure.
IV. Method of composting :
The layer of waste material of 6" thick and night soil 2 " thick are altered; the final top
layers will be the waste material .The heap is covered by 9" thick layer of soil .The
material will be ready in about five months.

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Fig:7

6. Mechanical compost :
In big cities like Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta (kolkat) while disposing the urban wastes,
face innumerable problems such as cost , land , labour for composting operations ,
involving human contact with filthy and obnoxious materials with a res
result
ult mechanical
composting is undertaken .mechanical composting can be undertaken at a central
location and in small compact area .it is only mechanized composting which may
prove effective in not only serving as a means of disposal of urban wastes but also of
providing the country with large quantities of organic matter .
The advantages of Mechanical composting
1. Sanitary control with odour control device
2. Operational convenience, both in dry and wet seasons
3. Efficient recovery of discarded materials
materials like metal ,glass etc.,
4. High quality manure in a short period
5. Eliminates large anaerobic decomposition
6. Reduces preparation cost @ 10% for every tonne
7. Economically, cheaper than chemical fertilizers
Israel built up largest compost plant in the world at TEL-AVIV. It is designed to cope
up with all domestic refuse from TEL-AVIV i.e., 500 tonnes in one shift of 8 hours .
Second biggest plant is in Bangkok
Economics: One tonne compost contains 13 kg N , 11 kg P2 O5 and 11 kg K2 O
,which is equivalent to 65 kg ammonium sulphate , 66 kg single super phosphate and
22 kg muriate of potash
7. Vermicompost technology :
An emerging technology for recycling of crop residues and other organic solid
wastes is the utilization of earthworm technology to
to convert them into vermicompost.
Definition of vermicomposting:
Vermicomposting is a method of making compost, with the use of earthworms,
which generally live, in soil eat biomass and excrete it in digested form. This compost is
generally called vermicompost or Wormicompost.
Definition of Vermiculture:
Vermiculture means scientific method of breeding and rising earthworms in controlled
conditions.

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Vermitechnology:
Vermitechnology is the combination of vermiculture and vermicomposting. Thus,
earthworms can be used in the following areas.
1. For development of arable soils , turnover of soil , break down of plant organic
matter aeration and drainage
2. For production of useful products like vermifertilizer and worm tissue for animal feed.
3. For maintenance of environmental quality and monitor of the environment for soil
fertility, organic and heavy metal non-biodegradable toxic material pollution.
Vermiculture industry or vermicompost preparation:
1. Basic raw material : Any organic material generated in the farm like bhusa ,leaf fall
etc.,
2. Starter : Cow dung ,Biogas slurry , or urine of cattle
3. Soil animal : Earth worms (Species: Eisenia foetida )
Favourable conditions of earth worms in the composting material:
A. pH : Range between 6.5 and 7.5
B. Moisture : 60-70 % of the moisture below and above range moderately of worms taking
place
C. Aeration : 50 % aeration from the total pore space
D. Temperature: Range between 18 0C to 35 0C
Procedure:
It is mostly prepared in either pit or heap method .The dimensions either heap
or pit are 10 x 4 x 2 feet .The length and width can be increased or decreased
depending on the availability of material but not the depth because the earth worms
activity is confined to the 2 feet depth only .
1st layer : bedding material of 1" thick with soft leaves
2nd layer : 9" thick organic residue layer finely chaffed material
3rd layer : Dung + water equal mixture of 2" layer .
Continued the layer up to pile to ground level protect the worms against natural enemies
like ants ,lizards ,snakes ,frogs ,toads etc., Maintain proper moisture and temperature
by turnings and subsequent staking . At the day of 24th, 4000 worms are introduced in to
the pit [1m2 =2000 worms ] without disturbing the pit by regular watering the entire raw
material will be turned into the vermicompost in the form of worm excreta .The turn over
of the compost is 75 % [the total material accommodated in the pit is 1000 kg ;The out
turn will be 750 kg]

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Harvesting of the vermicompost from the pit:
Stop watering before one week of harvest . All the worms spread across the pit come in
close and penetrate each other in the form of ball in 2 or 3 locations .Heap the compost
by removing the balls and place them in a bucket ,then the material is sieved in 2 mm
sieve , the material passed through the sieve is called as vermicompost which is stored
in a polythene bags [ Note : Vermicomposting is done under thatched roof to protect
worms against rain and sun ]
Nutrient composition of vermicompost
S.No. Nutrient Content
1 Organic carbon 9.15 to 17.98 %
2 Total nitrogen 1.5 to 2.10 %
3 Total phosphorus 1.0 to 1.50 %
4 Total potassium 0.60 %
5 Ca and Mg 22.00 to 70.00 m.e / 100 g
6 Available S 128 to 548 ppm
7 Copper 100 ppm
8 Iron 1800 ppm
9 Zinc 50 ppm

Besides the above nutrients the vermicompost also contains following enzymes

Enzymes : Protease ,Lipase ,Amylase , Cellulose
Source: Kale (1983) in Vermicompost published in Agro bios Vol.I, No.XI, April, 2003 Edited
by Purohit, S S
Conversion rates:
1000 earth worms may convert 5 kg waste material per day
1000 worms weighs about a kilogram
Advantages of composting over direct application:
1. There will be no immobilization in compost because of narrow C:N ratio
2. Application is easy, because the compost is humified and have a structure of crumb
and granular.
3. It is hygienic, pathogens and weeds seeds are destroyed.
Advantages of direct application:
1. No loss of nutrients
2. It improves physical properties better than compost on soil application.

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Differences between Aerobic and anaerobic decomposition

S.NO. Aerobic decomposition Anaerobic decomposition

1 This takes place in the presence of This takes place in the absence of
oxygen oxygen
2 CO2 is produced Methane gas is produced
3 High water content is required Less water content is required
4 Organic matter conserved is Organic matter conserved is around 75
around 50-60 % %
5 Around 25-50 % N is lost 20 % nitrogen is lost and more N is
conserved
6 Temperature built up is more Pathogens are only killed due to
.Hence , pathogens weed seeds antibiogens.
are killed
7 More labour is required for Less labour is required
turnings and watering
8 Time taken for decomposition is Time taken is 5-6 months
3-4 months

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Lecture: 6 Green manures –Classification with examples - Advantages and limitations
of green manuring in situ and green leaf manuring
IV. GREEN MANURING
Green manuring: Green manuring can be defined as the growth of a crop for the
specific purpose of incorporating it into soil while green, or soon after maturity with a
view to mproving the soil and benefiting subsequent crops or Practice of ploughing or
turning in to the soil un decomposed green plant tissues for the purpose of improving
physical condition as well as fertility of the soil
Objectives of green manuring:
i. Increasing organic matter content of soil
ii. Maintain and improve soil structure
iii. Reduce the loss of nutrients ,perticularly nitrogen
iv. Provide a source of nitrogen for the following crop
v. Reduce the soil loss by erosion
Types of green manuring:
The practice of green manuring is adopted in various ways in different states of
India to suit soil and climatic conditions. Broadly speaking, the following two types of
green manuringcan be differentiated.
Classification of Green manuring:
classified into two groups as
I. Green manure in situ
II. Green leaf manuring
I. Green manuring in situ:
In this system, green manure crops are grown and buried in the same field which
is to be green-manured, either as a pure crop or as intercrop with the main crop. This is
most common green manure crops grown under this system are sunnhemp(Crotalaria
juncea ) ,daincha (Sesabania aculeata ) , Pillipesera (Phaseolus trilobus ) and guar
( Cyamopsis tetragonoloba )
The green manure crops are mostly legumes , which are fast growing and yield
substantial succulent vegetation .There is little or no preparatory cultivation .Sowing is
effected by broad cast adopting a heavy seed rate .Green manuring can be safely
adopted for irrigated and irrigated dry crops viz., rice ,sugarcane, tuber crops
,vegetables and orchards . In case of dry crops it is unsafe because of limiting
moisture . But when rains are sufficient and evenly distributed green manuring could
be followed even under rain fed conditions when the rain fall is above 900 mm
(Application of lime is suggested to neutralize organic acids that are formed during
decomposition (Bone meal preferred )

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Green manure crops:
1. Sunnhemp ( Crotalaria juncea ) :
i) It is a unique crop possessing ,fiber ,fodder and green manurial value with
nutrient composition of 2.3 % N, 0.2 % P and 1.4 %K
ii) It can be raised beneficially for irrigated dry conditions
iii) Under high rain fall conditions it is grown in dry lands
iv) Grown in medium fertile soils
v) Seed rate is 45 kg ha-1
vi)
Green matter yield 9-17 tonnes ha -1
2. Daincha ( Sesbania aculeata ) and ( Sesbania speicosa )
i) They are erect growing deep rooted crops and useful to open soil and improve
drainage in heavy soils.
ii) Nutrient composition(%) [ 3.5N,0.3P and 1.0K]
iii) These crops are grown on heavy soils
iv) They are non fodder crops and non palatable
v) They correct sodic soils specially S. spaciosa as it is less woody and less
fibrous ,which gives heavy foliage and easily decomposable
vi) Seed rate 30 kg ha -1
vii)
Yield 5 tonnes ha -1
viii) Seeds require scarification for easy germination (Scarification means lightly
pounding with sand).
3. Indigo ( Indigofera tinctoria ):
i) Slow growing, deep rooted drought resistant crop
ii) It is not relished by cattle
iii) Can be grown in fruit gardens and plantations during non –monsoon
iv)
Seed rate is 20 kg ha -1
v)
Yield is 5 tonnes ha -1
4. Wild indigo (Tephrosia purpurea )
i) It is suited for hard coarse gravelly textured soil and poor soils.
ii) It is used as a green leaf manure also
iii) Self grown crop when sown once
iv) Suitable for unirrigated orchards like mango, sapota
v) Nutrient composition (%) crop : 1.8N , 0.1 P and 0.3 K ; leaf : 3.2 N, 0.1 P and
1.2 K
5. Pillipesara ( Phaseolus trilobus )
i) Regular green manure , minor pulse crop and fodder crop ( triple purpose crop )
ii) Popular green manure crop for black and alluvial soils
iii) It has good ratooning capacity
iv) The crop could be incorporated in to the soil after two cuttings for fodder
v) Yield : 3-5 tonnes ha-1
vi) Seed rate : 35 kg ha-1

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vii) Chemical composition (%): 3 N,0.1 P and 0.3 K

6. Horse gram (Dolichus biflorus)
It is suitable as green manure crop for poor and hard soils . It can also
withstands drought . Seed rate is 35 kg ha-1 and yield a green matter of 3.5
tonnes ha-1
II. Green leaf manuring:
Green leaf manuring refers to turning into the soil green leaves and tender twigs
collected from shrubs and trees grown on bunds ,waste lands and near by forest
areas. The common shrubs and trees used are Glyricidia , Sesbania speciosa , Karanj
(Pongamia pinnata ) etc.,
Plants used as a source of green leaf manure are as follows
S.NO. Scientific name
1 Aeschynomene aspera
2 Azolla filiculoidea
3 Azolla pinnata
4 Calotropis gigantea
5 Cassia auriculata
6 Cassia siamea
7 Cyamopsis tetragonoloba
8 Ipomea carnea
9 Glyricidia maculate
10 Leucaena leucocephala
11 Pongamia glabra
12 Sesbania rostrata
13 Sesbania cannabina
14 Tephrosia purpurea
15 Tinctonia diversiflora

Advantages of green manuring (in situ):

1. Green manure crops can be chosen to suit the soil, season, water facility and
cropping pattern
2. Reduces expenditure on collection and transportation of green leaf
3. It is easy to incorporate the green manure crop in right time
4. It reduces the loss of nitrogen from the soil
Limitations of green manure crops (in situ)
1. There must be sufficient time available for growing the green manure crop, nearly
2-3 months
2. Extra expenditure has to be incurred for growing green manure crop
3. Some of the green manure crops are of fodder value, they are liable for cattle tress
pass
4. They are susceptible for pests and diseases as such they may harbour them as
alternate hosts.
5. Need timely rainfall or irrigation etc., for growing
6. Seeds may not be available in time

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Advantages of green leaf manuring
1. All the quantity of green leaf applied is entirely an addition to soil –neither the
moisture nor nutrients are utilized from the soil
2. There is no fear of spread of pests and diseases
3. It can be adopted at any time irrespective of the season
Limitations of green leaf manuring:
1. The green leaf is not available every where except in forest regions and waste lands
2. Green leaf which ever is available has to be used without choice
3. Green leaf may not be available sufficient quantity in all seasons
4. Extra expenditure on collection and transport has to be incurred
Criteria for green manure crop
1. Capacity to fix atmospheric N in good amounts in symbiosis with micro organisms
2. Plethorcity of vegetative growth (heavy foliage)
3. Succulent vegetation with limited fibrous material
4. Deep root system to open the soil-for recycling of nutrients
5. Short duration with maximum and faster vegetative growth.

Advantages of leguminous crops:

Legumes have the capacity to fix nitrogen and generally decompose more
easily than others . Legumes come up better in poor soils where non –leguminous may
fail to put satisfactory growth.
Organic materials act as binding agents :
Organic materials acts as binding materials for holding soil particles as
aggregates. There are there groups of binding agents as identified by TISDELL and
OADES (1981)
1. Transient binding agents : These are plant and microbial products, rapidly
decomposed , having more polysaccharides. They are produced by plant roots as
mucigel or by bacteria as extra cellular components
2. Temporary binding agents : Fine plant root and fungal hyphae, mycorrhizal hyphae
.They accumulate in soil over a period of time and persist for months or even years
3. Persistent binding agents : Microbially resistant humic polymers derived from
decomposition of plant residues, bacterial cells and fungal hyphae associated with
Fe and Al in soils

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Lecture: 7 Definitions of penning, sewage, sullage, sludge and poudrette .Concentrated
organic manures – oil cakes, blood meal, bone meal, horn meal, fish meal, meat meal &
Guano

V.PENNING
Penning: Keeping the boven animals (cattle and sheep) in the fallow land after the
harvest of the last crop, throughout day /and or night provided with suitable food and
shelter.
Types of penning: There are two types of penning
I. Cattle penning
II. Sheep penning
I. Cattle penning :
Keeping the cattle in the fallow land after harvest of the last crop, throughout day
and night by providing them suitable food and shelter is called cattle penning .It is an
ideal practice of collection and storage of dung and urine directly in the field .Urine is
absorbed by soil while dung and litter are incorporated in situ . Losses in storage and
collection are avoided by penning. Cattle are shifted from one field to other field once in
2-3 days for covering the maximum area . The dung and urine are uniformly spread and
ploughed in it. The period congenial for cattle penning varies from 3-6 months i.e., form
January –June or March to May depending on the extent of non cropping period.
Cattle penning is largely done for seedbeds of rice, root crops, sugarcane,
vegetable etc., which require very heavy manuring. It is one of the oldest practice
followed in India .About 800-1000 cattle per acre are penned which would be equivalent
to 10-15 tonnes of cattle manure per acre [Composition (%): 0.5 N, 0.25P and 0.5K].

II. Sheep penning :

It is a popular practice followed in drier regions of Andhra Pradesh .Flocks of
sheep and goats are penned in the fields during nights and allowed to graze during day
time .The flocks are frequently disturbed during nights to increase droppings as they
tend to void droppings when disturbed .The sheep penning is generally adopted for
cash crops like vegetables, tuber crops, chillies and sugarcane .
Penning about 2000 heads per acre is the common practice. Sheep and
goat manure are relatively lower in moisture content and higher in nutrient value than
cattle manure .Average nutrient composition (%) of sheep and goat manure 1.93 N ,
0.6 P and 1.90 K .
Some of the other organic (bulky) manures are obtained from the solid excretions
from piggery, poultry and Human excreta (Night soil)
I. Pig manure: It is collected in dry state stored and extensively used whenever it is
available for rice, banana, and vegetables .The percent nutrient composition is 3.7
N,1.4 P and 0.3 K.
II. Poultry manure: It has been become popular consequent to the rapid growth of poultry
industry .It is used for extensive cropping such as rice, sugarcane and chillies .The per
cent nutrient composition of poultry manure is 0.9 N,0.8P and 0.5K.

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III. Night soil: Human excrements both of solid and liquid material put together constitute
Night soil. It is a rich source of N and P than cattle dung.
S.No. Nutrient Human excreta Relative values in
nutrients supply(kg terms of cattle dung
/person /year) (kg /cow /year )
1 N 4.7 2.9
2 P 2 O5 1.1 0.8
3 K2 O 1.0 2.3

VI. POUDRETTE
It is the product obtained from night soil without any admixture of other organic
waste materials . Night soil is spread in thin layers over which copper sulphate and
soil are lightly spread .The mass is periodically racked up and re-spread till dry .It is
called poudrette .When it is properly prepared looks like a reddish loamy soil and in
dry, powdery and devoid of offensive smell .

Night soil digestion: CPHERI (Central Public Health and Engineering Research
Institute), Nagpur is working on night soil digestion, it provides
i) In offensive sludge with undiminished fertilizer value
ii) Gas and electricity for rural areas
Night soil can be digested in a 230 sq .feet (6.5m3) digester without any fly or
odour nuisance in an unheated open tank with manual stirring
Design criteria for night soil digester
A. Capacity : 3-6 m3
B. Raw night soil : water : 2:3
C. Gas yield : 3 m3 /100 persons
D. Calorific value : 5558 K.Cal/ m3 gas
E. Horse power generated for 100 persons : 2.0
F. Manurial value on dry basis (%): 3-5 N, 2 to 4.4 P2O5 and 0.7 to 1.9 K2O

The sludge in the night soil digester is removed in a week or two .The sludge can
be spread on a drying bed of 3-5m3 /100 persons where it can dry and be removed for
use as manure .
The composition of gas(%): 65 CH4 , 34 CO2 and 1 others on volume basis. Gas is
used for running pump sets and street light lamps.
The supernatant liquid from the digester is mixed with garbage and compost and
used as manure.
Full scale night soils digester exists in Ernakulam in Kerala state is capable of
serving 20,000 people .One of the best village organization viz., Koroda Gram
Panchayat in Maharastra has installed for night soil digestion where lavatories were
constructed in such a way that night soil can be directly taken to a centrally located
digester.

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VII SEWAGE AND SLUDGE
SEWAGE:
Sewage refers to the used up water from towns and cities collected though a
drainage system. It consists of solid and liquid excreta and liquid wastes from kitchen
and bath rooms. It also contains animal vegetable and mineral matter in suspension,
solution and colloidal state .It is the mineral matter that makes the purification difficult.
SEWERAGE: Sewerage is the pipe system that carries the sewage for disposal
SULLAGE: Is the water drained from the kitchens, bathrooms and drainage water of the
streets (open canal)
EFFLUENT: It is the clear supernatant liquid obtained after aeration during
sedimentation process in the septic tanks of the activated sludge process . It is fit for
irrigation and rich in N.
SLUDGE: Sludge is he sediment that settles down in the activated sludge process .It is
dark and powdery material with good manurial value.
ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS
In this process, the sewage is diverted outside the town or city and processed
.There is specially constructed plant consisting of series of tanks fitted with pipes at
different levels and the compressors to pump air under pressure .The following is a flow
diagram for activated sludge process
Sewage (From towns and cities)

Passed on to
Number of sieves
To remove glass pieces, porcelain
pieces stones etc., and other big
Fluid portion ismaterials
diverted to
Large tanks FeCl2 or FeSO4
added to activated iron

Here the aerobic bacteria Here fluid is subjected to aeration

becomes active and prevents under pressure through pipes at
putrefication different levels and material is oxidized

Here all the suspended

colloidal mater is precipitated
Which hasten the precipitation

Fluid is then led to

Settling tanks to facilitate precipitation

Supernatant liquid is further passed to

Here accumulated sludge is
removed, pressed into cakes
dried and sold as manure out turn
was 15 %
Aerated tanks for further aeration and precipitation

Secondary sludge
Water useful for irrigation

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Out turn of the sludge is 15 per cent of entire sludge handled. Manurial value is 3.5% N-
1.0% P2O5 - 0.5 to 1.0 % K2O
Advantages:
1. Maintain proper sanitary conditions
2. Large quantities of manure and water useful for irrigation
3. Generates good income to the local bodies
4. Avoids pollution of adjoining rivers and seas.

B. CONCENTRATED ORGANIC MANURES

I. BONE MEAL :
Bone meal is a white to whitish material produced by treating the bones
obtained in abattoirs (Slaughter houses) .The bones are dried, crushed, degreased and
cleaned to obtain bone grist .Finely ground ,it serves as an organic N- P fertilizer.
Deamination: It is a process of removal of proteins from the grist which yields
deaminated bone meal. It is also referred as steamed bone meal .
Bone meal is a P-fertilizer of organic origin i.e., it contains Ca3 (PO4)2. It has
1.0 to 2.0 per cent N and 10-13 per cent P .In general young bones contain less P and
more nitrogen than older bones .
Bone meal has some residual effect. Rice and other cereals and other
orchard crops respond well to its application . It is particularly useful for soils high in Fe
and Al content and applied along green manures with advantage prior to sowing or
planting. It can be used for crops rather indiscriminately without fear of salt damage
(burning ) unlike chemical fertilizers.

II. HORN MEAL :

Horn powder, horn grist or horn chips can be obtained depending on the degree
of crushing and collectively termed as horn meal .This is a slow acting fertilizer of
Nitrogen containing 14 per cent N.
About 3-4 kg horn and hoof material can be obtained from each animal .Horn and
hoof meal manufactured in India annually to the extent of 14,000 tones provided horns
and hoofs of all the dead animals are collected and processed .
Horn and bone meal mixed fertilizers yield organic N-P depending on their
composition (N from Horns and P from Bones)

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III. BLOOD MEAL/ BLOOD POWDER :
Blood is collected from abattoirs (slaughter houses ) dried and ground. Two
types of dried blood are manufactured.
i) Red product: It is obtained by drying the blood with super heated steam and hot
air.
ii) Black product: It is obtained by evaporating the liquid blood over sand bath
subjected to higher temperatures .It is evenly causes the loss of N and causes
Charring.

Both red and black products are spread on the concrete floor covered with a net
and allowed to sundry . This powder is used as manure
Characteristics:
1) Blood meal absorbs moisture on exposure to atmosphere
2) Of all the protein organic manures, dried blood has the highest availability of N and
given a rating of 80 (i.e.,) it is 80 per cent as efficient as the inorganic N fertilizer in
providing the nitrogen to the crop.
3) An adult bovine (cow, buffalo /ox) gives 15 kg where as sheep or goat yields 1.5 kg
of dried blood.
4) About 30-40 kg of dried blood is obtained from 100 kg fresh blood.
5)The principal component of blood is N .Which is 10-14 % in slow acting form.

IV. MEAT MEAL :

It is also referred as TANKAGE obtained from rejected carcasses (meat
products) mostly meat and waste products such as leather scrap, feather,wool etc.,
.These materials are cooked in steel tanks under pressure of 2 to 7 kg / cm2 for 30-90
minutes. Addition of sulphuric acid (0.5%) facilitates hydrolysis at low temperature . It
is dark brown and fluffy material . It contains 7 %N , 1 to 5 % P and 3 to 10 % K .
Tankage has the rating of 60 per cent .
V. FISH MEAL :
The non-edible fish, fish carcasses and offels (parts of butchered animal) are
used to prepare fish meal .Such material are crushed or powdered after drying .The oil
is generally removed before the meal is ground and facilitate easy decomposition .It is
quick acting fertilizer suitable for all crops on all soils .It contains 7 to 8% N ,2 to 3 %
P2O5 -and 0.2 to 0.5 % K2O
VI. GUANO:
The name Guano is originated in PERU, from the word “HAUNO” to mean manure.
GUANO is a product of sea bird (Pelican, Gannets, and Albatrosses) excrement
covered over long periods and occurring in natural deposits. These birds live on islands
with no rain or vegetation along with the pacific ocean coasts of PERU and CHILE and
feed on abundant fish in the sea .These deposits may also have the excrements of
turtles and seals together with the remains of dead bodies of birds ,bone, feather,

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sand and gravel etc., guano deposits are up to 60 meters thick ,however only central
layer has a higher N-content . Guano has a colour varying from grey to dark brown,
physical characters vary with the age ,nature of deposit and amount of foreign material.
It contains 8 to 15 % N and 2 to 3 % P. The chemical constituents are mainly
ammonium oxalate and ammonium phosphate as well as calcium phosphates .There
are important admixtures besides 2-4 % K.

Raw guano is some times processed into guano fertilizer by acid decomposition
with sulphuric acid .This is called peru guano: 6+12+2 (N+ P2O5+ K2O). Guano also
occurs elsewhere as “cane fertilizer” produced by bats.
VII. OIL CAKES :

After removal of oil from seeds, the residue is made in to cakes. Oil cakes are
used as organic fertilizers as they are rich source of organic nitrogen in protein form. In
addition to N, small amounts of P, K and micronutrients . Oil cakes are classified into
two groups viz.,

i) Edible oil cakes: Suitable for cattle and poultry feeding and also as a manure
/fertilizer but not economical Eg. Groundnut , Gingelly cakes etc.,

ii) Non –Edible oil cakes: Suitable for crop fertilization. Eg. Castor cake ,neem
cake etc.,

Edible oil cakes serve as fertilizers, but their use is restricted due to economic
reasons .Composition of oil cakes are variable .Oil cakes are quick acting organic
manures .The decomposability increases with decrease in oil content .They nitrify in
about 30-45 days on addition to the soil .The rate of decomposition can be hastened by
grinding the oil cakes into fine powder and thorough mixing with the soil .

1) Castor cake :
it is also called as castor pomace. It is the ground residue of beans from which
oil has been extracted .it is poisonous to animals and used only as fertilizer .it is a by-
product in the manufacture of castor oil. It contains 5 to 6 % N , 1 % P2O5 and 1.0 %
K2O . It has got a rating of 75 per cent.
2) Neem cake :
Neem cake is prepared by crushing the neem seed (with shells) in expellers and oil
is separated . Neem tree is regarded as a “village dispensary” by virtue of its medicinal
and antiseptic value . Neem cake is useful for cash crops mainly due to insect repellant
or insecticidal properties owing to the presence of residual bitter and sulphur
.Comparatively it contains higher N. It cannot be used as a cattle feed due to its bitter
taste.

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Chemical composition of neem cake
S.No. Constituent Content (%)

1 Organic matter 84.5

2 Moisture 9.9

3 Carbohydrates 17.5

4 Protein 36.2

5 Fiber 11.7

6 Oil 18.2

7 Ash 6.8

8 N 5.8

9 P 0.46
10 K 1.12

Neem cake has also been used as coating material over urea super granules as the
former is reported to improve the fertilizer efficiency of soil applied urea .

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Lecture: 8 Biogas plant – Principles of operation and its advantages.
BIOGAS PLANT:

Working principle:
When dung or any other organic materials is fermented in absence of air, the
combustible gas methane is produced.
In biogas plant, the fermentation is carried out in a brick lined well which is filled
with dung made in to liquid slurry with water. This is then covered with an iron drum
introduced upside down in the well which serves to cut off air and provide the
necessary conditions for fermentation .The gas is produced in the form of bubbles
inside the drum which gradually fills up and begins to float and rise .The gas is then
taken through a wheel cock on the top of the drum and led to the kitchen by pipes and
burned through suitable burners . The gas production is maintained by adding 50 kg
fresh dung daily through a funnel pipe which carries the slurry to the bottom of the
well. The spent slurry (biogas slurry) over flows from the top of the well and collects in a
pit where it is periodically removed and added to the compost.
Pre –requisites for setting up a gas plant
1. A minimum of 45 kg dung should be available to operate the gas plant of 60 cubic
feet (2 m3) capacity. Medium size cow, buffalo or bullock yield 10 kg fresh dung and
roughly 5 animals are needed.
2. Night soil can also be used. Sixty (60) adults are needed for the above plant .This is
normally possible in case of hotels, hostels ,public lavatories etc.,
3. Normally the distance between gas plant and place where gas is to be used should
be with in 20 meters (Kitchen to gas plant ).
4. Besides cattle dung and night soil, piggery and poultry droppings if available in
sufficient quantities can also be utilized.
5. The gas plant should be located in open space in order to receive maximum
possible sunshine to ensure better fermentation and gas production.
Advantages of biogas plant:
1. The cow dung when processed through the gas plant yields enough gas
(combustible gas) for cooking lightening and good quality manure (methane free
manure).
2. The manure obtained from biogas plants has higher content of nitrogen (1.5 %) as
against 0.75percent found in FYM.
3. The thermal efficiency of cow dung bunt for fuel in usual manner is around 11 per
cent while it is 60 per cent when burnt in properly designed burners.
4. Biogas digest is very rich in humus content
5. The manure is free from offensive odour
6. It helps in improving the sanitation by preventing fly and mosquito breeding.
III. BIO-GAS SLURRY: Biogas slurry is also used as bulky organic manure produced
from bio-gas plant.

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Lecture: 9 Commercial fertilizers – Classification with examples –Nitrogenous
fertilizers- Manufacturing process and properties of major nitrogenous fertilizers viz.,
Ammonia
In this chapter mineral or chemical or inorganic fertilizer, their manufacture
including the chemical reactions involved, physical and chemical properties are
described .These chemical fertilizers are also called as commercial fertilizers.
A commercial fertilizer is defined as a material containing at least one of the
primary nutrients in assemble or available form to plants in known amounts.
Elements essential for plant growth:
Macronutrients: N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S
Micronutrients : Fe , Zn ,Cu ,Mn , Mo, B ,Cl, etc.,
Primary nutrients: N, P and K
Secondary nutrients: Ca, Mg and S
The mineral fertilizers are produced in plants (Industries or Factories) varying in
size from a simple operation run by a few people with modest investment to huge
plants involving heavy involvement requiring hundreds of trained personnel .The
technologies are complex.
Classification of fertilizers refer page no : 3
A. STRAIGHT FERTILIZERS :
Straight fertilizers are chemical substances that contain only one nutrient element
in absorbable form by plants. The straight fertilizers include 1) Nitrogenous, 2)
Phoshphatic and 3) Potassic fertilizers.
1. NITROGENOUS FERTILIZERS
Nitrogenous fertilizers are chemical substances that contain the nutrient element
nitrogen in absorbable form by plants chiefly as ammonium (NH4+) or nitrate (NO3-)
or which yield these from after conversion .
Origin and reserves:
1) Nitrogen reserves on the earth are abundant. The earth’s atmosphere consists of
nearly 80 percent of nitrogen by volume.
2) Deposits of natural nitrates present in vast areas in CHILE and PERU of pacific
coast of South America even up to 30 feet .The nitrogen containing salt of these
deposits are called chile salt peter.
3) Bulk of the nitrogenous fertilizers are produced synthetically from atmospheric N via
ammonia synthesis .Though plants are surrounded by atmospheric nitrogen
(N2).They can not split this highly stable molecule and convert it into utilizable forms
under normal pressure and temperature conditions . But this splitting (splitting of N2)
can be done only by certain microorganisms in the presence of specific enzymes .
4) Production of N fertilizers from atmospheric nitrogen requires energy i.e., for
producing 1 kg Nitrogen in the form of fertilizer it requires 40,000 Kilo Joules of
energy.

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Production of nitrogen fertilizers
Nitrogen fertilizers are produced by binding atmospheric nitrogen [N2] by any one
of the following process.
i) Ammonia synthesis by Haber –Bosch process
ii) Calcium cyanamide synthesis
iii) Nitrate synthesis by arc-gap process
Nitrogen fertilizers are produced essentially via ammonia synthesis with ammonia
being further processed in to various nitrogenous fertilizers.
The other two processes could not economically compete with the Haber and
Bosch process.
Classification of mineral nitrogen fertilizers
S.No. Chemical Form Fertilizer Chemical formula N
of Nitrogen Content
(%)
1 Ammonium [NH4+] a)Gaseous ammonia NH3 82
b)Ammonia water NH3 ,NH4 OH 24
c) Ammonium sulphate (NH4)2 SO4 21

2 Nitrate [NO3-] a) Calcium nitrate Ca(NO3)2 16

b)Sodium nitrate Na NO3 16
c) Ammonium sulphate (NH4)2SO4+NH4NO3 26
nitrate

3 Ammonium a) Ammonium nitrate NH4 NO3 35

+Nitrate
[NH4+] +[NO3-] b) Calcium ammonium NH4 NO3 +CaCO3 25
nitrate

4 Amide [-NH2] CO(NH2)2 46

a) Urea
CaCN2 22
b)Calcium cyanamide

Note : For the sake of convenience ,the list of mineral fertilizers also include urea, an
organic compound which yields mineral N after conversion in the soil .
Manufacturing process:
AMMONIA:
The production of ammonia (NH3) a simple compound of hydrogen and nitrogen
is the basis for nitrogen industry .The first full scale ammonia plant was established in
1913 by FRITZ HABER and CARP BOSCH at OPPAU, Germany for Badische, Anilin
and SODA –FABRIC A.G (BASF) .The process is called Haber –Bosch process.
In the Haber –Bosch process the reaction between molecular atmosphere
nitrogen and hydrogen, the hydrogen is obtained by dissociation of water, or from
natural gas etc., takes place at a pressure of 200 atmospheres and a temperature of
550 0C .
200 atm
N2 (g) +3H2 (g) 2NH3 (g)
5500C

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Synthesis of ammonia being an exothermic reaction produces heat, so, that
production of N2 and H2 requires large quantities of energy. As such production of
ammonia is mainly a energy problem.
Raw materials:
Besides atmospheric air being the source of N2 ,the other raw material used as
a source for H2 in the manufacture of ammonia include water , natural gas ,naphtha
,fuel oil or heavy petroleum fractions , coal and coke oven gas.

i) Water :
The electrolysis of water to generate H2 requires an electric power of 4.40 to 6.00
K.W/m3 of water .This method is adopted wherever abundant supply of electricity is
available and cheep. Only one fertilizer plant at NFL (Nangal Fertilizer LTD.,),
Bakranangal (Punjab) uses this process in India.

ii) Natural gas :

The composition of natural gas varies with location .About 64 % of ammonia
produced in the world is from natural gas .Natural gas is a mixture of gases viz.,
methane ,ethane ,butane , propane ,pentane and CO2 etc., of all these gases methane
constitutes major portion varying 74 to 94 per cent by volume .Higher the concentration
of methane lower will be C:H ratio requiring smaller purification unit .

iii) Naphtha :
The light distillate fraction of petroleum with a maximum boiling point (B.P.) of
0
215 C is called Naphtha, which is produced during the refining of crude oil .Naphtha
contains hydrocarbons such as a) paraffin (79%) b) Olefins (1.0%) c) Naththanes(14
%) d) aromatics (6%) .It has C:H ratio by weight around 5.48 .About 75% of nitrogen
produced in India utilizes NAPHTHA.

iv) Fuel oil ( or) Heavy petroleum products :

Fuel oil contains various products obtain from primary distillation and cracking of
crude oil .Example : low sulphur heavy stock (LS HS) and heavy sulphur heavy stock
(HS HS) .Any of these fractions can be used to produce hydrogen gas.

v) Coal :
Coal contains hydrogen gas varying from 4.5 to 6.0 % by weight and carbon 79
to 85% by weight, besides sulphur to the extent of 0.3 to 6.0% depending on the
location of this natural resources. Fertilizer plant at Ramagundam (Andhra Pradesh) is
based on coal gasification to produce hydrogen

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Vi) Coke oven gas : Coke oven gas consists of gases (%) H2 (52.6), CH4 (28.9), CO
(7.5) CO2 (3.5) and produced during coal carbonization in steel industry.
Manufacturing process of Ammonia:
The process of ammonia synthesis involves four successive steps viz.,
1. Gasification
2. Conversion of CO to produce H2
3. Gas purification
4. Synthesis
The first three steps are beyond the scope of the course.
I. AMMONIA [or gaseous ammonia] :
Ammonia synthesis is carried out at elevated temperature of 550 0C and pressure of
200 atmospheres by passing N2 and H2 mixture (1:3 mole ratio) over an activated iron
oxide catalyst. This process is carried out in a typical NH3 synthesis reactor . It is a steel
cylinder of 80-140 cm diameter and 10-18 meters height, provided with a catalyst
container which helps for dissipating the heat expelled.
200 atm
N2 (g) +3H2 (g) → 2NH3 (g)
5500C
(Over the activated catalyst)
Physical properties of ammonia:
1. Ammonia is a colour less gas with a pungent odour ,when concentrated ,it is toxic to
humans and plants . But it is a plant nutrient and in dilute form is harmless to
humans
2. One kg of ammonia contains 0.82 kg of nitrogen at 10 0C the gas exerts a pressure
of 34.10 kg /inch 2 while the pressure at 38 0C is 89.50 kg / inch 2 .It is stored in steel
or plastic tanks that can with stand the pressure of 120.4 kg / inch 2.
3. Ammonia is handled on liquid under pressure and is released as a gas through an
ammonia resistant hose into the soil. Copper and brass fittings reacts with ammonia
and should not be used.
4. Ammonia contains 82 per cent nitrogen by weight.99.5 per cent nitrogen fertilizers
are made from ammonia .It is the cheapest N-fertilizer to manufacture.
5. Ammonia is soluble in water up to 30% by weight .This gives a low pressure
solution containing 24 per cent nitrogen called AQUA AMMONIA.
6. Ammonia is weak alkali. Ammonia and aqueous ammonia both being alkali
(basic),the immediate effect of addition to soil is to raise the soil pH to above 9.0 in
the zone of application .

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7 . Ammonia reacts with clay, organic matter and soil moisture. In warm aerated soil
,microorganisms convert the applied ammonia to soluble nitrates after few days
.The nitrate ions thus formed combine with Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ and moves towards
the growing root or percolating water .Thus ,the final effect of ammonia is to reduce
the basicity of the soil and to increase concurrently the soil acidity . One kg
nitrogen applied as ammonia will require 1.8 kg of lime for neutralization .
II. Aqua ammonia [or aqueous ammonia] :
Manufacturing process:
It is the addition of anhydrous ammonia to water. The operation requires facilities
for proportioning the flow of water and ammonia .Cooling is required to remove heat of
absorption and measuring the concentration of aqua ammonia.

Physical and chemical properties of aqua ammonia:

1. Aqua ammonia is colour less solution with pungent odour, normally containing 20 %
N . One liter of water can dissolve 700 liters of ammonia at 20 0C.
2. It is a non pressure solution which contains no free ammonia.
3. It can be handled and stored without the use of high pressure tanks and equipment.
Ammonia application to soil
The system consists of
1. Nursery tank
2. Ammonia application
3. Ammonia transferring system to till the applied from nursery tank and
4. Tractor to pull tank.

Ammonia is applied at 8” depth in the soil just below the tillage zone

Hot compressed NH3 is stored in the nursery tank

Anhydrous NH3 expands in the converts and doing so, it freezes, separating
the liquid ammonia from vapour

The liquid ammonia flows due to gravity through hoses and gas in the soil.

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Lecture : 10 Manufacturing process and properties of Ammonium sulphate, urea and
calcium ammonium nitrate.

III. AMMONIUM SULPHATE [(NH4)2 SO4 ] :

Introduction:
It is the oldest synthetic fertilizer .The production of Ammonium sulphate is
related largely to the production of steel , a coke consuming process.
Manufacturing process:
I. By product Process
II. Gypsum process
III. Neutralization process
I. By product process : [Raw materials Coal and Sulphuric acid ]
In iron and steel production when bituminous coal is subjected to destructive
distillation i.e., heating coal to 1800 0F (982.2 0C) in the absence of air, coke is
obtained which is used for iron and steel industry. During this process coke oven gas is
evolved which contains 10 per cent
ammonia by volume ,besides the admixtures like CO , H2 CH4 ,water vapour
finely divided tar particles and hydrocarbons etc., One tonne of coal burnt yields about
2-3 kg of ammonia .This coke oven gas is cooled and bubbled through water ,when
liquor ammonia is formed ,which is distilled and passed into saturators containing
weak H2SO4 .Ammonium sulphate [(NH4)2SO4] crystals are formed in the saturators are
removed centrifuged ,washed and drained.
Reaction: 2NH3 (g) +H2SO4 → (NH4)2 SO4 (salt) Energy 67.71K.cal/kg
Flow diagram
Bituminous
coal
Subjected to destructive distillation i.e.,
heating coal to 1800 0F or 982.2 0C

Coke oven gas Used for steel industry

+coke
Contains 10% ammonia, CO, H2, CH4 ,water
vapour, tar ,hydrocarbons etc., One tonne gives
2-3 kg NH
Ammonium in coke oven gas

Cooled ,bubbled with

Liquor
ammonia
Distilled and passed through
Saturators contains weak H2SO4
Slurry crystallized

(NH4)2SO4 Removed
centrifuged washed

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II. Neutralization process: [Raw materials NH3 and H2SO4]
In this process, gaseous ammonia produced in Haber and Bosch process is directly
neutralized with sulfuric acid to produce ammonium sulphate. The chemical reaction is
exothermic.
Reaction: 2NH3 (g)+H2SO4(liquid ) → (NH4)2SO4 (salt) +67.710 k.cal /gram mole
Neutralization of ammonia by sulphuric acid takes place in reactor and the
resultant slurry is transferred to crystallizer, where the heat of neutralization is
advantageously utilized to evaporate the water in the slurry. Ammonium sulphate
crystals are taken out from the bottom of the reactor and centrifuged. The crystal growth
is regulated by air flow, time and temperature.
III. Gypsum process or leuna process: [Raw materials : NH3 ,CO2 and Gypsum )
In this process anhydrous ammonia is absorbed in water in a tank and CO2 is pumped
at 5 atmospheres .The resulting Ammonia carbonate is made to react with Gypsum
(Calcium dihydarate; CaSO4 2H2O) suspended with water on double decomposition
reaction, ammonia sulphate and calcium carbonate are formed .The calcium
carbonate being insoluble ,precipitated out ,the ammonium sulphate solution is filtered
out, and crystallized by evaporation .
Reactions:

NH3 +H2O⇋ NH4OH + 8.32K.Cal/g.mole

2 NH4OH +CO2 → (NH 4)CO3 + H2O +22.08 K Cal /g.mole

(NH 4)CO3 + CaSO4 2H2O ⇋(NH4)2SO4 + CaCO3 +2 H2O+ 3.9K Cal/g.mole

Advantage of this process over other processes
1. In countries where sulphur supplies are meager and natural resources of gypsum
are present ammonium sulphate can be produced without purchasing sulphur from
abroad.
2. The by product CaCO3 could be utilized for the manufacture of Calcium Ammonium
Nitrate (CAN)
Flow diagram

CO2
Pumped at 5 atmosphere

Anhydrous NH3+ water tank

Ammonium carbonate

(NH4)2CO3+ gypsum

Double decomposition

(NH4)2SO4+CaCO3

Ammonium sulphate solution filtered and crystalized

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Physical properties:
1. It is white crystalline salt, but commercial product has light yellow to grey colour with
free flowing character.
2. Thiocyanates when present are toxic to plants.
3. No problem in handling and storage ,if it contains some powdered material ,it cakes
(stored in polythene bags )
4. Bulk density of (NH4)2 SO4 is 876.60 kg /m3
Chemical properties:
1. Ammonium sulphate fertilizer contains 20.6 per cent N and 23.45per cent sulphur
(It is a acid producing fertilizer )
2. Soluble in water at ordinary temperatures .Solubility at 0 0C is 70.60g/100 grams of
water and at 100 0C is 103.80 grams /100 grams of water.
It has free acidity (pH =5.0) of 0.025 per cent by weight .One kg of N applied as
Ammonium sulphate fertilizer required 5.1 kg of lime for neutralization

IV. CALCIUM AMMONIUM NITRATE (CAN):

Calcium ammonium nitrate in one of the major straight N - fertilizer produced in

India .It is also called as Lime Ammonium Nitrate.
Raw materials:
1)Ammonia 2) Nitric acid 3) Limestone or Dolomite 4) Soapstone(essentially
magnesium silicate)

Manufacturing process:
Anhydrous ammonia and nitric acid are heated to 85 0C and 65 0C respectively
by means of a steam vapour in a neutralizer, when ammonium nitrate liquor of 82 to 83
percent concentration is obtained .It is further concentrated to 92 to 94 per cent by
heating with steam in a vacuum concentrator and stored in a tank.
NH3 (g) +HNO3 (liquid) → NH4NO3 (liquid) + 26 K.cal./g.mole
The concentrated ammonium nitrate solution is (92-94 %) sprayed in a
granulator fed with the weighed quantity of lime stone powder ,when hot granules of
Calcium ammonium nitrate are obtained .They are dried in a rotary drier by hot air
and later screened to obtain the granules of proper size .They are cooled in a rotary
cooler by air , and coated with soap stone dust (Talc) in a coating drum. The final
product is a mixture of calcium carbonate and ammonium nitrate.
NH4NO3 +Ca CO3 → NH4NO3 CaCO3
Physical properties:
3. CAN is an easy flowing granular material (size 1 to 4 mm )

4. Addition of calcium carbonate (lime powder) during the manufacture of CAN improve
handling character and reduced the explosive and hygroscopic nature of ammonium
nitrate.

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Chemical properties:
1. CAN contains 25 per cent nitrogen with equal quantity of each NH4+ and NO3- forms
of nitrogen (12.5% and 12.5%)
2. It is a neutral fertilizer and leaves neither acidic nor basic residues on soil
application
3. It contains 8.1per cent of calcium and 0.5per cent by weight of calcium nitrate
4. It is readily soluble in water
Flow diagram:

Anhydrous NH3 pre heated to HNO3 preheated to

85oC 65oC

HNO3 liquor (82-83%

conc)

In vacuum concentrated
Concentrated to 92-94%
with steam

is sprayed into a
Concentrated NH4NO3 granulator
solution

41 quantity of lime
Granulated with weighed

Hot granules of CAN

Dried in rotary drier

Screened to granules of proper size

Cooled in rotary

Coated with soapstone Final product of CAN

V. UREA [Carbamide (NH2CO NH2)] :

Urea or carbamide as it is sometimes called "non-ionic" nitrogen compound used as a
fertilizerfor crops and also as protein supplement in the feed of ruminants (farm
animals).
It is the most important N-Fertilizer constituting nearly 91 per cent of the total production
of nitrogen in India.
The major reason for its rapid growth is its very high nutrient content (46% N).

Raw materials : 1) Ammonia and 2. Carbon dioxide

F.WHOLER (German chemist ),first prepared urea in the year 1828 [Commercial
production started in 1922] by isomerizaiton of ammonia cyanate .Since then numerous
processes have been developed for the synthesis of urea .All commercial processes
are based on the dehydration of ammonia carbamate .The chemical reaction is follows.

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180-200 0C
2NH3 +CO2 NH4CO2 NH2 NH2 CO NH2 + H2O
2500-3500 Psi (Ammonium carbamate) ( Urea )

[Psi: Pressure in pounds per square inch]

Manufacturing process
Liquid ammonia and carbon dioxide gas are pumped continuously into a
0
reactor maintained at temperature ranging 180-200 C and pressure ranging 2500 to
3500 Psi .The reaction is exothermic .The reaction product , is a mixture of urea
,ammonia, carbon dioxide , ammonium carbamate and water .The mixture then flows
in to a carbamate strippers, where liquid phase of urea , water containing small
quantities of ammonium carbamate ,ammonia and gaseous phase of ammonia,
carbon dioxide and water vapour are separated .The aqueous urea solution contains
around 70-80 per cent urea .It may be used directly in various nitrogen solutions ,but
must be concentrated to produce solid urea .
Biuret:
When concentrated urea solution is exposed to elevated temperatures i.e.,
greater than 100 0C during evaporation in prilling process biuret is formed by mixing of
two urea molecules ,which is toxic to plants. At a temperature of above 100 0C
NH2 CO2 NH2 + NH2 CO2 NH2 NH2 –CO-NH-CO-NH2 + NH3
Urea Urea Biuret
The urea solution concentrated to 99.70 to 99.80 per cent in a vacuum
evaporation and is finally dried by spraying in to a tower where it is solidifies in the form
of prills (or) granules.
Flow diagram
Liquid ammonia CO2

Pumped
Reactor temp.180-200oC
2500-3500 Psi
2500- 3500 Psi

Reaction product is mixture of urea, ammonia,CO2

ammonium carbamate and water

The above mixture flows

Carbamate strippers

Liquid phase
urea

Aqueous urea (70-80%) May be urea

Concentrated
Solid urea

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Physical properties:
1. White organic compound with low bulk density i.e., 0.7 kg /L

2. It is a solid fertilizer usually granulated to (1 to 2 mm)

3. Having specific gravity of 1.335

Chemical properties:
1. Synthetic protein, organic compound, richest source of N (46%) in amide form
among solid N fertilizers
2. Soluble in water and solubility is 100 g /100 g of water at 200C
3. Biuret content is about 1.5 per cent by weight
4. It is identical to urea found in animal urine.
What happens when urea is applied to soil
Conversion of urea in to ammoniacal and nitrate form is complete in about a
week. As such it is advisable to apply urea three to four days before sowing of any
field crop . Loss of nitrogen by leaching is less.
Urea is less acidic compared to ammonia sulphate .Since application of 100 kg
urea leaves acidity, which requires 80 kg of CaCO3 to neutralize it .Plants are capable
of absorbing most of the nutrients through their leaves. Being very soluble and highly
concentrated urea is most suitable fertilizer for spraying in the form of weak solution (3
to 6 %) .
Urea is easily hydrolyses to ammonia soon after its application to the soil in the
presence of urease enzyme by micro organisms and is converted to ammonium
carbonate and then by microbial oxidation into ammonium and nitrate and these forms
are absorbed by plant . Some of the ammonia and nitrate formed is lost due to
leaching , volatilization and denitrification and these losses are responsible for the
low recovery of urea by rice which is generally 40-50 per cent or even less.
NH2 CO NH2 + 2 H2O (NH4)2CO3

(NH4)2CO3 + 3O2 2 HNO2 + 3H2O + CO2

2 HNO2 + O2 2 H NO3

Urea being converted in to ammonium carbonate , the following reaction occur in the
soil

Ca++ Clay
Claycolloid
colloid + (NH4)2CO3 NH4 + Clay colloid + Ca CO3

Calcium carbonate is in soluble in water and therefore its loss is minimum.

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Urea is gaining importance as nitrogenous fertilizer because of the following
reasons.
Urea was first produced in India at SINDHRI (BIHAR) during 1959-60 . At present
urea is producing nearly 50 different locations in India.
1. High nitrogen content 44 to 46 per cent
2. Good physical condition
3. Less cost per unit of nitrogen in production, storage and transportation
4. Less acidic residual effect as compared to ammonium sulphate
5. Suitable for foliar application
6. Lack of corrosiveness
7. Agronomic value equal to other nitrogenous fertilizers
8. The biuret content exceeds 1.5 %, it is toxic to plants.

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Lecture:11 Phosphatic fertilizers –Rock phosphate –Uses – Occurrence, types
and properties. Manufacturing process and properties of SSP, TSP and Basic
slag

PHOSPHATIC FERTILIZERS

Phosphate fertilizers are chemical substances that contain the nutrient

element phosphorus in the form of absorbable phosphate ions (anions) or that
yield such phosphate anions after conversion
Origin and reserves:
The raw material of P-fertilizers are essentially rock phosphates from
phosphate deposits , phosphate ores and other P compounds .The deposits of
phosphate rock exists in nature because of the low solubility of the
compounds present . The composition of rock phosphates consists of various
apatites (Calcium phosphate) which are partly as magmatic and partly as
organogenic origin.
Magma : Weathering and decomposition of primary minerals
Organogenic : Bones ,Teeth of animals ,Guano deposits results in the formation
of apatites .
Large deposits of rock phosphates occurs in
i) North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia) in the form of organic crystalline
phosphate, especially in a soft earth ,finely crystalline form known as
gafsa phosphates.

ii) USA (eg.Florida apatite) in the form of pebbles.

iii) USSR in the form of hard earth, coarsely crystalline kola apatite

In India phosphate rock deposits have been found in udaipur in Rajasthan

and Mussoorie in Uttaranchal . Some deposits occur in Singbhum district(Bihar)
,Jhabhua district (M.P) ,Visakhapatnam district (AP) ,Tiruchanapalli (TN) .
Production of phosphate fertilizers
Mineral P-fertilizers are obtained by chemical treatment or fine
grinding of phosphates found in nature .Soft earth rock phosphates requires
grinding where as hard earth raw material require chemical treatment.This is
accompanied by
1) Thermal methods 2) Chemical methods using H2SO4 or other acids 3)
Combination of above two methods [1 and 2 methods]

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Classification of phosphatic fertilizers
Phosphatic fertilizers were classified by two ways .They are
I. Classification of phosphatic fertilizers based on relative solubility of phosphate

II. Classification of phosphatic fertilizers based on the form in which

orthophosphoric acid or phosphoric acid is combined with calcium.

I. Classification of phosphatic fertilizers based on relative solubility of

phosphate :

Based on the relative solubility, the phosphatic fertilizers are classified into
following three types
A) Water soluble phosphorus fertilizers
B) Water insoluble but citrate soluble phosphorus fertilizers
C) Water and citrate insoluble phosphorus fertilizers
A) Water soluble phosphorus fertilizers : Phosphorus in these fertilizers is
present in water soluble form. P is present in the form of monocalcium
phosphate Ca (H2PO4)2 . This form of P is generally regarded as the most
readily available to plants.
1. Single super phosphate (16-18% P2O5)
2. Double super phosphate (32 % P2O5)
3. Triple super phosphate (46-48% P2O5)
4. Higher content or concentrated super phosphate
5. Ammonium phosphate ( 20% N and 20% P2O5)
These fertilizers are suitable for neutral to alkaline soils and should be
applied at the time of sowing. Immediately after application , phosphorus
gets converted into insoluble dicalcium phosphate. Hence the P fertilizers
containing water soluble P should be applied in granulated form rather
than powdered form. Contact between soil and fertilizers should be
reduced. Hence pocketing of fertilizers is beneficial than broad casting.
Under acidic conditions, water soluble phosphoric acid gets converted into
un available iron aluminium phosphates.

B) Water insoluble but citrate soluble phosphorus fertilizers : Phosphorus

present in these fertilizers is soluble in 2% citric acid or neutral normal
ammonium acetate solution. P is present as dicalcium phosphate Ca2H2(PO4)2 /
CaHPO4
1.Basic slag (14 to 18% P2O5)
2.Dicalcium phosphate (34-39 % P2O5 )
3.Raw and steamed bone meal ( part of the P2O5 soluble in citric acid ) –
suitable for acid soils and lateritic soils

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The fertilizers of this group are particularly suitable for the acidic soils,
because with low pH citrate soluble phosphoric acid gets converted into
monocalcium phosphate or water soluble phosphate ,and there is less
chances of phosphate getting fixed as iron and aluminium phosphate.
Contact between soil and fertilizer should be more to solubilize the citrate
soluble P present in the fertilizer. Hence they should be applied as broad
casting to increase contact with soil.
C) Water and citrate insoluble phosphorus fertilizers : Phosphorus present in the
fertilizer is not soluble both in water and citrate solution containing insoluble
phosphoric acid or tri calcium Phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2

1) Rock phosphate (20 to 40 % P2O5)

2) Raw bone meal (20 to 25% P2O5)
3) Steamed bone meal (22% P2O5)
These fertilizers very well suited for acidic soils or organic soils, which require
large quantities of phosphatic fertilizers to raise the soil fertility.They should be
applied as broad casting to facilitate intimate contact with soil. They should be
applied one month before taking up the crop so that insoluble-P gets
solubilized by the time of sowing of crop.
II. Classification of phosphatic fertilizers based on the form in which
orthophosphoric acid or phosphoric acid is combined with calcium.

The phosphatic fertilizers can be classified broadly into three groups,

depending on the form in which orthophosphoric acid or phosphoric acid is
combined with calcium . They are:
1. Ortho phosphates Eg. MAP, DAP,UAP,SSP, Nitro phosphates
2.Polyphosphates Eg.Ammonium poly phosphate,Potassium poly phosphate

3.Metaphosphates Eg.Ammonium meta phosphate,Potassium meta

phosphate
Available Phosphorus : The sum of the water soluble and citrate soluble
values is taken as an estimate of the fraction of the total P which is available to
plants.
Total phosphorus : The total P is the sum of the available and citrate insoluble
fractions .It is determined by treating a sample of the original material with strong
acids and analyzing the solution for phosphates.

Manufacturing processes , physical and chemical properties of the

following four phosphatic fertilizers are described in detail below :
I. Ground rock phosphate
II. Single super phosphate
III. Triple super phosphate
IV. Basic slag

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I. Ground Rock Phosphate :

The World phosphate industry is based essentially on deposits of rock

phosphate – a fluoride bearing complex of calcium phosphates. The content of
rock is usually expressed in terms of its tricalcium phosphate [Ca3(PO4)2]
equivalent.
Four kinds of rock phosphate are recognized viz., 1) soft rock phosphate
2) Hard rock phosphate (Hard earth) 3) Land pebble phosphate 4) River pebble
phosphate .
The exposed rock phosphates are washed with water into the waste
ponds, where soft rock phosphates (soft earth) settle out with clay and other
impurities .The fractions remaining after washing i.e., hard phosphate rock , land
pebble phosphate are ground to pass to through 0.14 mm sieve (100 mesh
screen ) either in a roller mill or ball mill and the resultant rock phosphate
powder is carried out a centrifugal separator by means of an air blower .The
product is discharged into a storage tank . The plant (industry) can grind about
50 tonnes of phosphate rock per hour .Previously waste ponds containing soft
phosphates and clay material is marketed under trade names in USA viz.,
Colloidal phosphates ,mineral colloids ,Calphos and phos-cal-oids .These
products are known in the fertilizer industry as waste-pond phosphates.
Physical and chemical properties:
1.The fine powder of phosphate rock is known as float to mean un acidulated
ground rock phosphate

2.The mineral in phosphate rock is apatite which has the general formula
[Ca10 (PO4) 6 (F, Cl (OH)2 ( CO3)2 ]

3. Contain about 10-16 % P and varying amounts of lime (7-10% Ca CO3) and,
silica fluoride [3-4% F] iron and aluminum as impurities.

4. It has no practically water soluble phosphates (10 -7 molar P), but less than
30% of P is soluble in 2.0% citric acid solution.

5. Waste pond phosphates contain 7-9 % P out of which 1 to 2 % phosphate rock

is soluble in 1 N neutral ammonium acetate.

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FLOW DIAGRAM

Rock fragments washed in water-soft rock Waste pond

settles
Marketed as Calphos or
waste-pond-Phosphates Remaining after washing Hard rock
Grounded in roller
mill
Passed
100 mesh
Centrifuge
Centrifuge separator

Rock phosphate storage tank

Action of rock phosphate on acid soils:

When finely ground rock phosphate is applied to acidic soils or to
soils containing high percentage of organic matter , Carbonic and nitric acids
present in the soil act on rock phosphate ,which is containing tricalcium
(unavailable ) and convert unavailable phosphate to mono calcium phosphate
or water soluble phosphate which is easily available to growing plants .It has
been observed reactions in the following manner .
[Ca3(PO4) 2 ] 3 + 6 H2 CO3 → 3 Ca (H2PO4) 2 + 7CaCO3
[Rock Phosphate [ Carbonic acid ] → [Mono calcium phosphate]
Containing
no fluoride] [Available]

Ca3(PO4) 3 CaCO3 +14 HNO3 → 3 Ca (H2PO4) 2 +7Ca(NO3)2 + H2 CO3

In general ground rock phosphate should be applied in large quantities of 500 to
1000 kg per hectare once in three years ,but should not be applied in small
quantities every year . It should be thoroughly mixed in the top soil with country
plough or disc harrow .
Strongly acidic soils are most suitable for direct application of rock
phosphates .Such areas are found in whole Kerala , Shimoga ,Mysore , parts of
Assam , Bihar ,Mussorie rock phosphate and Purulia rock phosphate have
been recognized by ICAR for direct application .

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Direct uses of rock phosphate [ R.P]
1) Around 90% of rock phosphate is used in the manufacturing of phosphatic
fertilizers :

Rock Phosphate

+H2SO4 +H3 PO4 +HNO3+NH3

↓
Triple super phosphate Nitrophoshates
Single super phosphate

+NH3 NH3 +K -sources

Ammo phosphates NPK complexes

Eg. MAP,DAP,UAP and APS

2) Direct use of Rock Phosphate [ R.P] is mainly for acid soils. Acidic soils
contain acids which react with rock phosphate yield monocalcium phosphate
(MCP) ,which is available to plants .

Use of Rock phosphate as direct application depends on the following

factors:
a) Soil reaction : Not applied in neutral and alkaline soils

b) Dose and time of application : It should be applied in large quantities once

in 5-6 years ,it should be finely ground

c) Plant Species: R.P. is useful for calcium loving plants like legumes .It should
be applied for long duration commercial crops.

d) Soil organic matter : Can be applied in soils containing higher amounts of

organic matter because acids are produced during decomposition , then the
tricalcium phosphate(TCP ) is converted to mono calcium phosphate (MCP) .

e) Organic manures: R.P can be applied along with un decomposed organic

materials like green manures because during decomposition acids are
secreted .

f) Phosphocompost: Applying rock phosphates along with phosphorus

solubulizing bacteria with or without sulphur and sulphur oxidizing bacteria.
During the decomposition process of plant and animal sources (residues) is
called phosphor compost . Acids produced during composting convert TCP to
MCP.

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g) Phosphate solubulizing bacteria: When RP is applied to neutral soils, it is

applied with phosphorus solubulizing bacteria.

h) Fertilizers: It can be applied along with acid producing fertilizers. It is also

applied along with the SSP ,because MCP produces H3PO4 which in turn
converts TCP in R.P to MCP.

i) Biosuper : Super phosphate produced by biological organisms . Application

of R.P. along with sulphur or without sulphur oxidizing bacteria .

S+2O2 SO4 -2
SO4 -2+H2O H2SO4
In this process sulphur get oxidized to sulphate and which, forms H2SO4,
which will be helpful in acidulation of Rock phosphate. Phosphate fertilizers are
those fertilizers which contain PO4 ion in plant absorbable form or which yield on
conversion.
I. NORMAL (Or) ORDINARY (OR) SINGLE SUPER PHOSPHATE [16%P]:
Super phosphate is a term used in reference to phosphates of which is in a
form readily available to plants
Single super phosphate is the oldest artificially produced fertilizer and its
manufacture dates back to 1842, when LAWES J.B prepared for the first time in
ENGLAND by treating Rock phosphate with sulphuric acid.
Manufacture process of single super phosphate
Raw materials: 1) Phosphate rock 2) Sulphuric acid
Single super phosphate is (SSP) is manufactured by mixing gravimetrically equal
parts of
sulphuric acid (75%) and rock phosphate of 0.14 mm [100 mesh seive]
There are two methods of preparation of SSP viz.,
i. Den process

ii. Continuous rock phosphate acidulation process

i. Den process:
Weighed quantities of Rock phosphate(0.14mm) and sulphuric acid (75% )
are mixed in a mixer, capable of handling 40-50 tonnes per hour, are allowed
to react for about a minute and the resultant slurry is dumped in to a
compartment known as DEN [100-300 tonnes capacity ] . In a few hours the
reaction goes to completion .Water ,carbon dioxide ,fluorine ,volatilize away
resulting in the reduction in the bulk of the material by retaining the material in
the Den becomes a hard block and removal is accomplished by means of

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mechanical excavators equipped with revolving knifes which cut into the block
and the disintegrated SSP is stored for 2 to 6 weeks to cure and attain the
desired physical condition .
ii. Continuous rock acidulation process:
This is a popular and latest process in which acidulation of rock phosphate
with sulphuric acid is done continuously in mixer provided with indigenous
metering (H2SO4) and weighing (RP) devices. The mixer is agitated for 2-3
minutes and is then discharged into an endless conveyer belt on which it
solidifies .The belt conveyer moves the blocks of hardened super phosphate
towards a revolving cutter which disintegrate the material .It is then transferred
to a storage bin and stored for 2-6 weeks to cure and attain the desired
physical condition .
The chemical reaction (Exothermic) involved in both processes are same
as represented below
Ca 10 [PO4]6 F2 +7 H2SO4 +3H O 3 CaH4(PO4)2 H2O + 7CaSO4 +2HF
[Super phosphate i.e.,Monocalcium phosphate ]
Three points are suggestive of the above equation viz.,
1) Phosphate originally present as apatite is converted into water soluble
Monocalcium phosphate

2) The by-product reaction is gypsum which is initially mixed with the

monocalcium phosphate

3) The reaction releases toxic hydro fluoric acid gas

Physical properties of SSP:

1) SSP is in granular form has bilk density 961.10 kg m-3 and is easy to handle

2) SSP is also available in powder form, it is not free flowing and being slightly
hygroscopic has a tendency to cake . Hydration of monocalcium phosphate
may be the cause for hardening SSP .It has grey colour and an acidic odour.

3) Free acid in the SSP, will usually rot the jute fiber bags and hence the fertilizer
has to be stored in polythene lined gunny bags or polyethylene bags.

Chemical properties of SSP:

1) SSP has 2/5 Mono calcium phosphate and 3/5 Gypsum by weight

2) SSP manufactured in India consists of two grades viz., Garde I: 16% P2O5 %
or (7%P) by weight of water soluble P2O5 and Grade II: 14% P2O5 or (6%P)
by weight of water soluble P2O5 .

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3) SSP also contains 21.0% calcium, 12% sulphur and traces of micronutrients
.Obviously it contains more sulphur (12%) than phosphorus (6 to 7%).

4) SSP has a pH of about 3.0

II. TRIPLE SUPER PHOSPHATE (TSP-contains 46 % P2 O5):

Factors for its popularity:

Its high plant nutrient content and its capacity to react with NH3 in the
production of multinutrient fertilizers .The ‘prefix’ ‘TRIPLE’ was first used
when SSP contained 16 % P2O5 and TSP contained three times as much as
48% P2O5 .
Manufacturing process:
Raw materials :
1.Rock phosphate 2. Phosphoric acid
TSP is obtained by acidulating finely ground phosphate rock (0.14 mm)
with phosphoric acid .
Ca 10 [PO4]6 F2 +14 H3 PO4 +10H2O → 10 CaH4(PO4)2 H2O +2HF
The method of manufacture is called CONE MIXER PROCESS.
The phosphate rock (100 mesh) is mixed with phosphoric acid (75%) in a
cone mixer in the acid –rock ratio (expressed as eh mole ratio of total P2O5 to
CaO in the acidulate) of 0.91 to 0.95.The resultant slurry is then fed to a belt
conveyer [as already described in case of SSP. An extended curing period of
about 30 days is required for the reaction to complete, for attaining described
physical condition]
Physical properties of TSP:
1) TSP in powdery form is not free flowing , has a tendency to form lumps on
storage . However, the granulated product has excellent handling and
storage characters and is free flowing .

2) It has bulk density 800-881 kg m-3

3) TSP is to be packed in polyethylene lined jute bags or multi wall paper bags to
prevent rotting due to free phosphoric acid .

Chemical properties of TSP:

1) The main phosphate compound present in TSP is monocalcium sulphate.
2) It contains 46% total P2O5 by weight and 36.8% minimum by weight of water
soluble P2O5
3) It has 3% free phosphoric acid
4) TSP also contains 12 to 16% of calcium and 1.0 to 2.0 % of sulphur.

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III. BASIC SLAG [(CaO) 5 P2O5 SiO2]:

Basic slag is a by product of steel industry . It also called as "Thomas slag"

named after the inventor of the production process ,the English metallurgist,
THOMAS (1877). Millions of tonnes of "slag" have been used as a source of P in
European Agriculture .
Manufacturing process:
Iron ores contains several impurities and phosphorus is one . Elimination
of phosphorus is essential for obtaining high quality steel. Steel with over 2 % P
is brittle .
Basic slag or Thomas slag is produced by open - hearth process.
In this process, the iron ore and lime are heated by means of producer gas in a
open hearth . Fluorospar a mineral [ Natural calcium fluoride ] is added at the
rate of 3.4 kg per tonne of lime to reduce viscosity of the slag. When the mixer
becomes red hot, the lime melts and unites with acid impurities including
phosphoric acid. The resulting compounds containing Ca, P ,Si , Mg and Mn are
lighter than iron ore and as such raise to the surface of the molten mass and are
poured off as slag . After the slag is cooled, become hard massive block .It is
crushed and ground to a fine powder .
Physical properties of slag:
1) Heavy ,dark brown powder, ground and pass through 100 mesh sieve

2) Has relatively higher density than any other fertilizer material

3) It is likely to solidify when exposed to moisture.

Chemical properties of phosphatic fertilizers:

1) The basic slag is a double silicate of phosphate and lime

2) The slag obtained from Indian steel industry contain only 3-8 % P2O5 .Being
low in P2O5 having highest viscosity ,it is not popularly used in Indian agriculture.

3) Being low in P2O5 it is currently enriched with rock phosphate and marketed as
pelophos which on analysis contains 11.0 % citrate soluble and 5.0% water
soluble P2O5

4) It is alkaline in reaction and has neutralizing effect equal to 70% CaCO3

equivalent .

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Lecture: 12 Potassic fertilizers –Mineral sources –Manufacturing process and
properties of Muriate of Potash and sulphate of potash -Mode of action of N, P
and K fertilizers in soils or reactions of fertilizers in soils

POTASSIC FERTILIZERS
The Latin / German word for the element with symbol K is" Kalium" .It is
derived from the Arab word "el-kali" means ash (Potash in English ,
Potassic in French).
The term potash generally refers to any salt used to provide fertilizer
potassium . In early days, potassium carbonate was produced from solutions
leached form wood ashes evaporated in iron pots, hence term potash meaning
"pot ashes" .
The crude potassium salts ( K-minerals with impurities ) were found in the
processes of drying up of sea water in former ocean basins which occur largely
during the permian period some 200 million years ago .The sea water salts
crystallized in the order of solubility i.e., (common salt ) NaCl, strata are overlain
by K-minerals . In course of time they were covered by many geological strata
and converted to a hard rock . Crude potassium salts are thus natural sea water
minerals .
Potassium content of earth crust is 2.40 % ,whereas the content of
phoshorus is only 0.11% .Potassium reserves are large .The large deposits of
potassium salts are in North America (Canada,USA) , USSR, West Germany
,East Germany and France in that order .The important potash minerals of the
world occurring as deposits and their chemical composition are given
Principal potash minerals of the world
S.NO. Mineral Chemical formula Approx.
Content of K (%)
1 Carnallite KCl MgCl2 6H2O 14.1
2 Kainite KCl Mg SO4 3H2O 15.7
3 Langbeinite K2SO4 2 Mg SO4 18.8
4 Nitre KNO3 38.6
5 Polyhalite K2SO4 MgSO4 2CaSO4 12.9
2H2O
6 Sylvite KCl 52.4
7 Sylvinite KCl NaCl 29.4

All the fertilizers potassium viz., KCl and K2SO4 used in India is imported
as on today. Recently Geological Survey of India has reported the occurrence o
f K-deposits in Leh (Jammu and Kashmir) and Bikanir (Rajasthan)which await
commercial exploitation . Potassium schoenite a double salt of K2SO4 and Mg
SO4 obtain from salt bitterns is recently being produced on a pilot scale at
Bhavanagar (Gujarat).

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Manufacturing processes of potassic fertilizers
Two types of potassium fertilizers are widely produced in India
I.Potassium chloride ( Muriate of potash)
II. Potassium sulphate (Sulphate of potash )
I. POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (KCl) [MOP] :
Potassium chloride is popularly known as muriate of potash [MOP] .The term
muriate is derived from muriatic acid ,a common name for hydrochloric
acid(HCl)) .It is the most important K-fertilizer used directly or in conjunction
with P and N fertilizers.
Raw materials:
1. Sylvinite (or) brine
Unlike phosphate rock , K mineral salts do not require heat or strong acid
treatment as they are water soluble.
Potassium chloride is recovered, from sylvinite adopting either of the two
processes viz.,
1. Crystallization process
2. Flotation process
1. Crystallization process :
Principle: Crystallization process employed in separating potassium chloride
from sodium chloride (Sylvinite: KCl .NaCl) is largely dependent on their different
solubilities in hot (100 0C) and cold (20 0C) water . The solubility of KCl
increases rapidly with a rise in temperature whereas the solubility of NaCl
varies very slightly .
Cool brine (20 0C) saturated with both the slats is heated to (100 0C)
and passes over the finely ground sylvinite ore, when KCl rich brine solution is
obtained .It is cooled by vacuum evaporation which produces KCl crystals,
which are centrifuged , washed ,dried and packed .The filtrate (brine rich NaCl)
is recycled for treating fresh ore.
2. Flotation process:
Separation of potassium chloride from its ore by mineral flotation is widely
practiced allover the world relative to the crystallization process.
Principle: Flotation is a separation process in which a solid treated with a
selective agent is suspended in an aerated aqueous liquid. The treated solid
adheres to the bubbles of air, and the froth is floated off the suspension. Non
floating material is removed as pulp. The sylvinite ore is a mixture of interlocked
crystals of potassium chloride and sodium chloride plus small quantities of clay
and other impurities.

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Raw material : Sylvinite ore
Sylvinite ore is ground to a particle size of 10 mesh
 Pulped in a saturated NaCl-KCl brine and scrubbed (Centrifuge) to
disperse clay and other impurities .
 The resultant slurry is thus deslimed in spiral classifiers to remove finely
divided clay slimes.
 Deslilming or removal of clay is the most important step since these
material consume large quantities of flotation reagents.
 The deslimed slurry relatively free of clay is treated with binding agents
such as starch or mannogalactan gums
 The reagents used for sylvinite flotation is a mixture of primary aliphatic
amine salts derived from beef tallow ,which selectively film the sylvinite
particle so that they will float
 The conditioned slurry is carried to flotation cells where air is drawn into
the slurry.
 The air bubbles attach themselves to the reagent treated sylvinite particle
in the pulp causing them to float to the surface as froth ,which is
mechanically skimmed off by paddles
 The concentrate rich in KCl is further purified by sending it to cleaner cells
to remove residual NaCl
 The MOP is separated from brine by centrifuging and drying in rotary
driers ,screened to a desirable particle size and finally sent for product
storage
Physical properties of MOP:
1) MOP in pure form is white crystalline salt. However, colour ranges from white
to red based on the impurities present in K minerals and methods of
refinement.
2) It has a solubility of 37 grams per 100 grams of water at 30 0C.
3) The crystalline MOP is not very hygroscopic ,flows freely and does not cake
4) Has specific gravity is 1.98.
Chemical properties of MOP:
1) MOP contains 58% by weight of K2O and about 47 % chloride
2) MOP is neutral in reaction and does not produce acidity and alkalinity on soil
application.
II. POTASSIUM SULPHATE( K2SO4) [SOP] :
The entire potassium sulphate fertilizer used in India is imported and it is
more expensive than MOP.

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Raw materials: 1) Langbeinite

The manufacturing process is of two types viz.,
1. Langbeinite process
2. Mannheim furnace process
1. Langbeinite process:
The ore Langbeinite is a double sulphate of potassium and
magnesium (K2SO4 2Mg SO4).
In this process Langbeinite is ground and dissolved in water and
concentrated solution of KCl (brine ) is added ,when the potassium sulphate
precipitates and is separated by centrifuging .The wet material is dried
,screened and sent to storage .The chemical reaction involved is
K2SO4 2Mg SO4 +4KCl → 3 K2SO4 +2MgCl2
2. Mannheim furnace process:
In this process, potassium chloride (KCl) is reacted with sulphuric acid in a
special furnace provided with rotary plough to form potassium bisulphate
(KHSO4) in exothermic reaction and to form potassium sulphate in endothermic
reaction .HCl gas is evolved as a by product which is cooled and absorbed in
water .Reactions that occur are
KCl +H2SO4 → KHSO4 + HCl→ [Exothermic reaction]
KCl + KHSO4→ K2SO4+ HCl → [Endothermic reaction]
Physical properties of SOP
1. Potassium sulphate [SOP] is a white crystalline salt, less hygroscopic as
compared to MOP and free flowing.
2. It has specific gravity of 2.66 and has a solubility of 13 g/100 grams of water
at 30 0C.
Chemical properties of SOP:
1. SOP contains 48 % K2 O and 18 % S by weight.
2. Like MOP, it is also neutral salt providing neither acidity nor alkalinity on soil
application.
3. The SOP is widely desirable .The chloride content of KCl effects the burning
quality of tobacco .Never use KCl (MOP) on tobacco crop.
Mode of action of N, P and K fertilizers in soils or reactions of fertilizers in
soils
I. Nitrogenous fertilizers
II. Phosphorus fertilizers
III. Potassic fertilizers

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I. Nitrogenous fertilizers:
1. Urea ( Refer fate of applied urea in soil)
2. Nitrate (NO3-) N fertilizers when applied to soil
i. Nitrate fertilizers raise the pH of the soil .These are superior in highly acid soil
ii. Nitrate fertilizes are immediately effective and as such are specially suited for
top dressing
iii.These are also suitable for moderately to slightly acidic soils
iv. Loss through leaching of Nitrate from soil are unavoidable but can be limited
by precise N-fertilization
3. Ammoniacal N fertilizers [NH4 +]
i) It is soil acidifier .It superior to neutral to very slightly alkaline soil.
ii) Application of NH4+ Fertilizers to alkaline soils (pH =7.5) resulting in losses
of gaseous ammonia .For this reason there are generally inferior in
alkaline soils.
iii) These are moderately quick in action. It becomes more mobile in the soil
only after conversion to NO3
iv) Soil acidification through some N-fertilizers viz ., Ammonium sulphate
,urea ,brings about changes in soil reaction .(pH) .It is advantageous in
soils with high pH ,since contain trace elements are better mobilized
through acidification .
v) NH3 has fungicidal action against normal fungi in the soil.
4. Amide form (urea )
In general N fertilizers are very rapid in action in soils .Salt damage to crops
occur due to heavy application of N fertilizers, which effects the absorption of
water and mineral nutrients. Fertilizers can act effectively only when soil has
optimum structure and soil reaction.
II. Phosphatic fertilizers:
i) Water soluble P-fertilizers lead to better P-absorption in the neutral soils,
whereas water insoluble P fertilizers are often superior in acid soils
ii) Fertilizers like SSP improves the soil structure because of its gypsum
component .It also have a slight soil acidifying action.
III. Potassic fertilizers :
i) Water soluble and as such act rapidly
ii) In the soil K-fertilizers first enters the soil solution, but most of it
directly absorbed on the complex and stored as loosely bound K and
easily available to plants.

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Lecture: 13 Complex fertilizers-preparation and properties of ammonium phosphates -
urea ammonium phosphates, ammonium Phosphate sulphates, ammonium
polyphosphates

The major plant nutrients supplied by fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium. The fertilizers that contain these three plant nutrient elements N P K is
designated as complete fertilizers according to fertilizer technology .However,
scientifically, such fertilizers are called as multi nutrient fertilizers. They are
guaranteed by the fertilizer industry, to contain more than one major nutrient
.However; they may or may not contain secondary nutrients such as calcium and
sulphur.
Multi nutrient fertilizers can be classified into two categories
I. COMPLEX FERTILIZERS
II. MIXED FERTILIZERS
I. COMPLEX FERTILIZERS
The fertilizers containing two or more major plant nutrients, which are in chemical
combination are called as complex fertilizers .They are solids and homogeneous in
nature that each fertilizer granule is guaranteed to contain two or more major plant
nutrients in a specified ratio .Their production involve homogeneous mixing of two or
more nutrient carriers in a slurry followed by granulation.
II. MIXED FERTILIZERS :
These are simply physical mixtures of solid fertilizer, material containing two or
more major plant nutrients .They are also called as bulk blended fertilizers .Each
individual fertilizer particle of this blend represented only one of the ingradients of
the mixture
The principle techniques involved in the manufacture of complex fertilizers
1. Acidulation
2. Ammoniation
3. Granulation
1. Acidulation: Is the process of treating the material with an acid .Eg.Treatement of
rock phosphate with sulphuric acid.
2. Ammoniation : Is the process of introducing ammonia into super phosphate to
obtain ammoniated super phosphate
3. Granulation : Is the process of making small size particles in to large granules or
pellets of about 2.3 to 4.3 mm .This technique is primarily intended to improve
handling and storage properties of fertilizers.

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I. COMPLEX FERTILIZERS
Chief characteristics of complex fertilizers:
1. They generally have a high content of plant nutrients .More than 40 kg per
100 kg of fertilizer .As such they are also called “high analysis” fertilizers.
2. They usually have a uniform grain size and have good physical condition.
3. They supply N and P in an available form to the soil in one operation
.Nitrogen is present as nitrate and ammoniacal form and phosphorus is
present in water soluble form up to 50 to 90 per cent of total P2O5
4. Though their manufacture is costlier to straight fertilizers, they are cheaper to
the cultivators when the cost is worked out on the basis of per kg of plant
nutrient.
5. Since complex fertilizers are high analysis fertilizers, transport and distribution
costs to the cultivators are less when worked out on the basis of per kg plant
nutrient
6. They are non-caking and non hygroscopic, thus safe for storage
The value of complex fertilizers is dependent on the following
considerations
a) The content of individual nutrients N, P2O5 , K2O
b) Their ratio of N to P2O5 or K2O
c) The form in which the individual nutrients are present
d) The resultant acid or basic residual effect
e) The contents of trace elements

Classification of complex fertilizers:

The complex fertilizers being produced in India can be classified into
A) Incomplete complex fertilizes
B) Complete complex fertilizers
A) Incomplete complex fertilizes: Contain only two major nutrients such as N and
P2O5 in chemical combination. They are of two types
I. Ammonium phosphates: May be present in the combination of mono or
diammonium salt or mixture of two .Most of these formulations are in granular
form
MAP 11:46,DAP18:46, AP 16:20 and UAP28:28:0
II. eg . Nitrophosphates eg. 20:20:0, 24:24:0
B) Complete complex fertilizers: Contains all the three major nutrients in chemical
combination .E.g. 17:17:17 and 19:19: 19

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1.AMMONIUM PHOSPHATES
Manufacturing process and physical and chemical properties of Ammonium
phosphates:
1. MONOAMMONIUM PHOSPHATE [MAP]
2. DIAMMONIUM PHOSPHATE [DAP]
3. AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE SULPHATE [APS]
4. AMMONIUM POLY PHOSPHATES [APP]
5. UREA AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE [UAP]
1. MONOAMMONIUM PHOSPHATE [MAP]
Raw material: 1.Ammonia 2) phosphoric acid
Manufacturing process:
Anhydrous ammonia is injected in to a large reactor containing liquid
phosphoric acid [45-52% concentration] in the 1:1 ratio (NH3 :H3PO4), when thick
viscous slurry of mono ammonium phosphate [MAP ] is formed .The reaction is
exothermic
NH3 + H3PO4 →NH4 H2 PO4
The slurry is carried to a spray drier, where it becomes a powdered material for
packing
Flow diagram
Anhydrous NH3
Injected to
Reaction with H3PO4 (45-52%) in 1:1

Exothermic reaction
MAP NH4H2PO4

Carried to
Spray

Powdered and packed

Physical properties:
1. Free flowing , non hygroscopic and white to dark grey granular material with
excellent storage without caking
2. Has specific gravity of 1.8
Chemical properties:
1. MAP contains 11%N and 52% P2O5 out of which 44% P2O5 is in water soluble
form.
2. 10 per cent solution of MAP has a pH of 3.5 to 4.0 .Thus it is acid forming
fertilizer requires 86 kg of CaCO3 to neutralize acidity developed due to 100
kg of MAP on soil application

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2. DIAMMONIUM PHOSPHATE [DAP]
DAP is a popular fertilizer in India
Raw material : a) Ammonia b) Phosphoric acid
Manufacture process:
DAP is manufactured by reacting anhydrous ammonia and liquid phosphoric
acid in 2:1 molar ratio .The chemical reaction is
2NH3 + H3PO4 → (NH4)2 HPO4
The preliminary neutralization of H3 PO4 with anhydrous NH3 is affected in
preneutralize.The resultant slurry containing MAP is sent to a granulator where it is
further ammoniated to obtain 2:1 molar ratio of product [NH3 or H3PO4]. It is dried
and screened and stored in bags.
Physical and chemical properties:
1. Free flowing and non –caking fertilizer
2. It contains 18% Nitrogen and 46% P2O5 out of which 41 per cent P2O5 is in water
soluble form.
3. 10% of DAP solution has a pH of 7.8
3. AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE SULPHATE [APS]
Raw material: 1.Ammonia 2) Phosphoric acid 3) sulphuric acid
Manufacture process:
APS is made by neutralizing the mixture of phosphoric acid and
sulphuric acids with anhydrous ammonia.
H3PO4 +H2SO4 + [4+2x] NH3 → 4NH4 H2 PO4 X (NH4)2SO4
The mixture of phosphoric acid and sulphuric acid can be introduced
in varying proportion to obtain different grades of the fertilizer .The slurry is
granulated ,dried and stored for use .
Physical and chemical properties:
1. APS is granular, non hygroscopic and free flowing with excellent storage
capacity.
2. It contains 16% N and 20% P2O5 [Grade -16:20-0] with almost entire P2O5
is water soluble
3. Acid forming fertilizer
4. AMMONIUM POLY PHOSPHATE [APP] LIQUID FERTILIZER
A relatively new to the field of ammonium phosphates is APP
Raw material: 1. Ammonia 2) Super phosphoric acid
Manufacturing process:
It is made by ammoniating super phosphoric acid [70%] .
The acid is kept hot prior to ammoniation as the concentrated acid
solidifies at ambient temperatures.

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Physical properties:
1. Ammonium poly phosphate is stored in a mild steel containers at 17 0C,
such a low temperature is essential to prevent salting out effect .
Prolonged storage in hot summer renders partial hydrolysis of
polyphosphates.
2. APP is more soluble than other P fertilizers
3. It has a viscosity of 80 centipoises at 240C.
Chemical properties
1. Green coloured near neutral solution [pH 6.0]
2. It has total P2 O5 of 65% in polyphosphate form
3. Polyphosphates are primarily pyrophosphates with the formula (NH4)3 H
P2 O7
4. It has the ability to form complex ions with some metal ions like Zn
5. It is used for production of complete liquid fertilizers and for direct
application.
5. UREA AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE [UAP]

Urea ammonium phosphate (UAP) is essentially made in order to enrich the nitrogen
content of ammonium phosphates. This is popularly called as URAMPHOS

It was first manufactured in India that in Andhra Pradesh at Viskhapatnam in
fertilizer Coramandal Ltd.,
Raw Material: 1) Phosphoric acid 2) Ammonia 3) Urea
Manufacturing process:
The process involves the reaction of phosphoric acid with the effluent of urea in a
rotary ammoniator .Two steps are involved.
1st step : The reaction between ammonia and carbon dioxide being partial ,results in
the production of effluent consisting of mixture of urea , N H3 ,water and C O2 .
2nd step: Phosphoric acid reacts with ammonia of the mixture to form urea ammonium
phosphate .The product is granulated, dried, screened, cooled, coated with a coated
agent and stored in a polyethylene lined gunny bags.
Physical properties:
1. Granular, free flowing, good handling and storage properties. Longer exposure to
high humidity results in caking.
Chemical properties:
1. UAP is manufactured in India consists of two grades viz., 28:28: 0 and 24:24: 0
containing N and P2O5, respectively.
2. UAP of grade 28:28: 0 contains 28% N of which is 9% is ammonical N for and
the remaining N is amide form [N H2].It also contain 28 % P2 O5 of which 25.2 %
is in water soluble form .For grade 24:24: 0 ,7.5% Nitrogen in ammonical form
and 16.5% N in amide form and .Of the 24% P2 O5 , 20.4% is water soluble form.

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Lecture: 14 Preparation and properties of nitro phosphates and NPK Complex
Fertilizers

II. NITRO PHOSPHATES

Nitro phosphates are also called as nitric phosphates .They are the fertilizers
derived from the digestion of rock phosphate with nitric acid by ammoniation of the
resultant slurry.
Raw materials: 1.HNO3 , 2. Phosphate rock and 3.Ammonia
Two methods are widely followed:
I. ODDA PROCESS
II. PEC PROCESS
I. ODDA PROCESS :
The phosphate rock is treated with HNO3 and the acidulate is cooled until
there is partial crystallization of calcium nitrate [Ca (NO3)2], which is removed by
centrifugation or filtration .The remaining solution is ammoniated and the slurry in
granulated to produce fertilizer containing ammonium nitrate and dicalcium
phosphate .
A) Ca10(PO4) 6 F2 + 14HNO3 + 3H2O 3Ca(H2PO4)2 +7 Ca(NO3)2 + 2HF
MCP
Ca(H2PO4)2 + Ca(NO3)2 + 2NH3 2Ca HPO4 + 2 NH4 NO3
DCP AN
II. PEC PROCESS [Potasse etal engrais Chemiques]:
It is also called as multi-acid process in which rock phosphate is treated with a
mixture of HNO3 + H2SO4 .In order to make the fertilizer as a source of sulphur as
well.
Ca10(PO4)6 F2 + 12HNO3 + 4H2SO4→ 6H3 PO4 + 4CaSO4 + 6 Ca(NO3)2 + 2HF
On ammoniation of the products obtained from the above reaction
6H3PO4 + 4CaSO4 + 6 Ca(NO3)2 + 2 HF +13NH3 5Ca HPO4 + NH4 H2 PO4 +4
CaSO4 +
DCP MAP
12 NH4 NO3 + CaF2
AN
Physical properties:
1. Nitrophoshates are granular ,free flowing fertilizers with good storage quality
,provided it is packed in multi wall paper bags
2. Dicalcium phosphate present in nitro phosphates is soluble in normal ammonium
citrate solution, but not in water, by using more sulphuric acid in the process,
greater portion of water soluble phosphate such as mono ammonium phosphates
is obtained.

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Chemical properties:
1. Nitro phosphates of grade 20:20 contains 20%N out of which 10.6% is in NH4+
form while 9.4 % NO3- form .As for phosphate it has 20% P2O5 in ammonia
citrate soluble form out which 5.4 % is water soluble form.
N P K COMPLEXES [Complete complex fertilizers]
N P K complexes are the fertilizers which are granular containing three major
plant nutrients .Different grades of these fertilizers are being manufactures in India
viz., 17-17 -17; 14-35-14; 14-28-14; 10-26 -26; 12-32-16 etc.,
Manufacturing process:
Raw material: 1) Ammonia 2) Phosphoric acid 3) Potassium chloride and 4)
urea
Ammonia and phosphoric acid are mixed in a specified proportion in the pre
neutralizer and the resultant slurry is pumped to a granulator [Rotating drum]
where nitrogen content of the product is enriched by adding more ammonia and
feeding in urea. Potassium chloride is also added to make up the required
formulation .Filler like sand or dolomite is also added to improve the handling
property of the fertilizer product.
Physical properties:
1. NPK complexes are grey or cream coloured granules .They are free flowing with
good storage properly
2. Exposure to high humidity however can cake hence to be packed in
polyethylene lined gunny bags
Chemical properties:
1.N P K complex grade 17 :17 :17
• It contains 5% ammonical and 12 % aminde N
• 15% water soluble and 2 %citrate soluble P2O5
• 17% water soluble K2O
3. Grade 14:35:14
• All N in ammonical form 14%
• 29% water soluble and 6% citrate soluble P2O5
• 14 % water soluble K2O
Salient feature of complex fertilizer: If we analyze any granule from particular
grade, it should contain the same ratio with respect to N, P and K

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Lecture: 15 Mixed fertilizers and amendments – Advantages and disadvantages
over straight fertilizers. Compatibility of fertilizers

MIXED OR BULK BLENDED FERTILIZERS

Mixed fertilizer: Mixed fertilizers are simply physical mixture of solid fertilizers
materials containing 2 or more major plant nutrients .Each individual particle of this
blend represents only one of the ingredients of the mixture.

Bulk blending was started in 1947 .It has considerable potential in developing
countries that cannot afford plant (factory) facility to manufacture complex
fertilizers

Blending provides a convenient and economical means of mixing dry fertilizer
materials to produce specified ratios and grades of varying nutrient
percentage depending on the needs of the crops .
Production of mixed fertilizers
Raw materials:
1. Single or Triple super phosphate
2. Diammonium phosphate [DAP]
3. Ammonium nitrate
4. Urea and
5. Potassium chloride
Mixed fertilizers or fertilizer mixtures or bulk blended fertilizers (BBF) .Among
these names BBF is widely used
Based on the method of preparation of the BBF is studied as
I. FARM MIXTURES
II. MECHANICAL MIXTURES
I. FARM MIXTURES
The manually blended fertilizers are called “farm mixtures " .Implying that
they can be prepared by the farmers themselves based on the crop requirements .
Equipment Required for Farm Mixing:
1) Coarse screen 2) Grinder 3) Hard floor 4) Weighing balance and 5) Shovels and
spade
Method: The weighed quantities of fertilizer materials are spread in layers placing
bulky materials at the bottom of the floor ,followed by materials which are less
bulky .The materials are turn over number of times with spade to ensure through
mixing .The high grade or concentrated mixtures need to be diluted by mixing the
materials like sand ,soil ,saw dust or dolomite .In order to prevent salt damage on
their application to crops and to improve the physical condition to the farm mixture.
.The material used for this cause is called fillers .It is also desirable to mix the
fertilizers on the day of application or a day of application or a day before to avoid
caking .

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II. MECHANICAL MIXTURES:
These are prepared by mixing different fertilizer materials to obtain the required
grades of the product .Based on the preparation, these are studied in 2 ways
1) Dry process
2) Wet process
1) Dry process: Dry mixtures are prepared by mechanically mixing different
fertilizer materials to obtain the required grades of the product. Dry mixing does
not involve chemical reaction .The product can be obtained in pulverized form
(Fine powder )
Manufacture: (Pulverized mixtures)
In case of pulverized mixtures, the ingredients are weighed and put in the
rotary mixer, where the contents are thoroughly mixed for a specified time and the
product obtained is bagged and used immediately.
Disadvantages of pulverized mixtures:
The ingredients with different bulk density and particle size of the pulverized
mixers are very likely to segregate, there by cause uneven distribution when applied
to soil. SO, if the mixtures are pulverized state they don’t flow properly.
2. Wet process :
By using this method Granular mixtures are prepared
GRANULAR OR GRANULATED MIXTURES:
Manufacture: Granulated mixtures are prepared by moistening the ingredients with
small quantity of water or steam .In this process ,the ingredients are stored in the
process bin from which proportionate quantities of the materials are fed to the
weighing hopper .These are later ground ,mixed in a rotary mixer and sent to
granulator ,where the material is exposed to water vapour (steam) to obtain
granulated product ,which is dried, screened and packed into multi-wall paper bags
When compared to pulverized mixtures, granulated mixtures have a less
caking tendency and are less dusty and easy to apply to the fields.
Advantages of granulation
1. Every granule is complete in plant food containing major nutrients in balance
quantities
2. This ensures easy and uniform absorption by crops resulting in vigorous and
healthy growth.
3. The granular fertilizers are dry and free flowing and easy to apply. Thus they
can be applied through seed drill.
4. These are less dusting and less caking
5. There is no loss due to dusting while transport and handling due to wind .
6. Being high analysis fertilizers, they are considerably more economical in
application and transport.
7. There is no possibility of adulteration.

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Types of fertilizer mixtures
I. Open formula fertilizers mixtures :The formula of such fertilizers in terms of kind
and quantity of ingredients mixed are disclosed by the manufacturer . Knowing
the formula ,the farmer or extension worker is able
to judge the type and quantity of the ingredients and suitability for specific soils
and crops and is able to determine roughly the quantity of filler or other nutrient
material contained in any fertilizer .
II. Closed formula fertilizer mixtures :
The ingredients or straight fertilizers used in such mixtures are not
disclosed .So these mixtures have the disadvantage that the farmer cannot
know the type and quantity of the nutrient in them .
Flow diagram for Granular Mixtures
Ingradients stored in process bin
From this proportionate quantities
materials and fed to weighing hopper
weighing hopper

These proportionate quantities are

ground and mixed in rotary mixer

Mixed material is sent

Granulator where the material is
exposed to steam or water vapour

Granulated product is dried,

screened packed in multi wall

Advantages of mixed fertilizers over straight fertilizers

1. Less labour is required to apply mixtures than to apply its various components
separately .This is an important factor in areas where farm labour is scarce and
expensive
2. If proper mixture used to suit particular soil type and crop ,the use of fertilizer
mixture leads to balanced manuring
3. The residual acidity of fertilizers can be effectively controlled by the usage of
proper quantity of liming material in the mixtures.
4. Micronutrients, which are applied in small amounts to soil, can be incorporated in
fertilizer mixtures .This facilitates uniform soil application of plant nutrients
required in small amounts.
5. Mixtures have better physical condition and are more easily applied than many
straight fertilizers .This advantage is most marked when mixtures are prepared in
granular form.

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Disadvantages of fertilizer mixtures:
1. Their use does not permit application of individual nutrients which may well suit
the needs of the crop at specific times.
2. The unit cost of plant nutrients in the mixtures is usually high than these straight
fertilizers ,because labour is required to prepare mixtures
3. Farmers often use mixtures without careful study of their needs leads to
economical loss.
Physical problems and chemical problems associated with bulk blended
fertilizers
In bulk blending of fertilizers certain physical and chemical problems have to
be considered. Since, the fertilizer material varies differently in physical
characteristics care has to be taken while preparing mixtures. Some times mixing of
materials of diverse nature and properties involves chemical reactions due to
which the products very different from the
initial material in composition and character ,thereby seriously affecting the
fertilizer value of the product.
I. Physical problems:
1. Physical condition of BBF is important, for sustaining their storage value
2. Hygroscopic character of the ingredients make them unsuitable for use is not
suitable for use
3. Drillability of fertilizer mixture is necessary for the distribution by equipment
because of ease and uniform distribution of fertilizer in the filed which is an
important aspect of fertilizer.
4. Particle size and moisture content of fertilizer mixture influence drillability.
5. Fertilizers like urea, ammonium nitrate being hygroscopic in nature affect
drillability.
6. All fertilizer mixtures containing 2-6 % moisture may dissolve soluble component
of mixtures forming saturated salt solutions.
The volume of this liquid phase varies with the nature of the moisture content
and temperature of blended fertilizers.
7. Raise in temperature and moisture ,increases the proportion of the liquid phase
and subsequent fall in temperature and moisture, salts crystallize out during
storage and results in Bagset or caking of fertilizers.
8. Finely divided material may cake due to cohesion and adhesion between
particles under pressure in storage.
II. Chemical problems:
The chemical problems that occur on account of mixing incompatible fertilizer
material during the preparation of mixed fertilizers are classified in to the following
categories.

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1. Decomposition :
The fertilizer ingredients contained in mixed fertilizer such as UREA and DAP
undergo decomposition
(NH4)2HPO4 →N H4 H PO4 + NH3
NH2-CO-NH2 +H2O → 2NH3 + CO2
Decomposition of Urea is accelerated in the presence of MAP, MCP and DAP.
The addition of calcium sulphate is useful to prevent loss of ammonia from DAP and
MAP, due to the formation of ammonium sulphate and DCP
NH4 H2PO4 + CaSO4 +NH3 → Ca H PO4 + (NH4)2SO4
[ MAP] [DCP] [AS]
2. Double decomposition :
The reaction occurs when two compounds without a common ion are mixed in
the presence of moisture.
Ca H4 (PO4) + (NH4) 2 SO4 → Ca SO4 + 2NH4 H2 PO4
NH4NO3 +KCl → KNO3 →2 NH4 Cl + K2SO4
(NH4) 2 SO4 +KCl → NH4 Cl + K2SO4
The products of each reaction are entirely different from the reactants.
3. Hydration :

Some fertilizer ingredients tend to absorb water which eventually affect the
storage value of the mixed fertilizers .
CaSO4 +2H2O → Ca SO4 2H2O
CaHPO4 + 2H2O → Ca H PO4 2H2O
Mg NH4 PO4+ 6H2O →Mg NH4 PO4 6H2O
The presence of free acid however, can prevent the hydration.
4. Neutralization:
This Reaction occurs when substances are in solution or in gaseous state.
Ca (H2PO4 )2+NH3 → NH4 H2 PO4 +CaHPO4
[MCP] [MAP] [DCP]
CaCO3 + Ca (H2PO4 )2 →2 Ca H PO4 +CO2↑ +H2O
Due to this effect, they reduce the water solubility of phosphorus .

FILLERS AND CONDITIONERS:

In the formulation of mixtures, it is not possible to get exact quantities of major
nutrients (NPK) in one tonne of the mixed fertilizers, therefore additional material is
used called fillers and Conditioners.These are used to make up weights and to
improve the physical conditions of mixed fertilizers, respectively [ Filler for weight
and conditioner for improving physical properties ] .They also supply incidentally
nutrients other than NPK (eg Dolomite )
Examples : Sand ,Saw dust ,Dolomite ,Soil etc.,

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A) Make weight materials or fillers
In mixed fertilizers often there is difference between the weight of the fertilizer
material ingredients that produce major nutrients (NPK) and desired quantity of
mixed fertilizers .To makeup the desired quantity of the mixture some fillers like
Sand ,Coal ,Dolomite ,Ash Llime stone are added .
B) Conditioners :
Conditioners are those materials added to non-granular or granular mixtures to
improve their physical condition and to decrease their caking .The actual
purpose of adding conditioner is to reduce crystal knitting .
a) Conditioners for non –granulated fertilizers : In this case the conditioners
serves as a separators between the fertilizer particles eg : well ground corn
cobs or cocoa shells serve as conditioners which are usually applied at 50kg
per tonne of mixed fertilizer .
b) Conditioners for granulated fertilizers :In this case ,conditioners serve as a
coating agents . Materials like diatomaceous earth hydrated silica which
have low bulk densities are efficiently suited for this purpose .
[ Diatomaceous means a powdery siliceous material (deposit ) of diatoms of
fistules (small flowers ) Diatoms = one class of microscopic algae unicellular
Guide lines for mixing solid fertilizers.
Many fertilizers can be mixed without detriment and can be distributed .However,
there are three reasons due to which indiscriminate mixing of fertilizers should be
avoided for the following reasons:
1. Loss of nitrogen by chemical reactions
2. Immobilization of water soluble phosphate
3. Deterioration in drillability owing to the absorption of moisture
COMBINED USE OF FERTILIZERS AND AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS
[PESTICIDES]
Keeping the factors, labour, time and energy in view, the agricultural
chemicals viz., fungicides, insecticides and herbicides are combined with the
fertilizers and applied to the crops. This practice however convenient from
agronomic point is being set with problems of technical chemistry, application and
legal requirements
A) Insecticides –fertilizer mixtures :
1) The use of chlorinated hydrocarbons mixed with fertilizers was a quite popular
practice, until these insecticides were found to raise insect resistance and persist
in the soil.
2) The stability of insecticides mixed fertilizer is a serious problem since the quantity
of fertilizer and insecticide required for crops widely vary and stability is affected.

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3) The use of BHC (Benzene Hexa Chloride) was found to impart musty odour to
groundnut kernels.
B) Herbicide –fertilizer mixture:
1. They are commonly called as weed and feed mixture
2. More herbicides are physically compatible in suspension fertilizer than in clear
liquids
3. Dry herbicide- fertilizer mixtures can be used as basal dose
Formulation of fertilizer mixtures
Fertilizer mixtures or farm mixtures can be prepared by the farmers based on
soil test data and crop needs. For this it is essential to know nutrient content of
different fertilizers.
1. Fertilizer grade: It is refers to the minimum guaranteed quantity of plant nutrient
content in terms of N, available P2O5 and available K2O present in a given
multinutrient fertilizer .
2. Fertilizer ratio: It indicates the relative proportion of N, P2O5 and K2O of a given
multinutrient fertilizer. For example 6-24-24 grades have a 1-4-4 ratio. The
prefixes open formula and closed formulas are affixed to the fertilizer mixtures
depending on weather or not the kinds and quantities of fertilizer ingradeitnnets
are disclosed by the manufacturer respectively.
PROBLEMS ON FORMULATION OF FERTILIZER MIXTURES:
I. How do you prepare one tonne of the fertilizer mixtures of the fertilizer grade
10:6: 4[N, P2O5, K2O] by using the following fertilizers and the percent nutrient
content against each.
a) Ammonium sulphate 20.5 N
b) Single Super Phosphate 16 P2O5
c) Muriate of potash 60 K2 O
Ans : The following are the quantties of individual fertilizers required for the mixture
10:6:4 %nutrient desired
Qunatity of fertilizer required = ____________________________ X 1000
% nutrient content of the fertilizer
Thus
N = 10 x 1000 = 487.80 kg Ammonium sulphate
20.5

P2O5 = 6 x 1000 = 375.00 kg super phosphate

16
K2O = 4 x 1000 = 66.70 kg Muriate of potash
60

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Sum of the quantities of fertilizers } = 929.50 kg

[487.80+375+66.70]

Balance to be made good by addition of } = 70.50 kg

The filler to obtain one tonne of the mixture }
[1000-929.50= 70.50] ------------
1000.00 kg
-------------
II. Calculate the quantities of different fertilizers required to prepare one tonne of
the bulk blended fertilizers of the grade 6-4-3 .The fertilizers available, and their
nutrient content are given below.
S.No. Fertilizer Nutrient content (%)
1 Neem cake 5.0 %
2 Urea 46.0%
3. Basic slag 18.0 %
4 TSP 45.0%
5 Sulphate of potash 50%
The fertilizer mixed should have the following specified ratios
a) Neem cake to urea : 1:2
b) Basic slag : 1:3
ANSWERS:
Total N required for the mixtures :6N
So neem cake : 6x1
-------- = 2 N
3
Urea :6x2
-------- = 4 N
3
Quantity of neem cake required = 2 x 1000/5 = 400 kg
Quantity of urea required = 4 x 1000/46 = 87 kg
Total P2O5 required for the mixture = 4 P2O5
So through basic slag: 4 x1 /4 = 1
Through TSP = 4 x 3 /4 = 3 P2O5
Quantity of basic slag required: 1 x 1000/18 = 55.5 kg
Quantity of TSP required : 3 x1000/45 = 66.70 kg
Quantity of SOP required: 3 x 1000/50 = 60 kg
Sum of the quantities [400+87 +55.5 + +66.67 +60 ] = 669.20
[1000-669.20] = 330.80
----------
1000.00

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Note the sum of three parts of the mixture calculated exceeds 1000 kg of mixture
of the composition can not be prepared from the fertilizers in question.
UNIT VALUE OF FERTILIZERS: [PROBLEMS]
The term unit value which refers to the cost per unit of the plant nutrient
contain in a given fertilizer. The calculation of unit value of different fertilizers that
would supply same
kind of plant nutrient will enable the farmer to choose the cheapest fertilizer in
terms of cost .This concept was first adopted in ENGLAND,
PROBLEM: Nitrogen fertilizer available in the market are mentioned below
along with their nutrient content and cost per tonne .Calculate the unit cost of
nitrogen in each case to find out the cheapest N-fertilizer

S.No. Fertilizer N (%) Cost per tonne

(rupees )
1 Ammonium sulphate 20.50 1720
2 Ammonium chloride 25.00 1700
3 Calcium ammonium 25.00 1720
nitrate
4 Urea 46.00 2274

Cost of one tonne of fertilizer

Unit value= -------------------------------------------------------------
Concentration of plant nutrients per tonne of fertilizers

Ammonium sulphate 1720/ 205 = 8.39

Ammonium chloride 1700/250 = 6.80
CAN 1720/250 = 6.88
Urea 2274/460 = 4.94

 Among the above nitrogen sources urea will be the cheapest fertilizer based
on unit value .
In case of multi-nutrient fertilizers ,difficulty in the unit value calculations arises
as all the plant nutrients contained in the complex fertilizer should be assessed in
such cases ,there is a convenient method where in the unit values are calculated
from the prices of standard fertilizers viz., 1)Ammonium sulphate 2) Single super
phosphate 3) Muriate of potash

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PROBLEM:
Find out which among the complex fertilizers and mixed fertilizer if prepared is
economical when a complex fertilizer of graded 20:20:20 is purchased at a cost of
Rs.5500 /- per tonne.
Given unit value of mixed fertilizer
a) ammonium sulphate : 11.00 per kg per kg of N
b) SSP : 11.50 per kg of P2O5
c) S.O.P : RS3.50 kg
20 N @of Rs a unit =11 x 20 = RS.220.00
20 kg P2O5 @ RS.11.50/kg = 11.50 x 20 =RS.230.00
20 kg K2O @ RS.3.50/kg = 3.50 x20 =RS. 70.00
--------------------
Cost of 100 kg of mixed fertilizer Rs.520
---------------
Cost of one tonne of mixed fertilizer =Rs 5,200.00
Cost of complex fertilizer per tonne = Rs.5500.00

So at normal rates the cost of mixed (prepared) fertilizer should be Rs.5,200/-

per tonne where as the cost of complex fertilizer price offered at market per tonne
is Rs.5500/- so an amount of Rs.300/- higher price than mixed fertilizer
(prepared).

PROBLEM:
A rice crop requires 100 kg N, 50kg P2O5 and 50 kg K2O per hectare.
Calculate the amount of urea, SSP, MOP required for application to one hectare
.The contents given [46 % N in urea, 16 % P2O5 SSP and 60 % K2O].
Nutrient desired
Amount of fertilizer required = ------------------------------------------ x 100
% nutrient content in fertilizer

Urea required = 100/46 x 100 = 217.40 kg} these are the quantities required
SSP required = 50/60 x 100 = 312.50 kg} to supply 100 kg N, %50 kg P2O5
MOP = 50/60 x100 = 83.40 kg } and 50 kg K2O for one tonne

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PROBLEM
Calculate the amount of DAP ,Urea and MOP required to a ground nut crop of
one hectare to supply 40 kg N ,40 kg P2O5 and 50 kg K2O
Contents: {DAP- 18 % N and 46 % P2O5, Urea – 46 % N and MOP-60 % K2O}
Quantity of DAP required t supply 40 kg P2O5 = 40/46 x100 = 87 kg of P2O5
Note: incidentally it also supplies nitrogen also from 87kg of DAP
Therefore 87 kg DAP supplies = 18/100 x87 = 15.70 kg of N
The amount of N to supplied through urea is 40-15.70 = 24.30 kg N
So urea required to supply 24.30 kg N is = 24.3/46 x 100 = 53 kg urea
MOP required to supply 50 kg K2O = 50/60 x 100 = 83 kg of MOP
So total quantity individual fertilizers required to supply 40 kg –N, 40 kg P2O5 and
50 kg K2O are: DAP- 87 kg , Urea -53 kg and MOP is 83 kg

AMENDMENTS

Soil amendments are substances that influence the plant growth favorably by
producing in the soil one or more of the following beneficial effects.
1. Changing the reaction ,that is making the soil less acidic or less alkaline ;
2. Changing the plant nutrients in the soil from unavailable to available forms;
3. Improving the physical conditions of the soil and
4. Counteracting the effects of injurious substances
Soil amendments usually contain plant nutrients also .Agricultural liming materials,
for example, supply calcium and, sometimes magnesium as nutrient element.

Types of soil amendments

Mainly there are three types of soil amendments
1. materials for correcting acidic soil
2. Materials for correcting alkaline soils ; and
3. Soil aggregating agents or soil conditioner s to stabilize soil aggregates and
to form granular structure

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Lecture: 16 Secondary and micronutrient fertilizers –Different sources of these
nutrients and their contents .Conditions leading to their deficiency

SECONDARY NUTRIENT FERTILIZERS [Ca, Mg and S]

I. CALCIUM FERTILIZATION :
Nearly all multi nutrient liquid fertilizer formulations and more than 50 per cent
multi nutrient solid fertilizers are almost devoid of calcium .Multi nutrient fertilizers
use, warrants the use of calcium. The source of calcium with basic chemical
formula, its content and solubility are mentioned in the following table.
Table: Basic chemical data of various calcium sources:
S.No. Source Formula Ca (%) Water solubility g
/100 g at 25 0C
1 Burnt lime CaO 70 0.12
2 Hydrated lime Ca(OH)2 50 0.16
3 Calcite lime CaCO3 36 0.01
4 Dolamitic lime CaCO3 Mg CO3 17 >0.1
5 Basic slag [CaO]5 P2O5 SiO2 29 >0.1
6 Gypsum CaSO4 2H2O 22 0.24
7 Calcium nitrate Ca(NO3)22H2O 20 100
8 Single Super Ca(H2PO4)2 CaSO4 20 1.0
phosphate
9 Triple super Ca(H3PO4)2 13 1.80
phosphate
10 Rock Ca5(PO4)3F 33 0.002
phosphate
11 Calcium CaCl2 36 100.00
chloride
Of the different sources, the Gypsum has been gaining importance for crops
such as legumes.
Global reserves of Ca are considerably large since whole mountain ranges
consist of lime stone. Calcium nick named as root developer ,which is slightly
mobile in plants .Calcium deficiency in plants is rarely caused by shortage of
available reserves in the soil , except in acidic soils.
II. MAGNESIUM FERTILIZERS :
In multi nutrient fertilizers, finely ground dolamitic limestone is used as filler and it
is a incidental supplier of Mg.
S.No. Source Formula Mg (%) Water solubility g
/100 grams at 25 0C
1 Magnesium oxide MgO 45 6.2 x10 -5
2 Dolamite CaCO3 MgCO3 12 0.032
3 Kiserite MgSO4 H2O 18.2 68.40
4 Langbeinite K2SO4 2MgSO4 11.2 100.0
5 Magnesium sulphate MgSO4 7H2O 10.5 91.10

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CAUSES FOR DEFICIENCY:
1. Soils subjected to intensive NPK fertilization, reveal Mg deficiency
2. Due to increased crop removal
3. Due to leaching losses especially in acid soils
4. Reduced supply of Mg through multi nutrient fertilizer
5. Antagonistic decrease in Mg uptake due to large K supply
The above are the conditions in which Mg fertilization becomes necessary.
III.SULPHUR FERTILIZERS:
1. Plants take sulphur in the form of sulphate [SO42-] ion. Sulphur fertilizers
predominantely contain sulphate , some of which are easily soluble and some
are slightly soluble
2. Gypsum [CaSO4 2H2O] is a calcium sulphate because its slight solubility in
water which is slow acting
3. Elemental sulphur is also an important sulphur fertilizer with strong acidifying
action .It can be used either directly or as an additive to other solid fertilizers
eg sulphur coated urea .The following table gives the basic chemical data of
sulphur sources
S.No. Source Formula S (%)

1 Ammonium sulphate (NH4)2 SO4 23

2 Potassium sulphate K2SO4 18

3 Magnesium sulphate MgSO4 13

4 Super phosphate Ca(H2PO4)2 CaSO4 12

5 Gypsum CaSO4 2H2O 18

6 Aluminium sulphate Al2(SO4)318H2O 14

The sulphur requirements of plants are approximately 2/3 of their phosphorus

requirements and are provided from various sources such as air, rain water ,soil and
-1
fertilizer .Fields near Industrial zones are supplied with 10-30 kg ha per year from
SO2 waste gases .
MICRONUTRIENT FERTILIZERS
Higher green plants are known to require seven micronutrients viz.,Fe,Mn
Cu, B Mo ,Cl etc., . But this number may have to be increased in future

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Sources of micronutrients:
S.No. Micronutrients Formula Content (%)
A IRON
1.Ferrous sulphate FeSO4 7H2O 20
2.Fe-chelate Fe-EDTA 5
3.Fe-Chelate FeEDHA 6
B MANGANESE
1. Manganous sulphate Mn SO4 4 H2 O 24
2.Manganous sulphate (Monohydrate) Mn SO4 H2 O 32
3. Mn -chelate Mn-EDTA 13
C ZINC
1.Zinc sulphate ZnSO4 7H2O 23
2.Zinc sulphate (Monohydrate) ZnSO4 H2O 36
3.Zn-chelate Zn-EDTA 14
D COPPER
1.Copper sulphate Cu SO4 5H2O 25
2.Copper sulphate (Monohydrate ) Cu SO4 H2O 36
E BORON
1. Borax (Na-tetra borate ) Na2B4O7 10H2O 11
2.Borax anhdrous Na2 B4O7 22
3.Boric acid H3BO3 18
F MOLYBDENUM
1 Sodium molybdate Na2MoO4 2H2O 40
2.Ammonium molybdate (NH4)6MoO24 54
3Molydenum trioxide MoO3 66
4.Calcium molybdate CaMoO4 48

The need for the micronutrient fertilization has been increasing due to the
following causes :
1. Change in the plants : Change in the plant varieties from traditional to high yielding
varieties (HYV). HYV have a capacity to remove more nutrients both major and minor.
HYV have low mobilizing capacity of micro nutrients from the soils hence they are to be
applied through external application.
2. Changes in soil : Change in soil condition from acid to alkaline(Increased soil
reaction) and aeration cause greater immobilization of most micronutrients except
molybdenum (Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn). High acidic nature of the soil induces both calcium
and magnesium deficiency.
3. Changes in fertilization: Using high doses of NPK in the form of complex fertilizers,
induces deficiencies of secondary and micro nutrients.

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Antagonistic action due in part to excessive fertilization with NPK
Eg. Higher K content in soils effects the uptake of Fe, Mn, and B.
Excess P leads to deficiencies of Zn, Fe, Cu and increases Mo availability.
More the sulphate present in the soils, lesser the availability of Mo.
Lesser or least micronutrient constituents in multinutrient fertilizers.
4. Changes in overall growth conditions.
1. Intensive cultivation: Intensive cultivation leads to micro nutrient deficiencies
2. Non availability and application of organic manure.
3. Under/ over limed condition.
4. Parent material: Most of the micronutrients originates from parent material and
influences the availability or deficiency of micronutrients to plants
5. Land levelling and shaping: Most of the micronutrients are concentrated on the
surface soil except Molybdenum. Levelling of land and deep tillage operations leads to
deficiencies.
6 Low Si/Mg ratio: Leads to fixation of Zn in soil.
7. Calcium carbonate: More the CaCO3 in soils lesser the availability of Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn.
8. Soil texture: Boron availability is more in coarse textured soils and in finer textured
soils it gets fixed, unavailable to plants.
9. Secondary clay minerals: Montmorillonite clay adsorb more of Zn, Cu and leads to
deficiency or unavailability to plants.
10. Soil moisture: Dry conditions of soil fix more of Boran and is released under wet
conditions. Presence of more moisture reduces the availability of Mn.
11. Interaction with macronutrients: Heavy nitrogen interferes with availability of Cu, Mn,
Zn and leads to deficiencies in plant.
12.Liming reduces the availability of Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu.
13. Seasonal variation: Nutrient deficiencies are more during cold season.
Out break of B deficiency is common in dry seasons
Summer drought aggravate Fe chlorosis.
High and low soil temperatures induces Zn deficiency in soils having low Zn.
PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN MICRONUTRIENT FERTILIZATION
I. IRON FERTILIZATION :
Majority of Fe-fertilizers are water soluble .Salts or organic complexes (chelates).
They are predominantly applied as foliar sprays, however this requires repeated
application. In addition to supplying iron to deficit soils, it is necessary to mobilize
iron in the soil itself through acid –N –fertilization .Fe removal amounts to a few
kg/ha /year
II. MANGANESE FERTILIZATION :
Manganese sulphate is the best known water soluble fertilizer and is suitable for
leaf fertilization .It can also be used as a soil dressing, but is easily fixed in deficit
soils when the pH is more

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Soil Mn supplies can be improved by
i) Using acid forming fertilizers
ii) Compacting loose soils
iii) Preventing excessive drying
iv) Supply of easily decomposed organic matter ,which on conversion creates
reducing conditions and thus Mn released .It is a practical means of Mn
supply than to add Mn fertilizer .About ½ to 1.0 kg of Mn /ha/year is
removed by crops in general
III. COPPER FERTILIZATION :
i) Copper sulphate [Blue Vitriol] is the oldest water soluble Cu-fertilizer .It can be
applied as soil dressing or foliar nutrient .However; its acidic side effects are
likely to cause leaf scorch on foliar application.
ii) Hence less caustic agents like green copper Cu2Cl (OH) 3 or Cu-chelates are
safe to use
iii) Copper removal by crops in general varies 30-100 g/ha /year
iv) Copper is highly immobile in soil and as such needs thorough mixing with top
soil
IV. ZINC FERTILIZATION :
i) Zinc sulphate is the simplest form of water soluble fertilizer
ii) It is acidic in reaction and causes leaf scorch on foliar application unless free
acidity in neutralized with lime
iii) Improvement of natural zinc sulphate ( Soil zinc) can be done by the
application of acid forming N -fertilizers to combat Zn-deficiency .Crop
removal of Zn varies from 100-400 g /ha /year
V. BORON FERTILIZATION :
i) Borax (Na –tetra borate) is historically famous water soluble boron fertilizer.
ii) The effectiveness of chile –salt peter was attributed to the presence of borax
as natural admixture.
iii) It can be applied to soil or foliage
iv) Boron removal by crops is about 50 g / ha /year
VI. MOLYBDENUM FERTILIZATION
i) Sodium molybdate and ammonium molybdate are the important Mo
fertilizers suitable for soil or foliar application and also for seed treatment
ii) Molybdenum removal by crops varies from 5 to 20 g/ha /year

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Classification of micronutrient fertilizers

Micronutrient fertilizers are classified into two broad categories :
I. Inorganic salts
II. Chelates
I. Inorganic salts: Supplying micronutrients are salts like Zn SO4 , Cu SO4 ,Mn
SO4 Fe SO4 etc., All these are readily soluble in water and can be used both for
soil application and foliar spray.
II. Chelates : This is next important category of micronutrient fertilizers .Chelates are
metallic molecules of varying sizes and shapes in which the organic part binds
the nutrient in a ring like structure . For the chelation of nutrient cation the
common chelating agents used in chelating micronutrients as follows.
1. EDTA :Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid
2. HEDTA Hydroxy Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid
3. EDDHA Ethylene Diamine Dihyroxy Acetic Acid
4. NTA : Nitrilo Tri Acetic Acid
5. DTPA : Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic Acid

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Lecture: 17 Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) – its importance and regulations
.Specifications and fertilizer storage standards of important fertilizers

QUALITY CONTROL OF FERTILIZERS

Objectives: Laws and regulations governing the manufacture and sale of fertilizers
are imperative in order to check
1. Spurious standards and adultrated fertilizers entering in to the market.
2. To ensure quantity of nutrients and quality of carriers present in the fertilizer
3. To ensure quantity of nutrients and quality of carriers present in the fertilizer
4. To eliminate black marketers off the market
5. The total N,P2O5 and K2O must be guaranteed in terms of percentage of each
of these nutrients in a given fertilizer .The oxide expression for P and K are
actually in accurate and confusing as they are based on early practices with
which chemists determined the elements by ignition and weighing the oxides
.The current practice is to express the elemental concentration of these nutrients
By considering the above said objectives, the government of India passed The
FERTILIZER CONTROL ORDER [FCO] on 28th of April, 1957 in exercise of the
power conferred by the section III of the essential commodities act of 1955 .This
order is intended to regulate the manufacture, distribution and supply of the
fertilizers in India at a control cost .This has been effective from May 18th 1957 .It is
revised in 1985 with effect from 25-9-1985. The Government of India has delegated
to powers to state Governments to implement the order
The Government of India (G O I) also passed the Fertilizer Movement Order
st
(FMO) on 31 December, 1960 in order to regulate the inter state movement of
fertilizers and the export of fertilizers which came into force with effect from 1-1-1961
FERTILIZER CONTROL ORDER [FCO] REGULATIONS:
1. All the fertilizer manufacturer should obtain licence from the Commissioner of
Agriculture ,state Government concerned for the manufacture of fertilizer and
mixed fertilizers
2. The fertilizer dealers should on renewable basis, register their dealership with the
Assistant Director of the Agriculture (ADA) Regular of the division concerned in a
state.
3. The terms and conditions of manufacture ,distribution and sales imposed by the
government should be followed
4. Duties of inspecting officers and the dealers are specified
5. Fertilizer specifications and kind of package are stated
6. Method of drawing fertilizer samples for analysis in the fertilizer testing
laboratories is stated
7. Powers are vested with the FCO enforcing officials to book the cases against the
fraudulent manufacturers, distributors and dealers of fertilizers.

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Specifications and standards for important fertilizers [As per FCO,1957]

1 Urea Moisture per cent by weight 1.0 Maximum

Total nitrogen per cent by weight 44.0 minimum
Biuret per cent by weight 1.50 maximum
Particle size :In the form of granule the material shall pass through2.8mm
and not less than 80% by weight shall be retained on 1mm
2 SSP 1.Moisture per cent by weight, maximum 12
2.Free phosphates as (P2O5) percent by weight 4.0
3.Water soluble phosphates ( as P2O5) by weight maximum 16.0
3 MOP Moisture per cent by weight maximum 12.00
Water soluble potassium per cent by weight minimum 60
4 DAP Moisture per cent by weight 1.0
Total nitrogen per cent by weight minimum 18
Total phosphates (as P2O5) per cent by weight minimum 46.0
Water soluble phosphates (as P2O5) per cent by weight 41.6

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Lecture: 18 BIOFERTILIZER – Use of biofertilizers in agriculture and their advantage

Bio-fertilizers or bio-inoculants are productions containing living organisms such as

nitrogen fixers or phosphorus solubulizers which are useful for agricultural production.
Biofertilizers play a significant role in improving soil fertility and plant growth.
 by fixing atmospheric nitrogen both in association with plants and without plants
 solubulize insoluble soil phosphates into soluble phosphates there by increasing
the availability of phosphorus
 Secrete growth promoting substances and supplies to the inoculated plants.
VERMA & BHATTACHARYYA (1994) classified the bio fertilizers based on the
nutrient provided, which is as follows.
BIO FERTILIZERS

Nitrogen fixing bio fertilizers [NFB] Phosphate mobilizing bio fertilizers [PMBF]

NFB for legumes NFB for cereals

Eg. Rhizobium Azospirillum
Azotobacter
Azolla
BGA

Phosphate solubulizers Phosphate absorbers

Eg. Bacillus, Pseudomonas Eg.VAM fungi
Pencillium, Aspergillus

I. Rhizobium inoculant :

Belongs to the family Rhizobiaceae and symbiotic in nature. Rhizobium

establishes symbiotic relations with pulses and other legumes and can fix 50 to 100 kg
N ha-1 by which application of chemical nitrogen fertilizers could be reduced and
supplemented nearly 80-90 per cent of nitrogen requirement of crop is met by nitrogen
fixation in root nodules of legume crops .It is used for pulse legume crops like chick
pea ,red gram , chickpea, lentil , black gram etc., and oil seed legumes like soybean
and groundnut and forage legumes like besrseem , lucerne and pillipesara .On average
yield increase was 15-30 % due to rhizobium inoculation .
The rhizobia show host specificity to some extent. In other words rhizobia
isolated from ground nut can not be used for red gram. Particular rhizobium species has
the ability to form nodules only on roots of limited and related plant species. Again
effective strains are to be selected for effective nodulation.
The response of inoculation is governed by
1. Host plant 2. Strains effectiveness 3.Soil type and 4.Rain fall

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Method of preparation:
This biofertilizer is available commercially as carrier based (lignite or peat )
biofertilizers .Direct application of rhizobium to seed is the most common form of
legume inoculation (seed coat ) .However , for groundnut ,slurry of peat based
inoculam in the seed furrows is recommended as the seeds are fragile . The
recommended quantity of rhizobium fertilizer is 2-3 packets / ha (packet: 200 grams).
The rhizobium culture is available in the market by names of
JAWAHAR CULTURE
RHIZOBIUM COMPOSITE
Nitrogen R-H
II. Azotobacter inoculant:
Azotobacter belongs to the family Azotobacteriaceae, which is a
chemoautotrophic in nature ,free living , non-symbiotic in nature and is recommended
for application to non-legume crops .It thrives well in many types of soils ,with a
minimal dose of phosphorus and carbon compounds. It grows best in neutral to
alkaline soils .By the application of Azotobacter to various crops ,the amount of
recommended doses of nitrogenous fertilizers can be reduced by 10-20% . It
produces plant growth promoting substances like vitamins of B group , Indole acetic
acid ,Gibberellic acid by which plants grow quickly and healthy. Yield increase of 10-15
% was noticed in some millets .This biofertilizer is recommended for rice , wheat ,
millets and other cereals ,vegetables ,sunflower ,mustard ,tobacco sugarcane ,cotton
etc., and also fruit crops .
Method of usage: It is carrier based biofertilizer (lignite / peat) . Azotobacter can be
applied by seed inoculation, seedling inoculation, or by broad casting in the field after
mixing with FYM or with well decomposed compost.
Seed inoculation: Seed is treated with Jaggery to make it sticky and then treated with
biofertilizer and shade dried.Seedling inoculation: Make slurry of biofertilizer and dip the
roots in it. The recommended dose of Azotobacter is 2-3 packets /ha .
III. Azospirillum Inoculant :
It belongs to the family spirillaceae, chemoautotrophic and associative in nature. It is
an associative nitrogen fixing organism was found to be beneficial for sorghum, wheat,
maize, barley, fodder grasses and minor millets. Yield increase was 15-30 % .By the
application of this fertilizer nitrogen saving is 20-30 kg /ha .It also produces growth
regulating substances.
Application of this biofertilzer results in:
1. Increased mineral uptake
2. Increased water up take
3. Root development
4. Vegetative growth
5. Make the plant drought resistant
NOTE: Principle and mode of application is that of Azotobacter

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IV. AZOLLA [Botanical name is Azolla pinnata] :
1. It belongs to the family Azollaceae. Azolla is a water fern .It is considered as aquatic
weed commonly found in floating in idle ponds, tanks shallow ditches and canals.
Azolla is associated with rice field. A blue green algae (BGA) Anabaena azollae
living in the epidermal cavity of lower side of the leaf of Azolla. The symbiotic
association of Azolla pinnata and Anabaena azollae is termed as Azolla Anabaena
complex .This algae fixes atmospheric nitrogen for Azolla and in exchange ,the
plant provides shelter and food to the algae . As this complex fixes atmospheric
nitrogen, it has great potentiality for use, in agricultural field as biofertilizer and can
be used as an alternative to nitrogen fertilizers. It is recommended as green manure
because of its large biomass and high N content( 4-6%N) for sub merged rice fields,
with in maximum temperature of 380C. The yield increase is 15-20%
Fresh Azolla contains 90-95 water . Decomposed Azolla contains the following plant
foods
S.No. Nutrient Per cent (%)
1 Nitrogen 4 to 6
2 Phosphorus 0.5 to 0.9
3 Potassium 2 to 6
4 Calcium 0.4 to 1
5 Magnesium 0.5
6 Manganese 0.11 to 0.16
7 Iron 0.06 to 0.16
8 Total ash 9 to 10
Ideal conditions for growth and multiplication of Azolla
2. Depth of water should be maintained at 8-10 cm in the field
3. Temperature in between 14 to 35 0C .Optimum for quick growth and multiplication is
20 to 28 0C.
4. Suitable soil pH is 6.0 to 8.0
5. Single Super Phosphate should be applied at the rate of 20-25 kg ha-1 , should be
applied
6. Furadon granules @2-3 kg /week should be applied to control leaf eating insects
and snails.
Methods of growing Azolla:
1. Green manuring
2. Dual cropping
3. Composting
4. Just growing

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1. Green manuring: When there is standing water in the field, Azolla is grown by
spreading 200-500 kg /ha fresh Azolla .After 25 days of the whole field will be covered
by Azolla, if condition is ideal. Green Azolla is incorporated by ploughing after
dewatering in the field. This will add 30- 40 kg of N fertilizer /ha .
2. Dual cropping :
A) Azolla nursery is prepared simultaneously with the paddy nursery
B) The area of Azolla nursery should be half that of paddy nursery (seed bed ) .
C) The Azolla nursery should be kept free from other aquatic weeds and there should
be 8-10 cm standing water in the Azolla nursery.
D) Where the paddy seeds are sown in the paddy nursery fresh Azolla is spread in the
Azolla nursery @40-80 grams per square meter.
E) After 25 days the Azolla will increase an extent of 60 times and super phosphate is
applied @25 grams/Sq.Meter/week.
F) With in 25 days the paddy seedlings will be ready for transplanting . Before
transplantation of paddy seedlings ,there will be standing water in the main field
.Azolla is taken out from the Azolla nursery and spread in the transplanted field
@ 200- 500 kg /ha .
G) Single super phosphate @25-50 kg /ha /week is applied for 3 weeks and water
level is maintained 5-10 cm.
H) After another 25 days, the whole field may be covered by Azolla .Azolla is
incorporated after dewatering the field .This will add 30-40 kg N /ha besides another
nutrients.
3. Composting: Azolla is grown in permanent Azolla nursery. The Azolla is collected
every week from the nursery and kept in layers on the side of nursery .Within 10 days,
the Azolla will decompose and can be used in any crop.
4. Just growing :
Azolla can be grown along with paddy .nitrogen will be added where it is not
incorporated .Azolla when grown in one hectare of land through out the year and ideal
conditions are maintained it can fix 800 kg of nitrogen per hectare .
Azolla is suitable for only flooded rice and fixes up to 40-80 kg N/ha.
Symbiotically with Anabaena azollae .The yield increase is 15-20 %.
Advantages of azolla:
1. It contains higher Nitrogen content
2. Release of nitrogen is easy
3. There is no leaching loss
4. Releases nutrient slowly
5. Weed interference is less where grown as dual crop
V. Blue green algae or Cyanobacteria:
BGA is phototrophic in nature .These are photosynthetic ,prokaryotic microorganisms
and capable of fixing molecular nitrogen .B G A are found to grown in a paddy filed
and marshland .It is used as biofertilizer for irrigated rice crop.

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The rice field ecosystem provides an environment favorable for the growth of
BGA with respect to their requirements viz., light, water and temperature.
Nitrogen fixation by BGA have been estimated to be 25-30 kg N/ha. Yield
increases by 10-15 % .BGA has some species viz., Nostoc, Anabaena ,Olocia ,
Calothrix ,Tolipothix etc., They fix nitrogen in the presence of sunlight .They also
contain growth promoting substances like auxin ,Indole acetic acid and Gibberellic
acid . Recommendation : application of 10 kg /ha flakes of BGA .It is applied 10 days
after the transplanting of rice crop .
Algal production technology:
Mainly three methods are followed.
1) Trough method
2) Pit method
3) Field scale
1. Trough method:
 Take 3 m x 2 m x 20 cm size (L x B x h) galvanized iron sheet trough or to the
convenient size. Add about 8 to 10 kg of soil and well mixed with 200 grams of SSP
.The soil pH should be about neutral .If acidic correct by lime .Add water to the
trough 5-15 cm (height) to protect from insects, and add Carbofuran 3.0 G at the
rate of 25 grams / tray .
 Sprinkle the algal culture on the surface of the standing water and keeping it in air
(open) and exposed to sunlight.
 In hot summer months ,the growth of algae will be rapid in about 7 to 10 days and
form a thick mat, where algal growth becomes sufficiently thick stop watering
and allow the water to evaporate completely ,the dry algae cracks in to flakes
 Collect the dry algal flakes from the trough and store in bags for the use in the field
.One trough gives 1.5 to kg mats.
2. Pit- method :

Adopted by number of farmers in south India

Demark the area in the field for algal production

Flood the area with to a depth of about 12.5 cm

Apply SSP @12.0 kg /40 m2 area

Apply the algal culture

In clayey soils good growth of algae takes place in about two weeks in clear
sunny weather while in loamy soils it takes about 3-4 weeks

Once algal growing mats are formed, they are allowed to dry up in the field and
deed algal flakes are thin collected and stored in bags.

BGA benefit the rice crop up to 25-30 kg N /ha

Dose :Apply BGA @10-15 kg /ha after transplanting .
VI . MYCORRHIZAE:
Mycorrhizae means root fungi or VAM .These are obligate symbiotic .They are
ubiqutous in nature and with very few exceptions found on a wide range of plant

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species .They form vesicular –arbuscular –mycorrhizal (VAM) symbiosis .VAM fungi
infects and spreads inside the root by providing an aseptate mycelium .Vesicles
which are sac like structure provided by these fungi are known to store phosphorus as
phospholipids .Arbuscules formed inside the cortical cells are attributed to help in the
exchange of nutrients.Common genera that form VAM associations are Glomus,
Gigaspora , Enterospora etc.,
Advantages:
1. VAM fungi enhancing the nutrient uptake of P, Zn and S
2. Enhances the water uptake under drought conditions
3. Enhances resistance to root damage
4. Increases the yield
It is recommended for forest trees, forage grasses, maize, millets, sorghum and
barely and also leguminous crops.
Mycorrhizae can substitute up to 560 kg phosphorous fertilizer per hectare for
citrus .Only enriched soil in the presence of suitable plant has to multiplication are not
yet known .
Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms
Phosphorus is present in soils in both organic and inorganic forms and most of
which is insoluble and unavailable to plants. Several soil bacteria particularly those
belonging to the genera Pseudomonas and Bacillus and fungi belonging to the genera
Pencillium and Aspergillus possess the activity to bring insoluble phosphates in
the soil to the soluble forms by secreting organic acids such as acetic acid ,propeonic
acid etc., These acids lowers the pH and bring about the dissolution of the bound
phosphate forms .
Mode of applications: As that of VAM fungi
Constraints in usage of biofertilizers
1. Farmers acceptance has been for from satisfaction
2. Difficult to demonstrate striking increase in yield due to biofertilizers unlike
chemical fertilizers
3. Strains fail to establish if the soil moisture in the surface in the surface zone
4. Fungicide treatment is a problem in crops like groundnut
5. Inoculants manufacturing is for below the requirement
6. Availability of quality of inoculants is another problem
7. Seed inoculation is no more suitable when seeds are sown on dry soil under
8. When seeds are coated with toxic chemicals and pesticides
9. Soil containing higher number of ineffective native rhizobia
10. Seeds have fragile seed coat
11. When seed coat is toxic to rhizobia .In such situation soil inoculation with granulated
inoculant is followed in USA ,New Zealand ,France etc.,Granulated inoculation is
prepared using grains of sand ,gypsum ,peat etc.,
12. Problem like transport form the manufacturing centre.

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Lecture: 19 Out lines of organic chemistry –Theory of vitalism –Classification of organic
compounds based on their chemical nature/structure with examples .

AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS
Agricultural chemicals are the chemical substances that are used in the field of
agriculture, particularly in crop production practices. Fertilizers, pesticides, growth
regulators, amendments etc., belong to this class.
Consumption of agricultural chemicals increasing steadily. In India,
consumption of pesticides was 15,000 tonnes in 1965. By 1997 it reached
2,05,000 tonnes.
Zone wise - south zone accounts for more than 40 per cent of India’s total
consumption due to cash crops like cotton, tobacco, sugarcane , chillies etc .,
Among the agrochemicals, insecticides find widest use (80%), others are
fungicides(10 %) , herbicides (7%) , rodenticides (1.6 %) , others (1.4 %).
In A.P Guntur district ranks first in consumption of agricultural chemicals .In A.P.
pesticides use is more on cash crops.
There are two main classes of chemical compounds i.e., organic and inorganic
.The compounds, which are of mineral origin, are known as inorganic and those of plant
and animal origin are called organic.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
It was assumed that the organic compounds could be produced only living
matter, for living matter was thought to possess "Vital force". This theory is known as
theory of vitalism or Vital force, which is proposed by the scientist namely Berzelius.
As long as this concept prevailed no effort was made to produce organic compounds in
the laboratory and the vital force or vitalism theory long went unchallenged.
In 1828, the German chemist, Friedrich Wohler heated ammonium cyanate
derived from inorganic substances and obtained the organic compound urea. Hence,
the theory of vitalism was disproved by Friedrich Wohler.
The urea formed in this way proved to be identical in all respects with urea
isolated from urine.
KOCN+ NH4 Cl → NH4OCN +KCl
NH4OCN →H2N CO NH2 (urea)
It had become evident that most of the compounds formed by living cells (plants
and animals) contained carbon. Hence, the emphasis was shifted from origin to
composition and organic compounds came to be considered as those containing
carbon.

Organic chemistry is the study of the compounds of carbon. Since, all organic
compounds could be considered as derived from hydrocarbons, a more exact definition
would be organic chemistry is the study of hydrocarbons and their derivatives.

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Lecture:20 Differences between organic and inorganic compounds .Functional groups
.Isomerism and stereoisomerism

Differences between organic and inorganic compounds

S. Organic compounds Inorganic compounds
No.
1 These are formed from few Formed from any of more than
elements like C, H, O, N, P, S 100 elements known
and halogens.
2 These are of living origin These are of mineral origin
3 Exhibit covalent bonding Exhibit ionic bonding
4 Exhibit isomerism Isomerism is not possible
5 Have low melting and boiling Have high melting and boiling
points points.
6 Highly combustible Non- combustible
7 Highly volatile Non-volatile
8 Low solubility in water, Highly Highly soluble in water but less
soluble in organic solvents soluble in organic solvents.
9 These are non conductors of Solutions are good conductors of
electricity electricity
10 Reactions are slow require Reactions are rapid, in general
catalysts donot require catalysts.
Functional groups:
An atom or a group of atoms that determines the properties and reactivity of an
organic compound is called functional groups .
Some common functional groups are as follows
1 Alcoholic -OH
O
2 Aldehyde ǁ
- C- H
3 Carbonyl (Ketone) - C= O

O
4 Ester ǁ
-C- O
5 Ether -O-
6 Carboxyl
O
ǁ
- C - OH
7 Thioether =S
8 Amine -NH2

9 Amide -CONH2
10 Imine =N- H
11 Oxime =C=N-O
12 Nitriles -C≡N
13 Thiol or mercapton - SH
14 Nitro =N-

Homologous series (Homos = the same ; legein = to speak i.e, to have similar
properties ): If a number of organic compounds with the same functional groups are
arranged in an ascending order of their molecular weights and in a systematic way , the

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resulting series (of the compounds) is called a Homologous series , in which the
adjacent members differ by a CH2 group. The individual members are called homologs.
Example :
CH3 OH Each member differs from adjacent
C2H5 OH
member by CH2 group
C3H7 OH
C4H9 OH
General characteristics:
1. All the compounds in the series contain the same elements and the functional
groups
2. All the compounds can be represented by general formula
3. The molecular formula of each homolog differs one above and one below by CH2
unit
4. All the compounds in the series can be prepared by similar methods
5. All the compounds in the series have similar chemical properties
6. There is a gradual variation in physical properties in increasing molecular weight,
decrease in reactions.
CHEMICAL BONDS

Atoms of an element try to attain a stable configuration similar to that of the

nearest zero group element. This tendency is responsible for the formation of chemical
bond. A bond is kind of force or attraction that tends to keep two atoms or ions or
radicals or molecules together.
The principal bonds that join atoms or ions or ion radicals are

1. Ionic bond: Formed by the loss or gains of electrons between two participating
atoms. It is a very strong bond. So, melting and boiling points are very high.
Because of charged ions, they are water-soluble and solutions conduct electricity
i.e., electrolyzed.
2. Covalent bond: Formed by the sharing of electrons between two atoms, so that the
electron pair is used by each in full comparatively weaker bond.
3. Hydrogen bond: Is formed between molecules in which hydrogen atom is attached
to an atom of an element with large electro- negativity and very small size. Because
of hydrogen bond the molecules associate themselves and hence possess higher
boiling and melting point.
The hydrogen bond formed between two molecules is called
intermolecular hydrogen bond. Hydrogen bond is formed between different
groups of the same molecule is called intra molecular hydrogen bond.
4. Coordinate covalent bond: This is a special type of covalent bond in which shared
pair of electrons is contributed by one of the two bonded atoms. This was proposed
by Sidgwick .
In ammonia molecule, nitrogen atom has a lone pair of electrons in its valence shell.
Hydrogen ion (H +) can take two electrons to get stability .A coordinate bond is formed

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+
between NH3 and H to form NH4+ (ammonium ion) in which the loan pair of
electrons of N is shared by both N and H + .
The atom that contributes the loan pair for bonding is called donar and the one
+
which shares is called acceptor .In the above example, N is the donar and H is the
acceptor. The coordinate bond is represented by putting an arrow (→) between the
symbols of the two atoms directing from the donar towards acceptor.

ISOMERISM

Two (or) more compounds consist of equal number of like atoms. These
compounds have the same molecular formula but differ from each other in physical or
chemical properties and are called isomers and the phenomenon is called isomerism(
Greek Iso= equal; meros = parts ).This is due to different modes of combination or
arrangement of atoms within the molecule.
There are two main types of isomerism
I. Structural isomerism and
II. Space or stereoisomerism
I. Structural isomerism is divided in to 5 types. They are
1. Chain isomerism
2. Position isomerism
3. Functional isomerism
4. Metamerism
5. Tautomerism
II. Space or stereoisomerism is of two types viz.,
1. Geometrical isomerism or Cis-trans isomerism
2. Optical isomerism
I. Structural isomerism: This is due to difference in the arrangement of atoms
within the molecules with out any reference to space. They are compounds that
have the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.
1. Chain isomerism: Compounds have the same molecular formula but differ
in the order in which the carbon atoms are bonded to each other .
Eg. CH3 – CH2 – CH2 – CH3 n -butane

CH3
ı
CH3 – CH - CH3 isobutane

2. Position isomerism: Compounds have same molecular formula but differ in

the position of a functional group on the carbon .
Eg.
CH2 = CH – CH2 – CH3 1 butene
CH3 – CH = CH– CH3 2 butene

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3. Functional isomerism: Have the same molecular formula but different
functional groups .
Eg.
CH3 – CH2 – OH Ethyl alcohol

CH3 – O – CH3 Dimethyl ether

4. Metamerism: Is due to the unequal distribution of carbon atoms on either

side of the functional group.
Eg.
CH3 – CH2 – O – CH2 – CH3 Diethyl ether

CH3 –O– CH2 – CH2 – CH3 Methyl propyl ether

5. Tautomerism: It is a special type of functional isomerism in which the
isomers are in dynamic equilibrium with each other .For example ethyl aceto
acetate is an equilibrium mixture of 93 per cent of keto form and 6 per cent of
enol form.
O OH
ǁ
CH3 – C – CH2 COO C2H5 CH3 – C = CH COOC2H5

Ketoform Enol form

II. Stereoisomerism: When isomerism is caused by the different arrangement of

atoms or groups in space, the phenomenon is called stereoisomerism.
Compounds have the same structural formula but differ in configuration.
1. Geometrical isomerism: It results from a restriction in rotation about double
bonds or about single bonds in cyclic compounds.
Cis- isomer: is one in which two similar groups on the same side of the double
bond .This is less stable
Trans- isomer: Is one in which two similar groups are on the opposite side of the
double bond. This is more stable
2. Optical isomerism: The compounds have the ability to rotate plane polarized
light in opposite directions i.e., the optically active compound can exist in two
isomeric form .Optical isomers have at least one asymmetric carbon atom
.The isomer which rotates the light towards right is called dextro-rotatory and
towards left is called leavo- rotatory .
Example: 1. .D- Glucose , L –Glucose
Example: 2.
D(-) Lactic acid L(+)Lactic acid
COOH COOH
H C OH OH C H
CH3 CH3

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* is the asymmetric carbon atom (Chiral centre)
The two are mirror image isomers of each other. i.e., enantiomers.
CLASSIFICATION OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Organic compounds are divided into two groups.
1) Aliphatic compounds
2) Aromatic compounds
1) Aliphatic compounds: These are open chained structures. The term is used to
denote compounds that don’t have the special stability of aromatic compounds. All non-
cyclic organic compounds are aliphatic.
Cyclic aliphatic compounds are said to be alicyclic.
Eg. A) Alkanes (Paraffins ) saturated hydrocarbons
B) Alkenes (Olefines ,Olefins ) unsaturated double bonds
C) Alkynes unsaturated having one or more triple bonds
Alkanes, alkenes that have one double bond and alkynes that have one triple bond can
form homologous series
2) Aromatic compounds: These are closed chain structures. Compounds that contain
a benzene ring in their molecule or that have chemical properties similar to benzene.
These are divided into two groups.
A) Homocyclic
B) Heterocyclic
A) Homocyclic: All the atoms in the ring are the same type.
Eg. Benzene (C6H6); Cyclohexane (C6 H12)
In the above compounds in the ring, all are carbon atoms only.
B) Heterocyclic: If different atoms are present in the ring .
In the ring C and N atoms are present
The aromatic rings are again divided into
I. Five (5) membered ring structure
II. Six(6) membered ring structure
I. Five (5) membered ring structure

1. Saturated 2.Unsaturated
H2C CH2 CH CH

H2C CH2 CH CH
CH2 CH2

Cyclopentane Cyclopentadiene
Saturated N containing unsaturated N containing

C C C N

C C C C
NH NH NH

Pyrrolidine Pyrrole Imidazole Pyrazole

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Saturated S containing Unsaturated S containing

C C

CH CH
S S
Thiophene
Thiophane

Unsaturated O containing
CH CH

CH CH
O
Furan
Furan is present in insecticides like carbofuran

Pyrrole is present in chlorophyll, alkaloids ,riboflavin etc.,

II. Six(6) membered ring structure

1. Saturated 2. Unsaturated

Cyclohexane Benzene

Saturated N containing Unsaturated N containing

CH2

CH2 CH2 N

CH2 CH2
NH N N

Piperdine Pyridine Pyrimidine

Unsaturated O containing
O

Pyran

1) When two benzene rings fused to form Naphthalene

2)When three benzene rings are fused to form Anthracene

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1) When benzene ring is fused with pyrrole, then it is called indole .It is present
in IAA , Jasmine flowers etc

+
N
NH H

2) When benzene is fused with pyridine, it gives quinoline

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Lecture : 21 Diverse types of agrochemicals –Classification based on their use with
examples. Classification of insecticides based on their chemical nature with examples.
Botanical insecticides –Brief mention about vegetable oils (Fixed oils) and essential oils.
Classification of agricultural chemicals based on the purpose:
1. Insecticides : Eg.Malathion , phorate
2. Fungicides : Eg.Zineb, captan
3. Herbicides : Eg.Paraquat, Butachlor
4. Acaricides : To kill mites and ticks , Eg.Dicofol and sulphur
5. Nematicides : Eg. Nemegon, carbofuran, Aldicarb
6. Zococides : To kill the rodents and other small creatures.
Eg. Aluminum phosphide, warfarin, zinc phosphide,
Celphos tablets
7. Bactericides : To control bacteria Eg.Oxime , Streptomycin
8. Algicides : To destruct algae and other aquatic vegetation
Eg. Phygon, Diculose
9. Molluscicides : To control molluscs including gastropods or slugs
Eg.Metaldehyde
10. Antibiotics : Eg. Cycloheximide, Phycoactin and Aphomide
11. Antiseptics : Eg. Zinc oxide
12. Sex attractants : Eg. Gyplure, Helilure
13. Chemosterilant : Eg. TEPA, Aphomide, Azaridine
14. Insect attractants : Methyl Eugenol
15. Insect repellants : Citronella oil , Naphthalene
16. Fumigants : Methyl Bromide
17. Plant growth regulators : IAA, Kinetin , Gibberellic acid
18. Fertilizers : Urea , SSP, K2SO4
19. Amendments : Lime , Sulphur, Gypsum
20. Soil sterilants : Borax
21. Nitrification inhibitors : Eg. N-Serve and A M
22. Chitin inhibitors : Eg.Diflubenzuron
23. Defoliants : To remove leaves from plants Eg. Gramoxone
24. Desiccants : : To remove moisture from plants
Eg.Penta Chloro Phenol

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Classification of insecticides based on chemical nature:
Insecticides

Inorganic Organic

Arsenical fluoride Naturally occurring

Eg: Sodium arsenite eg:Sodium
flouride
Calcium arsenite Plant Animals mineral oils
Eg: Nicotene Eg: fish oil Eg:Kerosene
Rotenone whale oil Petrol
Pyrethrum

Chlorinated compound Organophosphorus compounds Carbamate

compounds
Eg: Carbaryl
Carbofuran
Aldicarb
Chlorinated Chlorinated
Hydrocarbons Cyclodienes
Eg: DDT, BHC Eg:Endosulfon
Lindane Aldrin
Dialdrin
Derivatives of

Phosphorous Phosphoric Thiophosphoric Dithiophosphoric Pyro

acid acid acid acid phosphoric acid
Eg: Falone Eg: DDVP (Dimethyl Eg: chlorpyriphos Eg: Malathion Eg: TEPP (Tetra
Dichloro vinyl phosphate) Demeton Phorate(Thimet) Ethyl pyrophosphoric
Phosphamidon(Dimecron) Parathion Dimethoate(Rogor) acid)

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BOTANICAL INSECTICIDES
Plant materials are important sources of insecticides .The toxicant may be
present in any part of the plant and these toxic materials are collected and dried and
powdered and that powder is used as insecticide. The toxicant also extracted from the
powder using some solvent and chemical compound thus obtained used as insecticide.
Plant products which are used as insecticides may be classified as
1. Primary toxicants such as nicotine , rotenone
2. Essential oils(structure resembles to menthane)such as Pine oil,citronella oil
3. Fixed oils like Cotton seed oil and Neem oil
4. Miscellaneous oils such as walnut shell flour , plant gurr

Advantages of botanical insecticides

1. Relatively cheaper
2. Don’t pollute the environment
3. Don’t leave any residue
4. Availability is relatively easier
5. Don’t harm the beneficial organisms.
Disadvantages or difficulties involved in the use of botanical insecticides:
1. It takes fairly long time (2-5 years) to establish a plant in a new environment. Some
times the plant can’t be introduced at all.
2. Availability of botanical insecticides is confined to a particular season , making
import compulsory in off season .
3. Botanical insecticides decompose very fast and don’t have long self life.
4. Testing of biological materials as botanical insecticides is very difficult and time
consuming process and so far, a fraction of flora and fauna has been tested.

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Lecture: 22 &23 Natural pyrethrum –Discovery –Sources –Chemistry-Extraction and
properties .Neem and its products –Extraction –Mode of action of neem based products
.Advantages and Disadvantages of natural botanical insecticides .Brief note on
synthetic pyrethroids
PYRETHRUM
The original home of pyrethrum is said to be East or Middle East. In the 19th
century it was introduced to U.S.A., Japan, U.K., Africa and South America. At the
beginning of 20th century, Dalmatia and adjoining countries became leading producers.
In 1941, Japan became the leading producer. However, at present, the principal
producer of pyrethrum is KENYA. Other countries producing pyrethrum are Congo,
Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Equador and Brazil .
In INDIA also pyrethrum is grown to a small extent in the
1. Hilly belts of Assam
2. Himalyan mountain range of J & K
3. Nilgiri areas of Tamil Nadu
Pyrethrum has been used for the control of harmful insects for many countries.
SOURCE:
Pyrethrum is found to occur in the flowers of some plants belonging to family
compositae / Asteraceae. Important sources are

1. Chrysanthemum cinerariefolium
2. C . coccineum
3. C.roseum
4. C.marshalli
5. C.tamrutene
Extraction of Pyrethrum:
Pyrethrum is present in the Achenes of flower heads. The content is maximum when
the flowers are in full bloom stage. At this stage, the flowers are harvested by hand
picking .They are then dried at 54.4 0C and compressed. In the industries the dried and
compressed flowers are ground to a fine powder. The powder / dust can be used as an
insecticide.
The toxicant can be extracted by extracting with an organic solvent like Isopropanol,
acetone or odor less kerosene. The solvent is repeatedly percolated through the
powder and the weak extract is evaporated in a vacuum still to get concentrated
extract .The concentrated extract together with an emulsifier is sold in the market for the
use.
Also, the concentrated extract can be mixed uniformly with an inert carrier like
benonite clay, charcoal powder, diatomaceous earth and the mixture can be used as a
ready to use low power dust.

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The extracted powder containing traces of pyrethrum is some times used as carrier
in the dust preparation .To increase the pyrethrum activity compounds like DDT and
Rotenone etc., are added.
CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURE OF PYRETHRUM
Elucidation of the chemical nature and structure of natural pyrethrum was by no means
an easy task. Three groups of scientists worked together for decade for unfolding
mystery of chemistry of pyrethrum .They are
1. Staudinger and Ruzicka
2. La Forge and Barthel
3. Godin , Beevor and Snarey

Natural pyrethrum is composed of six (6) esters. An ester product formed by

reaction of an acid with an alcohol. The six esters are formed by reacting to two
carboxylic acids and three alcohols in different combinations.

The two carboxylic acids are

1. Chrysanthemum Monocarboxylic Acid (CMA) or Cyclopropane
monocarboxylic acid or Chrysanthemic acid

O
H3C
C = CH – CH – CH –C -- OH
H3C
C

CH3 CH3

2. Chrysanthemum Dicarboxylic Acid (CDA) or Cyclopropane dicarboxylic acid or

Pyrethric acid
H3C O
C = CH – CH – CH – C – OH
CH3O -- C
O C

H3C CH3

The alcohols are

1. Pyrethrolone : OH CH3
--CH2 – CH= CH - CH=CH2
1,3- Pentadine
O

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2. Cinerolone:
OH CH3
CH2 -CH = CH—CH3

O 2- Butene
3. Jasmalone:
CH3
OH CH2-CH= CH-CH2-CH3
3-Pentene

O
Alcohols contains
2. Cyclopentane ring
3. A keto group
4. A methyl group
5. A hydroxyl group
6. An aliphatic side chain
An ester is formed by the reaction between an organic acid and an alcohol
General structure of pyrethrum esters:

S.No. Ester R R1
1 Pyrethrin -I CH3 -CH2.CH=CH .CH= CH2 (1,3 pentadiene)
2 Pyrethrin-II COOCH3 ---------------do----------------------------
3 Cinerin -I CH3 -CH2.CH=CH .CH 3 ( 2 butene)
4 Cinerin -II COOCH3 -CH2.CH=CH .CH 3 ( 2 butene)
5 Jasmolin -I CH3 -CH2.CH=CH. CH2 .CH 3 ( 3 pentene)
6 Jasmolin-II COOCH3 -------------- do------------

General formula of acid + alcohol Pyrethrum

CH3 O OH CH3 CH3 O CH3
C=CH-CH-CH-C-OH R΄ C=CH-CH-CH-C-O- R΄
R C R C
H3C CH3 O H3C CH3 O

Another way of representing esters of pyrethrum is

S.No. Ester Acid Alcohol

1 Pyrethrin -I Chrysanthemic acid Pyrethrolone
2 Pyrethrin -II Pyrethric acid ---do------
3 Cinerin -I Chrysanthemic acid Cinerolone
4 Cinerin-II Pyrethric acid Cinerolone
5 Jasmolin -I Chrysanthemic acid Jasmolone
6 Jasmolin-II Pyrethric acid Jasmolone

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Properties of pyrethrum:
1. It is an amber coloured viscous liquid
2. Insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents
3. It is non-volatile, hence non-fumigant action.
4. Being an ester, it is easily decomposed by acid, alkali or even by moisture on long
standing to produce primary constituents.
5. On prolonged storage, pyrethrum looses its insecticidal action due to degradation by
oxidation .Hence; antioxidants like hydroquinolene are added to increase the life.

6. An exposure to sunlight, it is degraded to nontoxic products in no time i.e., highly

photodegradable. This is what restricts the use of natural pyrethrum in out door
agriculture.

Insecticidal action:

Pyrethrins are more toxic than cinerins and Jasmolins .Cinerins are however, better
knock down agents.

The toxicity of pyrethrum can be increased by the addition of non –toxic substances
called synergistics such as piperonyl butoxide, sesamin , sesamex etc.,

Pyrethrum affects the Central Nervous System of insects.

It is relatively safe for mammals .LD50 value for rats is 570 mg/Kg body weight (oral)
and 1880 mg /Kg body weight(dermal)

NEEM

Neem, Azadirachta inidaca A.Juss is grown throughout India, since time

immemorial , it is a very useful plant and utilized in diverse ways .
The interest of entomologists towards the use of neem in pest management
arose with the discovery of Pradhan et al (1963) who reported the extraordinary anti
feeding property of neem seed kernel against desert locust. Now there is a global
attention for the use of neem for pest control.

Although, all parts of the neem tree are biologically active but the highest activity
could be seen in seed kernel. Havie et al (1967) were first to report the isolation of
teriterpenoid alcohol (Meliantriol ) from the fruits of Dharek (Melia azedarach) and
neem which inhibits the feeding of desert locusts.

Butterworth and Morgan (1968) isolated tetranotriterpinoid, azadirachtin from

neem seed kernel, which is stronger inhibitor than Meliantriol.This is also present in the
leaves of neem and also in fruits of neem

Henderson et al (1964) isolated salanin from neem and was found poor feeding
deterrent

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Kraus et al (1980) isolated
a) Diacetyl vilasinin }
b) 3 – desacetyl salanin } From Neem Seed
c) Nimbandiol }
d) Salannin }

Thus , Neem owes its toxic attributes due to the presence of azadirachtin , Melantriol,
Salannin , Nimbandiol , Diacetyl vilasinin etc., Among which azadirachtin is more
potent .
Neem seed contains 0.2 to 0.3 % azadirachtin .Neem has diverse affect on insects such
as
1. Feeding deterrent
2. Growth disruptor
3. Repellant
4. ovispositional deterrent
5. Insecticidal etc.,
In few insects hatchability and reproduction are impaired .Pest resurgence has
not been in neem treated plots. Insects cannot develop resistance to neem
compounds as they contain a number of bioactive principles.
Azadirachtin, causes disorders in metmorphosis. In some insects when neem seed
extract mixed with food caused growth inhibition, mal formation, mortality and
reduced fecundity . Neem seed extraction at 12 percent concentration has been
found as potential anti feedant for brown plant hopper.
Neem has systemic activity , non phytotoxic remain active in plants up to 25 days
.Neem products are highly degradable (photo) residual action of neem can be
increased by the addition of adsorbents . It has no adverse effect on the
environment and have no toxic residue in the harvested agro - commodities.
Neem products : Nimbecidine , Neemgaurd, Neemplus , Neemrich, Cropgaurd,
Neemostar, Azadit-20, Radon, Jawan, ,Neem mark, Navagaurd, ,Margosol, nemidin
SYNTHETIC PYRETHROIDS

These are 4th generation insecticides .The unstable nature of pyrethrum, coupled
with the establishment of structure of pyrethrum. Many workers stimulated their
research on synthetic pyrethroids. Synthetic pyrethroids are more stable than many of
the organic phosphorus compounds and carbamate insecticides .These are
insecticidally more active than others.
1. Synthetic pyrethroids are viscous, lypophilic liquids, insoluble in water,
2. Biodegradable,
3. Have low mammalian toxicity,
4. Don’t leave any residues in biological systems and cause
less contamination to the environment.
5. Cause less contamination to the environment.

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1. ALLETHRIN / DIVINYL PYRETHRIN –I (DVP-I)

It was introduced with trade name pynamin .It is also called as divinyl pyrethrum –I .
This was the first synthetic pyrethroid.This was first reported by
LAFORGE&SCHECHTER . It is a pale yellow oil sparingly soluble in water, soluble in
organic solvents .It has a more stable side chain than pryethrins. It is more persistent
and contact insecticide effective against houseflies, mosquitoes, but less effective
against household pests.
It is an allyl analog of pyretrhrin –I.
H3C O CH3
C = CH -- CH –CH---C ---O CH2---CH = CH2
H3C C
CH3 CH3 H2 O

2-methyl-4-oxo-3(2-propenyl)-2 cyclopentane-1-cis trans -3(2,2-dimethyl vinyl-2,2-

dimethyl cyclopropane-1-carboxylate.
2.BIORESMETHRIN

First synthesized at Rothemsted Experimental station (1966)

CMA+5 Benzyl furyl 3 methanol

More toxic(50 times) than to natural pyrethrum(house flies)

LD50 = 7070 mg - 8000mg / kg body weight

4. FENVALERATE /SUMICIDIN/ FEN FEN/ FENVOL

Synthesized by Sumitomo chemical company of Japan
Properties:
1. It is a viscous yellow liquid , less soluble in water .More soluble in organic solvents
2. It is thermally stable, more stable in acid medium than in alkaline medium.
3. It is a contact and stomach poison.
4. It is effective against cotton boll worm, lepidopteron larvae and used in public health
management and animal husbandry.
5. It is a cyanide containing synthetic pyrethroids
O C N
Cl CH----C----O----C
CH H O
H3C CH3
α-cyano-3-phenylbenzyl-s-isopropyl-p-chlorophenyl acetate

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5. PERMETHRIN
Trade names AMBUSH, TALCORD, KALFIL
This was first reported by MICHEAL ELLIOTT.
Properties:
It is a yellowish brown liquid, highly viscous, insoluble in water, highly soluble in
organic solvents.

Stable to heat , more stable in acid than in alkaline medium .

It is a contact insecticide

It has good residual activity

It has low mammalian toxicity

It is very effective against lepidopetrous lavare and used in live-stock management .
Cl O
C=CH—CH--CH--C--O--CH2-
Cl C O
H3C CH3

α-3 phenoxy benzyl (±) cis trans -3(2,2-dichlorovinyl-2,2-dimethyl-cyclopropane-1-

carboxylate)
Synthetic pyrethroid containing two chlorine atoms is Permethrin, one chlorine atom
is Fenvalarate.
4. DECAMETHRIN/DELTA METHRIN / DECIS
This was first introduced by " ROUSSEL UCLAF " and reported by MICHAEL
ELLIOTT.
This is bromine and cyanide containing synthetic pyrethroid.
Properties:
1. It is a colourless crystalline powder.
2. It is stable having no degradation even after 6 months.
3. It is insoluble in water. Soluble in organic solvents .Non-phytotoxic, proved
effective against insects which are resistant to conventional pesticides.
4. It is not effective against mites.
Br O C N
C=CH-CH -CH–C–O–C -
Br C H O
H3C CH3
5. CYPERMETHRIN/CYMBUSH/ RIPCORD/BARRICAD

Dcihloro CMA + Cyano-3- Phenoxy benzyl alcohol

Cl O C N
C=CH-CH -CH–C–O–C -
Cl C H O
H3C CH3

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Lecture: 24 Synthetic organic insecticides – Cyclodiene –Diels- Alder reaction –
structure , properties
______________________________________________________________________

ORGANO CHLORINE INSECTICIDES

The organo chlorine insecticides are classified into two categories

1. Chlorinated Hydrocarbons Eg. DDT, BHC, Methoxy chloar, Lindane
2. Cyclodiene compounds Eg. Aldrin , Dieldrin, Endrin, Endosulfan

CYCLODIENE INSECTICIDES

Major characteristics:

1. These are polychlorinated compounds

2. Must contain at least one bicyclic ring
3. Must contain at least one Endomethylene bridge CH2
4. prepared by Diels Alder Additive Reaction
5. HCCP (Hexa Chloro Cyclo Pentadiene) is the basic raw material required for their
synthesis.
6. Highly persistent
7. Very effective contact insecticide
Disadvantages:
1. Highly toxic to mammals
2. Long persistence in the environment
DIENE: An alkene that has two double bonds in its molecules.
CONJUGATED DIENE: The compound in which the two double bonds are separated by
one single bond.
Eg. 1,3 Butadiene , CH2=CH – CH= CH2
DIELS –ALDER REACTION:
A type of chemical reaction in which a conjugated diene adds to a suitable
compound containing one double bond (dienophile) to give a ring compound .It is
named after the German chemist OTTO DIELS & KURT ALDER who discovered it
1928.
ENDOSULFAN /THIODAN
An important cyclodiene insecticide used very extensively.
Cl CH2 O
Cl
CCl2 S=O
Cl
Cl CH2 O
6,7,8,9,10,10- hexa chloro –1,5,5a,9,9a- hexa hydro 6,9 methano-2,4,3,-benzo dioxo
thiepin -3- oxide.

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Properties:
1. It is a mixture of two isomers α and β in 4:1 ratio.
2. Technical grade is an amorphous powder.
3. It is insoluble in water but soluble in most of non-polar organic solvents.
4. Readily decomposed by alkali to form endosulphan alcohol and inorganic sulphite .
Reaction:

Cl CH2 O Cl
Cl Cl CH2OH
CCl2 S = O + NaOH CCl2 + Na2SO3
Cl Cl CH2OH
Cl CH2 O Cl

5. It is a stomach and contact poison

6. It is highly toxic to mammals with an LD50 value 40-110 mg/kg body weight.
7. Formulated as dust , granules etc.,
8. It is metabolized to sulphate in the metabolism of insects, plants and animals.

Mode of Action of cyclodiene compounds:

They inhibit the activity of Respiratory enzymes. This leads to disruption of oxidative
phosphorylation. The symptoms of poisoning in insects are:
1.Hyper sensitivity,
2.Hyper activity
3. Violent burns and
4 .Collapse of insects finally.

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Lecture: 25 Organo phosphorus insecticides – Discovery – Advantages – Classification
–Mode of action .Structure , properties and uses of Dichlorvos (DDVP)

ORGANO PHOSPHORUS INSECTICIDES

Organo phosphorus compounds constitute a variety of Agrochemicals and as a

group they rank first in consumption .They were discovered as toxic nerve gases by the
defence labs of Germany during II World war. Insecticidal properties of organo
phosphorus compounds were identified by GERHARD SCHRADER (1937) .These also
act as Acaricides, Nematicides, Defoliants and Desiccants .These are good substitute
for Nicotine.
Advantages of organo phosphorus compounds:
1. These are required in very small quantity.
2. These are quickly decomposed leaving no toxic residues
3. These are very quickly metabolized in vertebrates and tendency to be excreted.
4. These have wide insecticidal spectrum.
5. Some of these are systemic in nature
6. Some do have Nematicidal action in addition

Classification of organo phosphorus compounds:

1. Derivatives of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) :
Eg. DDVP(Dimethyl dichloro vinyl phosphate) or Dichlorovos or Nuvan
Phosphomidan (Dimecron)

2. Derivatives of thiophosphoric acid (H2PO3S):

Eg. Methyl parathion, Parathion, Diazinon, Dursaban

,
3. Derivatives of dithiophosphoric acid (H2PO2S2):
Eg. Malathion, Phasolone(zolone), Phorate (Thimmet)

4. Derivatives of pyrophosphoric acid Eg.

Eg.TEPP (Tetra Ethyl Pyrophosphate), Pestox –III,Sacradan

5. Derivatives of phosphorous acid

Eg. Falone

Mode of action of organo phosphorus (O.P.) insecticides:

Acetyl choline esterase is a key enzyme of nervous system and is responsible for
hydrolyzing acetyl choline to acetic acid and choline .By doing so, the enzyme helps
in carrying nerve impulses to brain. When O.P. insecticides are applied ,the central
phosphorus atom of O.P. insecticides phophorylates the active site of acetyl choline
esterase enzyme and inhibits the enzyme activity .As a result acetyl choline cannot
be hydrolyzed to acetic acid and choline to carry nerve impulses to brain .Thus O.P.
insecticides disrupt the nervous system in susceptible animals and insects.

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General structure of O.P. insecticides:
O (S)
R1
P X
R2
Where R1 and R2 are short chain alkyl groups (CH3, C2H5) or alkoxy (CH3O, C2H5 O)
or alkyl thio (CH3OS, C2H5 OS) groups and X is any labile group which will be
metabolized invivo
O
C2H5O
P O NO2
CH3O
Ethyl Methyl Parathion
Where ,
R1 is C2 H5 O (Ethoxy)
R2 is CH3 O ( Methoxy )
X is NO2

1. DERIVATIVES OF PHOSPHORIC ACID:

Most of the derivatives of phosphoric acid insecticides are vinyl esters of the acid
.
A) DDVP/ Dichlorovos / Nuvan
O
CH3O Cl
P O CH= C
CH3O Cl
O, O, di methyl O-2,2-dichloro vinyl phosphate .This was introduced in 1955.
Properties:
1. It is a colourless liquid
2. It is moderately volatile and does have considerable fumigant action
3. It is water soluble to the extent of 1 % but highly soluble in organic solvents.
4. It is stable to light and heat .However in the presence of water it gets hydrolyzed to
form Dimethyl phosphoric acid (DMPA). This acid acts as a catalyst for further
degradation of DDVP .That is why DDVP is formulated with 2 to 4 %
epichlorohydrin.
O O
CH3O Cl CH3O
P O CH = C + HOH alkali P OH +CHCl2CHO
CH3O Cl CH3O
(non toxic) Dichloro
acetal dehyde

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5. The degradation products of DDVP are quickly lost by further decomposition. Thus,
use of DDVP poses no residue hazard.
6. DDVP has a vinylic double bond and responds to addition reaction with halogens or
hydrogen particularly with bromine .With bromine it reacts as follows.
O O H Cl
CH3O Cl CH3O
P O CH =C + Br2 P O C C Cl
CH3O Cl CH3O Br Br

(O,O- dimethyl-O-1,2 dibromo-2,2-dichloro ethyl phosphate)

Incidentally, this compound is also an effective insecticide and sold as Naled or
Dibrom
7. It is a contact and stomach poison - Suitable for the control of sucking insects , flies
and mosquitoes etc.,
8. It is moderately toxic to mammals with a L.D.50 value of 80 mg/kg body weights of
rats.

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Lecture: 26 Thiophosphoric acid derivatives –Thiolo and thiono isomers . Structure and
activity relationships of thiophosphoric acid derivatives, structure, properties and used of
Methyl parathion.

DERIVATIVES OF THIO PHOSPHORIC ACID AND INSECTICIDES

Replacement of one ‘O’(oxygen) atom by ‘S’ , in the phosphoric acid derivatives

produces thiophosphoric acid insecticides with such replacement, the mammalian

toxicity is decreased markedly but the insecticidal toxicity remains unaltered more or

less.

As insecticides, thiophosphoric acid derivatives are of two types

1) .Thiolo isomer→ O
RO
P SX (more toxic to mammals than thiono)
R΄O

2) .Thiono isomer→
S
RO
P OX
R΄O

Thiolo isomers are more toxic than Thiono isomers.

Thiono isomers can be converted to Thiolo isomers (Isomerisation) by heat and by
chemical reagents or by oxidase enzymes.

Conversion is called as “PISCHEMEUKA” rearrangement.

Structure, Activity Inter Relationship Of Thiophosphoric Acid Derivatives

Most of the insecticides of thiophosphoric acid derivatives are mixed esters of formula

S S
R1O R1O
PCl + HOAr P OAr
R2O R2O
Where R1 and R2 are short chain alkyl groups and Ar is aromatic nucleus.
Eg.
S
CH3O
P O NO2
C2H5O

Methyl Ethyl Parathion

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1. Most effective insecticides are those in which both R1 and R2 are aliphatic radicals
and the total number of C atoms in R1 and R2 put together does not exceed 4
2. If both R1 and R2 are methyl groups → minimum insecticidal activity
If R1 is methyl and R2 is Ethyl → medium insecticidal activity
If R1 and R2 are Ethyl groups → maximum insecticidal activity
3. Both insecticidal activity and mammalian toxicity are increased remarkably, if a
nitro (-NO2) group is introduced in 4th or para position of the aromatic ring.
4. Introduction of same nitro (-NO2) group in second and third position of the aromatic
ring decreases the insecticidal activity markedly.
5. Introduction of another group (besides -NO2 group at 4th position) into the aromatic
ring decreases insecticidal activity, while mammalian toxicity decreases
considerably.
6. Introduction of three or more groups, into the aromatic ring decreases both
insecticidal activity and mammalian toxicity.
7. If at all, a second group is to be introduced it should be introduced only in third
position of the aromatic ring .
8. Introduction of other groups like cyano (-C≡N ) or sulfoxide (S=O) or Sulfone
(O=S=O) in fourth position also exhibits increased insecticidal activity but the
mammalian toxicity is also increased dangerously, often prohibiting their use.
9. Some times, the replacement of aromatic ring by heterocyclic ring also produces
very effective insecticides like dursaban and diazinon.
10. Most of the compounds with the following formula are systematic insecticides.
S
R1O
P O CH2 CH2 S R3
R2O

Methyl Parathion /Metacid /Folidol-80

S
CH3O
P O NO2
CH3O

Chemical name: O,O – dimethyl O-4-nitrophenyl thiophosphate

Properties:
1. It is a white crystalline substance.
2. Its water solubility is only 55 mg / l, highly soluble in organic solvents.
3. It is quickly hydrolyzed in alkaline medium to produce 4- nitrophenol (yellow
coloured) as an important product to determine the purity of methyl parathion.

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4. Oxidizing agents and oxidase enzymes oxidase the P=S groups to P=O forming
methyl paraoxone which is more toxic than methyl parathion.

S O
CH3O CH3O
P O NO2 [O] P O NO2
CH3O CH3O

5. Reducing agents reduce the nitro group [NO2] to [ NH2 ]group making he compound
non-toxic.
S S
CH3O CH3O
P O NO2 H2 P O NH2
CH3O CH3O

6. Methyl parathion is an effective alkylating agent and alkylates a number of

biochemical substances such as amines and thiourea .Most of the compound is lost
by methylation before it reaches the enzyme acetyl choline esterase. This explains
the low mammalian toxicity of methyl parathion.
7. It is relatively safe compound for mammals
8. Formulated as EC and dusts

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Lecture:27 Dithiophosphoric acid derivatives – structure, properties and uses of

Phorate and Malathion

DITHIOPHOSPHORIC ACID INSECTICIDES

In the change from Thiophosphoric to dithiophosphoric acid derivative

insecticides, the toxicity of the compounds decreases, but chemical stability of the
compounds increases.
1. Malathion / Carbophos
S
CH3O
P S CH COOC2H5
CH3O CH2 COOC2H5

Chemical name: O, O dimethyl –S-1, 2 dicarboethoxy ethyl dithiophosphate

Properties:
1. Colourless liquid
2. Almost water soluble, but soluble in most of organic solvents.
3. It is moderately volatile and does have fumigant action.
4. It is hydrolyzed in both acidic and alkaline medium but in different direction.
5. In insects ,it is oxidized by oxidases to form the more toxic malaoxon
In acid medium, the products are dimethyl thiophosphoric acid and diethyl
mercapto succinic acid.
S
CH3O
P OH + CH2 COOC2H5
CH3O HSCH COOC2H5

In alkaline medium, the products are dimethyl dithio –phosphoric acid and diethyl
furmerate.
S
CH3O
P SNa + CH COOC2H5
CH3O CH COOC2H5
But in vertebrates, it is detoxified by loss of ethyl groups to form malathion acid which is
non toxic, that’s why it is safe for mammalians.
6. Malathion is moderately persistent i.e., 20 days
7. It is a general purpose contact insecticide
8. It is one of the safest insecticides .L.D.50 value is 500-1500 mg /kg body weight .Its
use thus permitted in live-stock management, public health, house hold and storage.

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2. Phorate (Thimet)
S
C2H5O
P S CH2 S C2H5
C2H5O
Chemical Name: O, O- diethyl –S- (ethyl thio methyl) dithiophosphate.
Properties:
1. It is transparent oil.
2. Almost water insoluble but soluble in organic solvents.
3. It is slightly volatile and does have an unpleasant odour
4. In alkaline medium, it is rapidly hydrolyzed to form the respective acid and alcohol.
5. Phorate is oxidized to its sulphoxide and sulphone.Both are more toxic and more
persistent than phorate .The reaction takes in dry soils and explains the relatively
long life of phorate in soils .

S S O
C2H5O C2H5O
P S CH2 S C2H5 [O] P S CH2 S C2H5
C2H5O C2H5O

[O]

S O
C2H5O
P S CH2 S C2H5
C2H5O O

6. Phorate is a very effective systemic insecticide . Very suitable for the control of
chewing and sucking insect pests. It is used also as a nematicide.
7. It is extremely toxic for mammals .L.D. 50 is 1.1 to 2.3 mg /kg.
8. Phorate is formulated mainly as granules (10 G)

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Lecture: 28 Carbamate insecticides –Chemistry, discovery and mode of action,
structure ,properties and uses of Carbofuran

CARBAMATE INSECTICIDES

In production and consumption, this rank - II, apart from the insecticides, this act
as fungicides, herbicides and acaricides .Eg. Carbaryl, Carbofuran, Aldicarb etc.,
Carbamates are the derivatives of carbamic acid, may be considered as
molecule of urea in which an amine (NH2) group is replaced by a OH group (or) a
replaced by a NH2 group.
molecule of carbonic acid in which OH group is replaced
CO2+ H2O H2CO3 O
OH C OH

O
H2N C OH Carbamic acid
Carbamates are in fact esters of carbamic acid. Carbamic acid can be esterified by
either aliphatic or aromatic alcohol forming alkyl or aryl carbamates.
Further, one or two H atoms of the NH2 group may be replaced by aliphatic or
aromatic radicals i.e., N-alkyl or N- aryl carbamates.
In general, N-alkyl
-alkyl aryl carbamates are good insecticides
General structure of Carbamate:

Where R is alky radical like CH3 ,

C2H5,C3H7 etc.,

Ar- is aromatic radical like phenyl,

Naphthyl etc.,

N-alkyl aryl carbamate

Carbofuran /Furadon
It is very effective systemic insecticide and very suitable as a soil insecticide .It is
also used as nematicde.
CH3

OO CH3
O C NH CH3
Chemical name: (2,2-dimethyl 2,3-dihydro benzofuranyl- 7-N-methyl carbamate)

Properties:
1. It is a white crystalline substance.
2. Poorly water soluble, but soluble in organic solvents.

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3. Some what stable in neutral and slightly acidic medium, but readily decomposed in
alkaline pH, when the ester bond is readily degraded to produce the alcohol (2,2
dimethyl 2, 3 dihydro benzofuranol)and methyl amine

CH3
NaOH
O O CH3 hydrolysis CH3+CH3NH2 +Na2CO3
O C NH CH3 O CH3
OH

It is thus not compatible with alkaline agricultural materials like, lime or

Bordeaux mixture. Hence, it should not be mixed with agricultural
chemicals of alkaline nature
4. Carbofuran is highly toxic for mammals. L.D.50 value for Rats is 5 mg /kg body
weight.
5. It is formulated as granules (3G).

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Lecture: 29 Fungicides –Definition –Systemic and non –systemic –Classification of
fungicides based on chemical nature with examples –structure and properties and
uses of copper oxy chloride and Zineb

FUNGICIDES
Fungicide is a chemical substance that has the ability to kill fungi and is thus an
antifungal substance. Some fungicides act on the “surface" near the site of application
and these fungicides are called non-systemic fungicides.
A systemic fungicide is a fungi toxic compound which when applied to any part of
the plant is absorbed by plant tissues and is translocated either upward or downward or
both and exert toxicity in the fungi directly or indirectly through its metabolite at a site
away from its application .
Classification of fungicides
I. Based on the chemical nature
1.Sulphur containing fungicides :
A).Inorganic: Eg .Lime sulphur; powedered sulphur
B). Organic: Eg. Zineb, Maneb, Thiram and Vapam
2. Copper containing fungicides:
Eg.Bordeaux mixture [Ca (OH) 2 + CuSO4]
Eg. Burgundy mixture [CuSO4] + Na2CO3
Eg. Cheshnut compound [(NH4 )2CO3+CuSO4]
3. Mercury containing fungicides:
A).Inorganic: Eg. Hg Cl (Mercurous chloride or Calomel)
Hg Cl2( Mercuric chloride)
B) .Organic: PMA (Phenyl Mercuric Acetate)
EMC (Ethyl Mercuric Chloride)
4. Quinones : Chloranil ; Dichlone
5. Heterocyclic nitrogenous compounds : Captan , Captafol, Folpet
6. Benzimidazoles: Eg. Carbendazim, Thiobendazole, Benomyl
7. Oxanthins: Eg.Carboxin ; Oxycarboxin
8. Morpholines: Tridemorph ; Dodemorph S
║
9. Thiophanates:
These are derivatives of thio aliphanic acid [H2N- C-NH COOH]
Eg. Topsin and Topsin -M
10. Organophosphorus fungicides: Kitazin; Hinosan

11. Pyrimidines : Ethrimol, Dimethrimol; Triarimol

12. Miscellaneous : PCNB(Penta Chloro Nitrobenzene)

13. Antibiotics: Streptomycin, Cycloheximide, Chloroneb, Triphenyl acetate

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1. ZINEB

Chemical Name: Zinc ethylene bis dithiocarbamate

S
S
║ NH2 C SH
CH2-NH-C-S
‫׀‬ Zn
Structure: CH2-NH-C-S
║
S

This is a widely used ‘S’ containing fungicide

Properties:

It is a white crystalline substance ,decomposes before melting point which is usually

between 140 and 160 0C

It is insoluble in water as well as organic solvents, but highly soluble in pyridine.

Zineb containing 74 % moisture, under unfavourable conditions, may decompose
with the evolution of explosive CS2 . So it should be stored in well ventilated place at
low temperature.
S
CH2 NH C S CH2 NH2
Zn + H2O CH2 NH2 + 2CS2 + ZnO
CH2 NH C S
S

Zineb brakes down in the plants, within 10-15 days of its application, resulting in the
formation of volatile products like ZnSO4, which is used as a source of micronutrient
zinc.

Its L.D.50 value is 2000 to 5000 mg /kg or 2-5 grams per kg body weight.

2. COPPER OXY CHLORIDE/ BLITOX/FYTOLAN

{It is the most widely used copper based fungicide}
Copper oxy chloride: Cu (OH)2. Cu Cl2
Properties:
1. It is a green coloured powder ,insoluble in water
2. It is mixture of cupric hydroxide and cupric chloride
3. It is marketed in the form of Wettable Powder containing 88 % COC which is
equivalent to 50 % copper.

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Lecture: 30 Structure, properties and uses of Carbendazim, Captan, Carboxin and
tridemorph .

3. CAPTAN
O
C
N SC Cl3
C
O
N-Tri chloro methyl thio tetra hydro phthalamide
SC Cl3 thio phosogene group responsible for fungicidal action of the compound.
This is a widely used, broad spectrum protective fungicide and used as seed
dresser and also for seed disinfection. It is a heterocyclic nitrogenous compound
Properties:
1. It is a white crystalline substance, almost odourless.
2. It is insoluble in water (slightly) and most soluble in organic solvents .
3. Capton is hydrolyzed particularly in alkaline medium. That’s why it should not be
mixed with agricultural chemicals of alkaline nature

O O
C C
N SC Cl3 NaOH NH +3 HCl +CO2
C C
O O
4. L.D.50 value is 9000 mg /kg or 9 grams per kg body weight .
4. CARBENDAZIM / MBC
H
N H O
N C OCH3
N

Chemical name: 2 methyl benzimidazole Carbamate

It is a potent broad spectrum, systemic fungicide against powdery mildew and soil
borne fungi, but ineffective against phycomycetes.
Properties:

It is a whitish grey powder with a faint acid odour

It is insoluble in water, slightly soluble in organic solvents but highly soluble in
acetic acid.

Carbendazim is stable even at 50 0C for a period of two years. But in alkaline
medium it decomposes rapidly.

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The fungi toxicity of Carbendazim is clearly due to benzimidazole nucleus. It
exerts its toxicity by inhibiting fungal DNA synthesis or Cell division or nuclear
division .The interference with DNA synthesis is probably due to structural
similarity with purine bases namely Guanine and Adenine.

Its L.D.50 Value is 6400 mg /kg body weight.
5. CARBOXIN /VITAVAX

O CH3

C NH
S O
Chemical name: 2,3,dihydro 6 methyl 5 phenyl carbonmyl 1,4,oxathin

It is a very effective systemic fungicide against basidiomycetes which include

rust, smut and bunts of cereals .It is also used as seed dresser .It is the most widely
used member of oxathin group. The other important member of the group is its sulphon
analog i.e., that is oxycarboxin (Plantavax).

Properties:

It is a white crystalline substance with two crystalline forms .One form is melted
between 91.50to 92.50 0C and another is melted between 98 and 100 0C.

It is insoluble in water and highly soluble in inorganic solvents.

It is oxidized in soils plants and water to the corresponding sulphoxide

On long standing in water Carboxin is converted to corresponding carboxylic acid

O CH3 O CH3 NH2

H2O
C NH COOH +
S O S

In most susceptible fungi it inhibits the activity of succinate dehydrogenase

Its L.D.50 value is 3,200 mg/kg body weight

6. TRIDEMORPH/ CALIXIN

CH3 O CH3 O

N N
(CH2)12 CH3 H Morpholine

Chemical name: 2, 6 dimethyl 4 tridecyl 1,4 morphaline

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It is an effective systemic, eradicant fungicide mainly against mildews and ensures
long lasting protection. Replacement of tri decyl group at 4th position by a cyclic
dodecyl group results in the formation of dodemorph, the other important member of this
group
Properties:
1. It is faint yellowish liquid
2. It is immiscible with water, but miscible with organic solvents.
3. It is fairly stable compound because of the absence of very reactive functional
groups in its structures .It does not degrade even for two years under normal storage
4. It has considerable fish toxicity also
5. It effects the permeability of fungal cell membranes resulting in the leakage of
cellular material
6. Its L.D.50 value is 1250 mg /kg body weight.

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Lecture: 31 Herbicides –Classification of herbicides based on chemical nature with

examples .Selectivity of herbicides brief nt on mode of action of herbicides (Respiration
,mitochondrial activity ,photosynthesis , protein and nucleic acid metabolism

HERBICIDES

I. Classification of herbicides based on chemical nature

1. Aliphatics : Dalapon , Acrolein , TCA (Tri Chloro Acetic Acid ),

Allyl alcohol

2. Amides and acetamides : Alachlor, Butachlor , Propanil , Diphenamid

3. Arsenicals : MAA( Methane Arsenic Acid ),

DSMA ( Disodium Methyl Arsenate )

4. Phenyl acetates and Benzoics : Dicamba, 2,3,6 trichlorobenzoic acid

5. Carbamates : Propham , Swep, Barbam

6. Phenols : Penta chloro phenol (PCP) , Dinoseb

7. Bipyridilliums: Paraquat , Diquat

8. Triazines : Atrazine ,Simazine and Propazine

9. Triazoles : Amitrole, Amitrole – T

10. Diphenyl ethers : Nitrofen , Oxyfluorfen

11. Thiocarbamates : Benthiocarb , Triallate

12. Substituted urea: Manuron ,Diuron , Metaxuron

13. Dinitroanilines : Trifluralin, fluchloralin

14. Nitriles : Bromoxynil , Dichlobenil

15. Pyridazinones: Pyrazon, Oxypyrazon

16. Uracils : Bromacil, Terbacil

17. Phenoxy acids : 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T

18. Miscellaneous : Picloram, Glyphosate

19. Inorganic herbicides: Borax, Sodium chlorate,

Ammonium sulfamate.
Mercurous chloride, Ferrus sulphate .

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Selectivity of herbicides
Selectivity refers to the ability of a herbicide to kill a target plant in a mixed plant
population.
Activity refers to the ability of a herbicide to control a weed. Selectivity of a
herbicide play an important role in developing the chemical weed control.
Selectivity is achieved physically, chemically, mechanically, environmentally and
metabolically.
Each herbicide has its own physical and chemical properties like water solubility,
absorptive force, vapour pressure and polarity which contribute to the selectivity of the
herbicide.
Before exerting toxicity to a target plant the chemical should be absorbed and
translocated .For example, hydrophilic herbicides because of high surface tension of
water molecules, tend to form large spherical droplets which don’t readily wet the waxy
cuticle of the leaf surface .This results in poor and improper wetting of the foliage and as
a consequence, the herbicide activity reduced. In case of lipophilic herbicides they enter
the waxy cuticle better than the hydrophilic ones but translocation within the plants is
very slow in the water continuum. This in turn plays a crucial role in conferring selectivity
and activity. A very important factor of the selectivity of the herbicide is the plant
morphology and anatomy. Thus, thin cuticle permits greater absorption of herbicide
compared to thick cuticle. Similarly plants with larger size and greater number stomata
absorb higher amount of herbicides and make the plants more susceptible.

The most important factor governing the selectivity of herbicides is differential

metabolism of a chemical in plants. In tolerant plants , the chemical is inactivated in one
or more pathways .In certain plant species , detoxification of the herbicide takes place at
a rate slower than that of accumulation resulting in the plant mortality , while in others it
is much faster , enabling the plants to be tolerant. Several species of leguminous plants
are resistant to the phenoxy butyric acid herbicides because they lack β-oxidases to
convert invivo to the active phenoxy acid derivatives. Therefore 2,4, DB is a selective
post emergence herbicide in legumes .
Mode of action of herbicides
Most of the herbicides act by inhibition of one or more of the following
biochemical processes
I. Respiration and Mitochondrial Activities
II. Photosynthesis
III. Protein and Nucleic acid metabolism
IV. Synthesis of hydrolytic enzymes
I. Respiration and mitochondrial activities: Mitochondria are cellular organelles
responsible for the oxidation of respiratory fuels and conservation of energy emanating
thereof in the form of ATP. The process thus involves eth synthesis of ATP from ADP
and transport of electrons from the substrate to the molecular oxygen.

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Herbicides inhibit these processes by uncoupling the reaction of ATP formation
or interference with electron transport and energy transfer. Uncouplers usually act on
the membranes of mitichandria where phosphorylation takes place.

Dalapon and Propanil are important herbicides of this category. Dalapon is

reported to impair glucose metabolism by interfering glycolysis and Kerb’s cycle in
susceptible plants. Propanil interferes with the oxidation of malate and succinate in
Kerbs cycle and also with electron transport and ATP generation in mitochondria.

Ii.photosynthesis: The events of photosynthesis can be divided into two phases

A. Light phase:
The phase in which light energy is conserved resulting in the formation of NADPH
and ATP. Light phase involves the Hill reaction, the usual photosynthetic electron
transport system and two photosystem like P.S.I and P.S.II which differ in the distinctive
optimum wavelength and the ratio of Chlorophyll a to Chlorophyll b. The photosynthetic
electron transport chain has three segments, a short segment from H2O to PS-II , a
central chain from P.S-II to P.S.I and the a segment from PS-I to NADP+ .
The reaction involving the evolution of oxygen form H2O and simultaneous
reduction of the electron acceptor as depicted in the following equation is called the
Hill reaction
Light
H2O +A → AH2 + ½ O 2
Where A is the Hill reagent . In photosynthetic systems , the eventual Hill
reagent is NADP+ . Thus
Light
NADP+ + H2O → NADPH + H+ + ½ O 2
The transfer of electrons from H2O to NADP+ is however not direct and involves a
number of intermediaries and both P.S.I and P.S.II.

B. Dark phase:
The phase in which CO2 is reduced by NADPH and ATP.

A large number of herbicides inhibit photosynthesis principally by inhibiting or

blocking or enacting
a) The Hill reaction and the production of oxygen from H2O in P.S.II Ex Ureas, Uracils,
Nitriles and Dphenyl ethers.
b) The transfer or transport of electron in P.S-II Eg. Niriles and Ureas
c) Removal of electrons from the electron transport chain from Ferredoxin in P.S.II
eg.Bypyridiliniums.
d) The non-cyclic photopohprylation or ATP synthesis Eg. Ureas , Triazines , Uracils,
Nitriles

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Iii. Protein and nucleic acid metabolism: The various steps of protein synthesis are i)
amino acid activation ii) chain initiation iii) chain elongation iv) termination.
Herbicides like barbam , a carbamate ,inhibits protein synthesis , the degree of
inhibition is related to the susceptibility of the species to the herbicide C.D.A.A.(N,N-
diallyl -2-chlo acetamide ) inhibits the incorporation of exogene aminoacids in protein
chain elongation .
Nucleic acids inhibition (both DNA and RNA) is considered to be the primary
mechanism of dinitroaniline herbicides like trifluralin and fluchloralin, while diphanamid
inhibits RNA synthesis.

iv.Inhibition of the syntheis of hydrolytic enzymes:

During seed germination, enzymes are activated, synthesized and stored
insoluble foods degraded, soluble foods translocated, nutrients mobilized and synthetic
reaction related to growth take place at a faster pace. One of the major metabolic
processes that needs take place during this time at a faster rate is the production of
hydrolytic enzymes such as amylases, proteases ,lipases ,phosphatases ,esterases
etc., some of these hydrolases are under the control of the gibberellins .Aleurone layers
of the cereal grain are the seats of production of these enzymes .During imbibition of
the seeds ,embryo supplies the harmone gibberllic acids to the aleurone which then
induces the synthesis of polyribosomes , and nucleic acids .An effect of the herbicides
on any one or more of these events would lead to the other events as well ,
consequently effecting the eventual germination of the seed.

A number of pre- emergence herbicides particularly amides and thiocarbamates

exert action by inhibition of one or more these events.

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LECTURE-32 Structure, properties and uses of 2,4 D, Atrazine ,Butachlor Glyphosate

and Benthiocarb

(1) 2, 4-D ( 2, 4 – Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid )

It is a most important member of the phenoxy acid family and is used for the
control of broad leaved dicotyledonous weeds.
It is a white crystalline substance, insoluble in water but soluble in organic
solvents like ethanol and acetone. Technical product emits a characteristic smell of 2,4
dichlorophenol present as an impurity .
With organic and inorganic bases 2, 4 –D forms stable salts .In fact 2,4-D
formulated in the form of metal or amine salts .

OCH2COOH OCH2COOH
Cl Cl
Ca(OH)2 Ca+2
Cl Cl

2,4-D Calcium salt

2,4-D reacts with the alcohols to form esters which are more effective than its salts .

OCH2COOH OCH2COOH
Cl Cl
+ ROH + H2O
Cl Cl
2,4-D ester

2, 4-D is formulated in the form of its esters also. Practical use is now being
made of ethyl, isopropyl, butyl, heptyl and octyl and isocrotyl esters of 2, 4-D for its
commercial use.
L.D.50 value of 2,4-D for experimental animals is in the range of 375 to 1000 mg
/kg body weight (oral ) .It is thus a compound of medium toxicity to mammals .

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2. ATRAZINE
It is selective pre –emergence herbicide for the co
control
ntrol of grass and broad leaved
weeds in maize, sorghum, sugarcane, pine apple and orchards and also as a non
non--
selective herbicide along the railway tracks.
Cl
C C
N N N N
CH3
C C NH CH C C
N CH3 N
NH C2H5 Triazine ring
136
Chemical name:
Atrazine is 2-chloro- 4 – (ethylamino) -6 -(isopropylamino) –S- triazine.
1. It is a white crystalline substance .It is almost insoluble in water.
2. when boiled with NaOH , the chlorine at 2nd position is split of f resulting in the
formation of 2- hydroxyl – 4- (ethyl amino ) 6- ( isopropyl amino) – S triazine
which does not have any herbicidal properties .
Cl OH
N N N N
CH3 CH3
C2H5HN NH CH + NaOH C2H5HN NH CH
N CH3 N CH3
3. It is a highly persistent herbicide
4. It is very safe compound for mammals and L.D.50 value for rats is 3000 mg /kg
body weight.
4. BENTHIOCARB/BENDIOCARB/THIOBENCARB

it belongs to thiocarbamates groups and derivatives of thiocarbamic acid.

O
C2H5
Cl CH2 -S C N
C2H5

Chemical name: S-(4-chlorobenzyl) N, N- diethyl thiocarbamate.

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Benthiocarb is very popular for the control of broad d leaf and aquatic weeds in
rice .
It is a white crystalline substance . The low water solubility compels its use either
in suspension or emulsions. It is moderately
moderately persistent in soil. In true solution it is rapidly
hydrolysed under alkaline medium to produce 4- chlorobenzyl mercaptan and diethyl
amine among others.

O C2H5
Cl CH2S C N + H2O Cl CH2SH
+CO2+(C2H5)2NH C2H5
It is moderately volatile and its entry to the underground shoot tissues of the plant
mainly through vapour phase .Its L.D.50 value for experimental animals is between
2200 to 3100 mg /kg body weight.
BUTACHLOR
Belongs to amides/ acetamides/ anilides

acetanilide
C2H5 CH2OC4H9
N
C2H5 COCH2Cl

Chemical name: N-(butoxy methyl ) -2-chloro-- 2 , 6 - diethyl acetanilide .

1. Butachlor is used extensively in India in the form of granules in rice as a post

emergence herbicide.
2. Butachlor resembles alachlor another promising herbicide of this group, which
has –CH2OCH3 instead of –CH2OC4H9
3. It is a white crystalline substance, it is insoluble in water but soluble in aromatic
solvents .

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4. Amide linkage is very prone to cleavage and in acidic medium , it is broken to
produce the corresponding carboxylic acid and the aliphatic chloride .

C2H5 CH2OC4H9 C2H5 COOH

N + H2O H+ N + CH3Cl
C2H5 COCH2Cl C2H5 CH2OC4H9

Further degradation

5. Crop species resistant to Butachlor, the compound is presumably detoxified by

this pathway. Other detoxification pathways too operate simultaneously.
6. Butachlor is practically non-toxic for mammals. L.D.50 Value for experimental
animals is more than 5,500 mg/kg body weight

GLYPHOSATE
O O
OH C CH2 NH CH2 P OH
OH
N-Phosphomethyl glycine
Properties :

The herbicidal activity of glyphosate was discovered in 1971 and introduced as
an isopropyl ammonium salt by Monsanto.

Glyphosate is a broad spectrum selective post emergence herbicide used for
effective control of rhizomatous and deep rooted perennial weeds.

The susceptible plants are show growth inhibition with in 4-7 days of application
followed by general foliar chlorosis and necrosis .

Extensively used in plantation crop such as tea ,coffee ,rubber , oil palm etc.,
orchard crops , vine yards , pine apple sugarcane and in non-cropped areas such
as banks of irrigation channels ,derange
,derange ditches, road sides and industrial and
recreation.

****************

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