To formulate a 15:15:15 NPK fertilizer using urea as a source of nitrogen (N), phosphate rock as a source of phosphorus (P), and ash as a source of potassium (K), you need to calculate the appropriate ratios and quantities of each component. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Determine the percentage of nutrient content in each source:
- Urea typically contains 46% nitrogen (N).
- Phosphate rock can vary in its phosphorus (P) content. You need to find phosphate rock with a P content of approximately 33% to achieve a 15% P concentration in the final fertilizer.
- Ash usually contains around 5-10% potassium (K). For simplicity, let's assume it contains 10% potassium.
Determine the desired quantity of the final fertilizer:
- Let's assume you want to produce 100 kilograms (kg) of the 15:15:15 NPK fertilizer.
Calculate the required amounts of each component:
Nitrogen (N):
- The desired concentration is 15%, so you need 15 kg of nitrogen in the final fertilizer.
- Since urea contains 46% nitrogen, you divide 15 kg by 0.46 to determine the required amount of urea:
- 15 kg / 0.46 ≈ 32.6 kg of urea.
Phosphorus (P):
- The desired concentration is 15%, so you need 15 kg of phosphorus in the final fertilizer.
- Since phosphate rock contains 33% phosphorus, you divide 15 kg by 0.33 to determine the required amount of phosphate rock:
- 15 kg / 0.33 ≈ 45.5 kg of phosphate rock.
Potassium (K):
- The desired concentration is 15%, so you need 15 kg of potassium in the final fertilizer.
- Since ash contains 10% potassium, you divide 15 kg by 0.10 to determine the required amount of ash:
- 15 kg / 0.10 = 150 kg of ash.
Mix the components:
- Take the calculated amounts of urea, phosphate rock, and ash and thoroughly mix them together.
By following these steps, you should be able to formulate 100 kg of a 15:15:15 NPK fertilizer using urea, phosphate rock, and ash as the nutrient sources. Remember to wear appropriate protective equipment and follow safety guidelines when handling and mixing fertilizers.