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SLM512Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Fertilizer Technology

This course provides an introduction to fertilizer technology, covering terminologies, importance, history, sources, calculations, application, manufacture, and quality assessment. It explores macro- and micronutrient fertilizers, their roles in agriculture, and methods of production. The course also examines chemical and physical methods for assessing fertilizer quality, providing a comprehensive understanding of fertilizer technology and its impact on crop production and soil fertility management.

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120h

Study Time

13

Weeks

9h

Per Week

basic

Math Level

Course Keywords

Fertilizer TechnologyMacronutrientsMicronutrientsSoil FertilityFertilizer Application

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

➕

Math Level

Basic Math

📖

Learning Type

Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Fertilizer Terminologies

2

Inorganic Fertilizers

3

Organic Fertilizers

4

Integrated Soil Fertility Management

5

Nitrogen Fertilizers

6

Phosphorus Fertilizers

7

Potassium Fertilizers

8

Micronutrient Fertilizers

9

Fertilizer Calculations

10

Fertilizer Application Methods

11

Soil Properties

12

Climate Factors

13

Fertilizer Production

Total Topics13 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic knowledge of chemistry

Basic understanding of plant biology

Familiarity with agricultural practices

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Agronomist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Soil Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Fertilizer Sales Representative

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Farm Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureFertilizer ProductionEnvironmental ManagementSoil ConservationHorticulture

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1:

6h

Unit 1: Fertilizer Terminologies

3 study hours

•Define fertilizer terminologies.
•Explain the meaning of fertilizer-related terms.
•Differentiate between organic and mineral fertilizers.

Unit 2: Importance of Inorganic Fertilizers in Agriculture

3 study hours

•Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of inorganic fertilizers.
•Explain the importance of N, P, and K for crop growth.
•Describe the environmental impacts of fertilizer use.

Week

2

Module 1:

6h

Unit 3: Importance of Organic Fertilizers in Agriculture

3 study hours

•Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of organic fertilizers.
•Explain the role of organic matter in improving soil structure.
•Compare organic and inorganic fertilizer impacts.

Unit 4: Role of Fertilizers in Integrated Soil Fertility Management

3 study hours

•Define Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM).
•Explain the role of organic and inorganic fertilizers in ISFM.
•Describe the benefits of ISFM for sustainable agriculture.

Week

3

Module 2:

4h

Unit 1: History of fertilizer consumption

4 study hours

•Describe the early history of fertilizer consumption.
•Discuss the contributions of key scientists to fertilizer development.
•Explain the importance of silt deposits in maintaining soil productivity.

Week

4

Module 2:

6h

Unit 2: Compositions of Nitrogen fertilizer sources

3 study hours

•Describe the composition of urea fertilizer.
•Explain the process of urea hydrolysis in the soil.
•Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using urea.

Unit 2: Compositions of Nitrogen fertilizer sources

3 study hours

•Describe the composition of ammonium sulfate fertilizer.
•Explain the benefits of sulfur content in ammonium sulfate.
•Compare ammonium sulfate with urea fertilizer.

Week

5

Module 2:

6h

Unit 2: Compositions of Nitrogen fertilizer sources

3 study hours

•Describe the composition of calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertilizer.
•Explain the advantages of CAN in semi-arid regions.
•Discuss the storage and handling requirements of CAN.

Unit 3: Composition of phosphorus fertilizer sources

3 study hours

•Describe the composition of single superphosphate (SSP) fertilizer.
•Explain the manufacturing process of SSP.
•Discuss the plant-available form of phosphorus in SSP.

Week

6

Module 2:

6h

Unit 3: Composition of phosphorus fertilizer sources

3 study hours

•Describe the composition of concentrated superphosphate fertilizer.
•Explain the manufacturing process of concentrated superphosphate.
•Compare concentrated superphosphate with SSP.

Unit 3: Composition of phosphorus fertilizer sources

3 study hours

•Describe the composition of triple superphosphate fertilizer.
•Explain the advantages of triple superphosphate over SSP.
•Discuss the plant-available form of phosphorus in triple superphosphate.

Week

7

Module 2:

4h

Unit 4: Composition of potassium fertilizers sources

4 study hours

•Describe the composition of muriate of potash (MOP) fertilizer.
•Explain the mining and processing of MOP.
•Discuss the application of MOP to the soil.

Week

8

Module 2:

6h

Unit 4: Composition of potassium fertilizers sources

3 study hours

•Describe the composition of sulfate of potash fertilizer.
•Explain the advantages of sulfate of potash over MOP.
•Discuss the use of sulfate of potash in tobacco production.

Unit 5: Composition of micronutrient fertilizer sources

3 study hours

•Describe the requirements and nature of micronutrient fertilizer sources.
•Explain the importance of micronutrients in plant growth.
•Discuss the narrow margin between deficiency and toxicity of micronutrients.

Week

9

Module 2:

6h

Unit 5: Composition of micronutrient fertilizer sources

3 study hours

•Discuss the causes of micronutrient deficiencies in plants.
•Describe the forms of micronutrient fertilizer sources.
•Explain the use of spray or seed treatments with micronutrients.

Unit 5: Composition of micronutrient fertilizer sources

3 study hours

•Define chelates and explain their role in supplying micronutrients to plants.
•Discuss the application of chelates to the soil or as foliar sprays.
•Explain how plants absorb chelates.

Week

10

Module 3:

6h

Unit 1: Fertilizer calculations content

3 study hours

•Calculate fertilizer rates for single fertilizers.
•Apply the formula A = (R x 100) / C to calculate fertilizer material required.
•Convert fertilizer amounts to bags.

Unit 1: Fertilizer calculations content

3 study hours

•Calculate fertilizer rates for multinutrient fertilizers.
•Determine how much of each nutrient is supplied by a compound fertilizer.
•Supplement with straight fertilizers to meet recommended rates.

Week

11

Module 3:

6h

Unit 2 Factors effecting fertilizer use

3 study hours

•Describe the crop factors affecting fertilizer use.
•Explain how different crops require different amounts of nutrients.
•Discuss the impact of new crop varieties on fertilizer requirements.

Unit 2 Factors effecting fertilizer use

3 study hours

•Describe the soil factors affecting fertilizer use.
•Explain how soil depth, texture, and structure influence fertilizer response.
•Discuss the role of cation exchange capacity (CEC) in retaining fertilizers.

Week

12

Module 3:

6h

Unit 2 Factors effecting fertilizer use

3 study hours

•Describe the climatic factors affecting fertilizer use.
•Explain how rainfall influences nutrient leaching.
•Discuss the profitability of fertilizer application in humid and low rainfall regions.

Unit 3: Methods of fertilizer application content

3 study hours

•Describe the methods of fertilizer application.
•Explain the objectives of broadcasting and placement.
•Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Week

13

Module 3:

6h

Unit 4: Phosphorus fertilizer production and use content

3 study hours

•Explain the process of phosphate rock mining.
•Describe the steps involved in beneficiation.
•Discuss the production of granular P fertilizers.

Unit 5: Potassium fertilizer production and use content

3 study hours

•Describe the mining and beneficiation of potassium fertilizers.
•Explain the production of potassium chloride (KCl) and potassium sulfate (K2SO4).
•Discuss the use of potassium fertilizers in agriculture.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all unit summaries and key terms.

2

Practice fertilizer calculation problems from Unit 1 of Module 3.

3

Create concept maps linking different fertilizer types to their nutrient compositions (Modules 2).

4

Focus on understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different fertilizer application methods (Unit 3, Module 3).

5

Study the manufacturing processes of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (Units 4 and 5, Module 3).

6

Understand the chemical and physical properties of fertilizers and how they affect application (Unit 6, Module 3).

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