Functional/Specialty Fertilizers: A Quick Guide

Functional/specialty fertilizers are a category of fertilizers that combine nutrient supply with specific physiological functions. Their core is based on macro- and micro-elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, with the addition of functional components such as humic acid, seaweed extract, biochar, and silicon, or modified using special processes like magnetization and activation. This achieves the dual goals of “fertilization + solving specific production problems,” meeting the needs of modern agriculture for enhancing crop resistance, improving soil quality, and optimizing agricultural product quality. Core Categories and Mechanisms of Action The function of functional/specialty fertilizers is strongly correlated with their added core components. Different categories address different production pain points. Common types include: Humic Acid-Containing Fertilizers Core Components: Humic acid (mainly fulvic acid and brown humic acid) extracted from peat, lignite, and weathered coal. Dual Functions Nutrient Supply: Can be combined with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to create humic acid compound fertilizer, providing essential nutrients for crop growth. Soil Improvement + Growth Stimulation: The functional groups of humic acid can adsorb heavy metal ions in the soil, reducing the risk of soil pollution; it also promotes the formation of soil aggregates, improving soil permeability and water and fertilizer retention capacity; and it stimulates root cell division, enhancing root absorption capacity and strengthening crop drought and cold resistance. Applicable Scenarios: Improvement of saline-alkali land and compacted soil; base fertilizer or top dressing for field crops and fruit trees. Contains Alginic Acid Fertilizer Core Ingredients: Natural bioactive substances (algal polysaccharides, amino acids, cytokinins, etc.) extracted from seaweed such as kelp and algae. Dual Functions Nutrient Supply: Seaweed itself contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements such as zinc and boron, which can directly supplement crops with nutrients. Stress Resistance and Yield Promotion + Quality Improvement: The bioactive substances in alginic acid can activate the crop’s own defense system, enhancing resistance to pests and diseases, lodging resistance; promoting fruit enlargement and coloring, increasing fruit sugar and vitamin content, and improving the flavor of agricultural products. Applicable Scenarios: Foliar spraying or fertigation for cash crops such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers; restorative fertilization during periods of crop stress (drought, low temperature).

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