Greenhouse additive
Gewächshaus Zusatzstoff
With our product you will have a good harvest.
By using our product as fertilizer you have chosen healthy nutrition for your soil, the result is healthy trees and multiple fruits.
By fertilizing your greenhouse, you improve the quality of your soil and ensure your plants receive the nutrients they need. We'll show you what to look for when fertilizing your greenhouse and provide you with an overview of the most important nutrients.
Preparing the soil with minerals
An overview of the most important nutrients.
Different nutrients fulfill different functions and therefore have diverse effects on plant growth.
Nitrogen is important for leaf growth, among other things, and also supports the plant's own synthesis of proteins and enzymes.
Phosphorus plays an important role in the growth of flowers and fruits. It also acts as an energy store.
Sulfur is involved in many ways in the plant's own synthesis of enzymes, protein compounds and vitamins.
Potassium regulates plant water balance. Potassium also increases resistance to pests and strengthens plant tissue.
Iron is essential for plant photosynthesis because it is involved in the formation of chlorophyll. Furthermore, iron is an important component of enzyme synthesis.
Calcium stabilizes cell walls and is important for cell proliferation. Calcium also promotes longitudinal growth and root growth.
Prepare soil with our additional nutrients
Nitrogen fertilizers
A variety of fertilizers are available for nitrogen fertilization, the speed of action of which varies depending on the N form: • NO3-N (nitrate) is
...is not bound in the soil and therefore reaches plant roots quickly via water. Nitrate acts very rapidly but is also easily leached. • NH4-N (ammonium) can be taken up directly by plants, but due to its strong binding in the soil, it only reaches the roots in significant quantities after microbial conversion into nitrate. Ammonium acts more slowly than nitrate. • Amide-N (urea) can be absorbed to some extent through the leaves (e.g., via UAN solutions or dissolved urea). Due to rapid conversion into ammonium, only small amounts of urea are taken up via the roots. • Urea-formaldehyde is a component of certain fertilizers marketed for foliar application. Thanks to this specific form of nitrogen, these very expensive fertilizers are reputed to have four times the nitrogen efficiency of other N forms. The Chamber of Agriculture of North Rhine-Westphalia tested this claim in a total of 13 late-fertilization trials on winter wheat and winter barley. No higher efficiency could be demonstrated. • Cyanamide-N is the primary form of nitrogen in calcium cyanamide. After application, calcium cyanamide undergoes a multi-stage transformation process driven by soil moisture. In the initial partial reaction, calcium cyanamide (Ca-cyanamide) converts into lime and cyanamide. The intermediate product, cyanamide, is further converted into ammonium via urea. Depending on conversion conditions, the cyanamide phase persists in the soil for 8 to 14 days. This intermediate product is responsible for the numerous secondary effects of calcium cyanamide (acting against weeds, fungal diseases, pests, and parasites). A portion of the cyanamide reacts further to form dicyandiamide (DCD). This DCD possesses nitrification-inhibiting properties (see below). These specific effects of calcium cyanamide necessitate a waiting period of 2 to 3 weeks between fertilization and grazing or overseeding/reseeding on grassland. On arable land, a waiting period of 2 to 3 days per 100 kg/ha (1 dt/ha) should be observed between fertilization and sowing or planting. The supply of lime provided by calcium cyanamide is substantial (152 kg/ha CaO per 100 kg N). • Nitrification inhibitors suppress the bacteria that convert ammonium into nitrate (nitrification). These inhibitors break down increasingly as soil temperatures rise. Consequently, stabilized nitrogen fertilizers serve as a slow-release nitrogen source that is well-aligned with the plants' nitrogen requirements. As long as the NH4-N has not been converted into NO3-N, it remains protected against leaching.
Healthy soil, healthy tree, healthy fruit.
Ammoniumsulfat-Lösung (ASL)
Ammonium nitrate urea solution (ASL) is an approved fertilizer produced during various technical processes. The process, such as exhaust gas purification, air purification, or the production of hydrogen cyanide, must be declared. As a rule, ASL contains 8% nitrogen and 9% sulfur. The pH value varies widely depending on its origin (from below 3 to 7). For foliar application, pH values of 5.5–6.0 should be targeted, as otherwise there is a high risk of chemical burns. Fertilizers with pH values below 4 must be labeled with the statement "Not suitable for foliar application." In addition to the pH value, the specific gravity should also be obtained from the supplier to allow for precise quantity calculation. Introducing ASL into liquid manure storage facilities is prohibited, as the high sulfate concentrations pose a risk of concrete corrosion. The reason for the sometimes poor effectiveness of ASL is not the nitrogen form itself, but rather the liquid formulation of the fertilizer. Due to closer soil contact, this can lead to a temporary increase in the binding of applied nitrogen, which has a particularly negative impact under subsequent unfavorable weather conditions (cold, drought). This is especially detrimental at low dosages on soils with low nutrient availability. Ultimately, the crucial factors are when the binding begins, how long it lasts, and when the bound nitrogen is released again, depending on the weather and location. Applying concentrated solutions in a coarse droplet pattern reduces this risk. In trials, Trials conducted by the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Agriculture in recent years showed that UAN (urea ammonium nitrate) applied via a multi-hole nozzle performed comparably to CAN (calcium ammonium nitrate), urea, and AS (ammonium sulfate). In contrast, UAN application using a flat-fan nozzle (for the first and second applications, with late-season application via drop hoses) tended to result in lower yields. Similar differences between fine-droplet and coarse-droplet application were observed with ASL (ammonium sulfate solution). Provided these specific characteristics of liquid fertilizers are taken into account—such as the risk of leaf scorch with UAN and ASL, the speed of action, specific equipment requirements, and the higher risk of loss associated with urea during subsequent periods of high temperatures and drought—all common forms of nitrogen are equally suitable. Therefore, the decision regarding a specific nitrogen form should be based primarily on the price per kilogram of nitrogen, alongside available machinery and, where applicable, sulfur content. Injection fertilization (ammonium depot fertilization, CULTAN method) represents a specialized form of nitrogen application. In this process, ammonium-based nitrogen fertilizer solutions are injected into the soil at specific points using specialized equipment. The resulting ammonium depot is protected against conversion into nitrate. This allows nitrogen applications to be consolidated without the risk of leaching losses or problems caused by excessive nitrogen surges. Furthermore, plant-physiological benefits are anticipated from a plant nutrition regime that emphasizes ammonium. Trials conducted by the Chamber of Agriculture on winter wheat and winter barley have demonstrated the effectiveness of injection fertilization. A particular advantage appears to be the reliability of the fertilization's impact during dry spells, compared to broadcast application. However, the nitrogen application rate must be determined relatively early, resulting in less flexibility to respond to mineralization conditions. Where high protein content is a priority, applying nitrogen to the ears—at a rate of approximately 40 kg N/ha from growth stage EC 49 onwards—has proven effective. The nitrogen quantity allocated for this purpose must be taken into account when determining the total nitrogen application rate.
Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for plants, as without it, they cannot produce the proteins urgently needed for growth; indeed, a plant cannot develop at all without nitrogen. The timing of nitrogen fertilization allows for different effects on plant growth. Applying nitrogen to cereal crops early on promotes better straw formation, whereas fertilizing them at a later stage has a positive impact on grain development.
Not all plants respond to nitrogen fertilizer in the same way. For instance, if barley is fertilized exclusively with nitrogen—while lacking water, phosphoric acid, and potassium—the result is detrimental if the barley is intended for brewing. In the case of root and tuber crops like potatoes and sugar beets, excessive nitrogen fertilization leads to a reduction in carbohydrate content; consequently, sugar beets have lower sugar levels, and potatoes lack starch. Therefore, the use of nitrogen fertilizer—and especially the timing of its application—must be carefully considered.
Nitrogen fertilizers are indispensable in modern agriculture.
No plant can thrive without nitrogen, yet not every plant requires the same amount for growth. Soils are naturally low in nitrogen, though higher levels can be achieved through green manuring. Nitrogen fertilizers supply nitrogen in the form of ammonia, organic matter, or nitric acid.
Ammonia is converted into nitric acid by nitrifying bacteria in the soil, making it available for plant uptake. Optimal aeration, moisture, moderate warmth, and adequate lime content can facilitate this process. Organic matter must first decompose to release the nitrogen it contains; only then can ammonia form and subsequently be converted into nitric acid. Consequently, a distinction is made between readily soluble and slowly soluble nitrogen fertilizers. Readily soluble nitrogen fertilizers include Norwegian saltpeter, German saltpeter, calcium cyanamide, and ammonium sulfate. Slowly soluble nitrogen fertilizers include, among others, fish meal, leather meal, meat-and-bone meal, blood meal, Peruvian guano, and wool dust.
Why phosphorus is important
Along with nitrogen and potassium, phosphorus is one of the three most important plant nutrients most frequently applied to agricultural soils. Phosphorus is vital for all living organisms—not just plants—and is found in every living cell of animals, humans, and plants.
In crop production, adequate phosphorus availability improves:
• root development and young plant establishment
• flowering and fruit formation
• crop quality and uniform ripening
• resistance to diseases and harsh conditions
The roles of phosphorus in plants
Phosphorus is essential during all stages of plant growth, from seed germination and root and stem development to flowering and seed production. Its role in several key biological functions makes phosphorus a fundamental nutrient for plant production. These functions include:
Energy transfer
Phosphorus is a key component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—the molecule that stores and transports energy within cells. Without ATP, plants cannot efficiently carry out vital processes such as nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and general growth.
Genetic blueprint
Phosphorus is a component of both DNA and RNA, which are crucial for genetic inheritance and protein synthesis. DNA contains the plant's genetic blueprint—and thus its yield potential—
while RNA is responsible for reading the DNA and transmitting genetic instructions to the sites within cells where proteins are produced. This pivotal role makes phosphorus essential for plant reproduction and the formation of enzymes that regulate cellular processes.
Cell membrane
Phospholipids, another phosphorus-based compound, form the structure of cell membranes in plants. These membranes help maintain cell shape and regulate the movement of substances into and out of the cells, while facilitating communication between plant cells..
Metabolic functions
Phosphorus is involved in a multitude of vital physiological and metabolic functions, such as photosynthesis, glycolysis (sugar metabolism), respiration, fatty acid synthesis, cell division, and the formation of new tissue.
When plants need phosphorus the most
While plants require phosphorus throughout their entire growth period, it is particularly important during the early stages of development, which is why it is often referred to as a "starter nutrient." Phosphorus demand is high as plants establish their root systems and rapid growth begins; plants accumulate up to 75% of their total phosphorus requirement by the time they reach just 25% of their full dry weight.
Using the right additive as a fertilizer always yields exceptional results.
Fertilizer options
This early-season demand is the reason why the application of phosphate fertilizers—either with or near the seed—can significantly improve plant vigor, root growth, and overall yield.
ICL offers a range of phosphate fertilizers suitable for various cropping systems and application methods. GTSP (Granular Triple Superphosphate) and GSSP (Granular Single Superphosphate) are both effective granular options for starter fertilization. Puraloop, ICL’s recycled phosphate product, also provides a sustainable source of phosphorus for early plant development.
For crops grown using fertigation, ICL’s range of high-phosphorus, water-soluble fertilizers supports strong early establishment and healthy growth throughout the entire growing cycle.
The challenge of cold temperatures
Phosphorus uptake in cold soils is limited because low temperatures slow down root development and nutrient mobility. Slower root growth results in reduced root mass, meaning less soil comes into contact with the roots, which affects the plants' ability to absorb nutrients from the soil.
Using a phosphorus starter fertilizer early in the season helps overcome this and ensures that nutrients are immediately available near the roots—even when soil conditions are not ideal.
Recognizing phosphorus deficiency
Phosphorus is a highly mobile nutrient within the plant; this means that if there is insufficient phosphorus available in the soil, it can move from older tissues to younger, actively growing parts of the plant. Consequently, symptoms of phosphorus deficiency typically appear first on older leaves.
Typical signs of phosphorus deficiency include:
Stunted growth and poor root development
Reddening of leaf tips and margins
Delayed maturity and poor fruit or grain formation
Weak stems and low disease resistance.
Vorbeugung von Phosphormangel
By the time the symptoms of a phosphorus deficiency become visible, plants have typically already suffered irreversible damage, impacting crop yield and quality. Because phosphorus is so critical in the early stages of plant development, correcting a deficiency late in the season, after symptoms have appeared, typically won't recover lost yield potential. It's also worth noting that a deficiency can lead to "hidden starvation," where visible symptoms aren't obvious, resulting in plants that appear healthy but still underperform in yield and quality.
Phosphorus is a cornerstone of plant health, supporting everything from energy transfer and root development to seed production and fruit quality.
Given its critical role in early and ongoing plant development, understanding phosphorus and applying it at the right time and in the right amount can significantly improve plant performance and maximize yield.
