If modern agriculture is compared to a precise “nutritional meal” preparation, then fertilizers are the “vitamin tablets” for crop growth. Major agricultural regions around the world have developed distinctive fertilizer usage systems based on soil characteristics, crop requirements, and climatic conditions. Let’s unveil the mystery of this “global nutritional supply battle”!
Did you know? Approximately 200 million tons of chemical fertilizers are used globally each year. If these fertilizers were packed into standard fertilizer bags (50kg/bag) and lined up, they could circle the equator 12 times!
1. The “Fertilizer Menu” of Global Agricultural Powers
Fertilizer Preferences in Major Agricultural Regions
| Region/Country | Main Fertilizer Types Used | Preference Reasons | Representative Crops |
| North China Plain | Urea + Diammonium Phosphate + Potassium Chloride Compound Fertilizer | Soil lacks nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, suitable for wheat-corn rotation | Wheat, Corn |
| U.S. Corn Belt | Anhydrous Ammonia + Ammonium Nitrate + Slow-release Fertilizer | Demand for large-scale mechanized fertilization | Corn, Soybeans |
| Indian Ganges Plain | Urea + Superphosphate | Cost considerations, rice requires high nitrogen | Rice, Wheat |
| Brazilian Cerrado | Lime + Phosphate Rock + Potassium Fertilizer | Acidic soil improvement needs | Soybeans, Sugarcane |
| Western Europe | Controlled-release Fertilizer + Organic-Inorganic Compound Fertilizer | Strict environmental regulations, pursuit of precision fertilization | Wheat, Potatoes |
2. The “Birth Story” of Fertilizers: Modern Production Line Revealed
1. Nitrogen Fertilizer Production Line (Urea as Example)
Raw Materials: Natural Gas (Synthetic Ammonia) + Carbon Dioxide
| Raw Material Name | Chemical Formula | Purpose | Usage Ratio |
| Anhydrous Ammonia | NH₃ | Nitrogen Source | 0.57 tons/ton urea |
| Carbon Dioxide | CO₂ | Carbon Source | 0.75 tons/ton urea |
| Process Water | H₂O | Reaction Medium | 0.3 tons/ton urea |
Key Equipment
| Equipment Category | Key Equipment | Main Parameters | Function |
| Synthesis System | High-pressure Synthesis Tower | 14-20MPa, 180-190℃ | CO(NH₂)₂ Synthesis |
| CO₂ Compressor | 2000-5000kW | Gas Pressurization | |
| Decomposition System | Medium-pressure Decomposition Tower | 1.7-2.5MPa | Unreacted Material Recovery |
| Granulation System | Evaporator | 99.7% Concentration | Urine Concentration |
| Granulation Tower | Height 50-80m | Particle Formation |
2. Phosphate Fertilizer Production Line (Diammonium Phosphate as Example)
Raw Materials: Phosphate Rock + Sulfuric Acid + Ammonia
| Raw Material Name | Chemical Formula | Purpose | Usage Ratio |
| Phosphate Rock | Ca₅(PO₄)₃F | Phosphorus Source | 1.6-1.8 tons/ton DAP |
| Sulfuric Acid | H₂SO₄ | Phosphate Rock Decomposition | 1.4-1.6 tons/ton DAP |
| Anhydrous Ammonia | NH₃ | Nitrogen Source | 0.22-0.25 tons/ton DAP |
Key Equipment
| Equipment Category | Key Equipment | Main Parameters | Function |
| Raw Material Processing | Ball Mill | 100-200 Mesh Fineness | Phosphate Rock Grinding |
| Reaction System | Reaction Vessel | 70-80℃ | Phosphoric Acid Preparation |
| Neutralization Tank | pH 3.8-4.2 | Ammonium Phosphate Generation | |
| Granulation System | Rotary Drum Granulator | Inclination 2-5°, Rotation Speed 10-20rpm | Particle Formation |
| Rotary Dryer | 90-110℃ | Moisture Control | |
| Exhaust Gas Treatment | Scrubber | Ammonia Recovery Rate >99% | Environmental Treatment |
3.Compound Fertilizer Production Line
| Raw Material Category | Common Raw Materials | Chemical Formula | Main Function |
| Nitrogen Source | Urea, Ammonium Chloride, Ammonium Sulfate | CO(NH₂)₂, NH₄Cl, (NH₄)₂SO₄ | Provide Nitrogen |
| Phosphorus Source | Monoammonium Phosphate, Diammonium Phosphate, Superphosphate | NH₄H₂PO₄, (NH₄)₂HPO₄, Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ | Provide Phosphorus |
| Potassium Source | Potassium Chloride, Potassium Sulfate | KCl, K₂SO₄ | Provide Potassium |
| Additives | Bentonite, Talc Powder, Anti-caking Agent | – | Improve Physical Properties |
| Trace Elements | Zinc Sulfate, Borax, Ferrous Sulfate | ZnSO₄, Na₂B₄O₇, FeSO₄ | Supplement Trace Elements |
Note: Specific raw material ratios are adjusted according to product formulas. Common NPK ratios include 15-15-15, 17-17-17, etc.
Key Equipment
| Process Stage | Key Equipment | Main Parameters | Function Characteristics |
| Raw Material Pretreatment | Crusher, Screening Machine | Processing Capacity 5-50t/h | Raw Material Crushing and Grading |
| Batching System | Automatic Batching Scale | Accuracy ±0.5% | Precise Control of Raw Material Ratios |
| Granulation System | Rotary Drum Granulator | Diameter 2-4m, Length 6-12m | Wet Granulation, Suitable for Various Formulas |
| Tower Granulation System | Tower Height 50-100m | Melting Granulation, Smooth Particles | |
| Twin-screw Granulator | Power 55-160kW | Extrusion Granulation, No Drying Process | |
| Drying System | Rotary Dryer | Temperature 80-120℃ | Control Product Moisture |
| Cooling System | Fluidized Bed Cooler | Cool to Below 40℃ | Rapid Cooling |
| Screening System | Vibrating Screen | Screen Mesh 2-4mm | Grade Qualified Products |
| Coating System | Coating Machine | Coating Agent Usage 0.5-2% | Improve Product Appearance and Performance |
| Packaging System | Automatic Packing Machine | Speed 600-1200 Bags/h | Finished Product Packaging |
Process Comparison
| Process Type | Suitable Formulas | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Rotary Drum Granulation | Various NPK Formulas | Strong Adaptability, Lower Investment | Slightly Poor Particle Uniformity |
| Tower Granulation | High-nitrogen Compound Fertilizer | Smooth Particles, High Strength | High Investment, High Energy Consumption |
| Extrusion Granulation | Organic-Inorganic Compound Fertilizer | No Drying Process, Energy Saving | Poor Particle Appearance |
3. The “Nutritional Code” of Scientific Fertilization
1. Nitrogen Fertilizer: The “Protein” of Crops
Mechanism: Participates in chlorophyll synthesis, promotes stem and leaf growth
Yield Effect: Each kilogram of pure nitrogen can increase grain yield by 8-12 kg
2. Phosphate Fertilizer: The “Energy Drink” of Crops
Mechanism: Promotes root development and energy metabolism (ATP synthesis)
Special Value: Improves crop stress resistance and promotes early maturation
3. Potassium Fertilizer: The “Immune Booster” of Crops
Mechanism: Regulates water balance and enhances disease resistance
Quality Impact: Can increase fruit sugar content and grain protein content
4. Compound Fertilizer: The “Nutritional Package” of Crops
Core Advantage: Balanced nutrients, reduces fertilization frequency
Latest Development: Addition of zinc, boron and other trace elements for precise nutrition
Scientific Data: According to FAO statistics, rational use of fertilizers can contribute to 40-60% of global food production. In developing countries, each additional kilogram of fertilizer nutrient per hectare can increase grain yield by 8-10 kg.
4. Future Trends: Smarter, Greener Fertilizer Revolution
- Smart Controlled-release Fertilizers:Automatically adjust nutrient release rate based on soil moisture and temperature
- Biostimulants:Add microbial agents to improve fertilizer utilization
- Nano Fertilizers:Nanoscale nutrient particles with 30%+ absorption efficiency improvement
- Digital Fertilization:Combine satellite remote sensing and soil sensors for variable-rate fertilization
NPK Fertilizer Production Line
Equipment Composition
- Raw material processing equipment:Including crushers and batching machines for crushing raw materials and accurately measuring component ratios.
- Mixing equipment:Such as twin-shaft paddle mixers and V-mixers for thoroughly blending measured raw materials.
- Granulation equipment:Including disc granulators, rotary drum granulators, and extrusion granulators for forming mixed materials into granules.
- Drying equipment:Such as fluidized bed dryers and rotary drum dryers for removing moisture from granules.
- Cooling equipment:Like cooling drums for bringing dried granules to appropriate temperatures.
- Screening equipment:For removing off-spec granules (too large or small) to ensure uniform particle size.
- Coating equipment (optional):For applying a film coating to improve moisture resistance and control nutrient release rate.
- Packaging equipment:Automatic packers for weighing and packaging finished fertilizer.
- Control system:PLC control systems and automation instruments for monitoring and adjusting production processes.
Application Scenarios
Compound fertilizer production lines are suitable for large-scale agricultural production, especially for cereal crops (rice, wheat, corn) and cash crops (cotton, rapeseed). High-tower granulation produces uniform, easily soluble granules suitable for mechanized fertilization, while rotary drum granulation is better for medium-small scale production and various soil conditions[1].
These lines can flexibly adjust NPK ratios to meet different crop needs, making them the most widely used fertilizer production type globally.
Organic Fertilizer Production Line
Equipment Composition
- Pre-processing equipment:Crushers and screens for breaking down organic waste and removing impurities.
- Fermentation equipment:Composting turntables and fermentation tanks for converting organic waste into stable organic matter while eliminating pathogens.
- Compost turners:For regular turning to provide oxygen and accelerate fermentation.
- Granulation equipment:Disc or drum granulators for forming fermented material into granules.
- Drying equipment:Rotary drum dryers for removing excess moisture.
- Cooling equipment:For cooling granules to prevent quality issues.
- Screening equipment:For ensuring consistent granule size.
- Coating equipment (optional):For moisture-proof coatings.
- Packaging equipment:Automatic packers.
- Control system:PLC systems for monitoring key parameters.
Application Scenarios
Ideal for livestock farm waste treatment, municipal sludge recycling, and green organic farming, especially in facility agriculture, orchards, tea plantations, and high-value cash crop areas[2]. Organic fertilizer improves soil structure and water/nutrient retention, supporting sustainable agriculture.
