Final answer:
Water soluble and quick release in fertilizers refer to the ability of the fertilizer to dissolve quickly in water and provide nutrients readily available to plants. Solubility of fertilizers such as MAP and DAP can reach about 85%, and their composition often includes various forms of nitrogen. Excess use poses environmental risks by contributing to nutrient loads in water bodies, while organic fertilizers offer an eco-friendly alternative.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing fertilizers, the terms "water soluble" and "quick release" are often used interchangeably. Water-soluble fertilizers such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) dissolve quickly in water, providing nutrients that are readily available for plant uptake. MAP contains the active ingredient NH4H₂PO₄, and DAP consists of (NH4)₂2HPO₄. About 85% of MAP and DAP are water-soluble, ensuring a rapid provision of nutrients to the plants.
Nitrogen fertilizers can be found in various forms including 100% NH4 or NO3, indicating their chemical composition. An example of a balance in different nitrogen components would be a nonpressure N solution fertilizer, with 50% CO(NH₂)₂, 25% NH4, and 25% NO3, which also boasts ease of handling and application. These solubility characteristics contribute to the efficacy of fertilizers and dictate their environmental impact.
Relevant to the context of environmental health, fertilizers that are not used by crop plants can end up in water bodies as pollutants, often through surface run-off or leaching into groundwater. The nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, can cause algal blooms in water bodies, with substantial negative effects on aquatic ecosystems.
Finally, the use of organic fertilizers often complies with organic agriculture standards, utilizing materials such as ground sea shells and seed meals. These also include certain additives like rock powders but strive to minimize or avoid synthetic substances.