Many vegetable farmers are used to buying large quantities of fertilizer when prices are low, in order to store it for use throughout the year. While this practice is generally possible, it isn't suitable for all types of fertilizers. Due to the lack of proper storage facilities, farmers often store fertilizers randomly, which can lead to moisture damage and reduced effectiveness. For example, fertilizers like ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium nitrate can become damp during storage, decreasing their efficiency. Similarly, biological bacterial fertilizers may lose their potency over time because the live bacteria inside can die off if stored for too long, significantly reducing their effectiveness.
From a technical perspective, chemical fertilizers can be stored for extended periods if handled properly. As long as the packaging remains intact, they are kept away from rain, moisture, and alkaline substances, most chemical fertilizers can last for many years without losing their nutrient content. In fact, the country does not currently set a specific shelf life for chemical fertilizers. For instance, urea, superphosphate, and potassium sulfate can be stored in a cool, dry warehouse for up to 20 years without significant changes in their nutritional value—except for some clumping, which doesn’t affect their usability. However, if exposed to rain, nitrogen and potassium can be washed away; if wet, nitrogen can volatilize; and if mixed with alkaline materials, phosphate fertilizers may lose effectiveness.
Some fertilizers that are not sealed properly in inner bags are particularly vulnerable to moisture during rainy weather, leading to a loss of efficiency. Additionally, if urea is stored in high temperatures, it can form biuret, a harmful compound. If the biuret content exceeds 2%, it can harm seeds and seedlings, negatively affecting vegetable growth. Therefore, storing fertilizer indefinitely after purchase is not advisable. Vegetable farmers should store fertilizers in a cool and dry place, and for unstable or highly active products, it's best to use them immediately upon purchase to avoid degradation and ensure optimal performance.
Lawn Lamp,Outdoor Led Column Lawn Light,Led Square Lawn Light,Waterproof Lawn Light
Changzhou Jingui Lighting Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.czjglighting.com