Spring is the peak season for fertilizer sales and usage. However, in recent years, fake or substandard fertilizers have occasionally appeared on the market, deceiving many farmers. This not only causes direct economic losses but also leads to delays in farming schedules, which can negatively impact crop yields and overall agricultural productivity.
When purchasing fertilizers, it's important to be cautious. First, check the packaging. Legitimate fertilizers from reputable manufacturers usually come in well-made bags with clear labels that include the product name, nutrient content, net weight, manufacturer’s information, and other relevant details. In contrast, fake or degraded fertilizers often have poor-quality packaging, with unclear or missing labels. Some may even use misleading text, such as using Pinyin instead of Chinese characters to mimic imported products.
Next, consider the price. As the saying goes, "You get what you pay for." Fake fertilizers are often sold at prices significantly lower than those of high-quality alternatives. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Another thing to watch out for is the type of fertilizer. Most counterfeit products tend to be compound fertilizers like diammonium phosphate, urea, superphosphate, liquid fertilizers, or foliar fertilizers. These types are commonly targeted by fraudsters, so extra care should be taken when buying them.
Lastly, examine the appearance. Different fertilizers have distinct physical characteristics. For example, ammonium bicarbonate is white and has a strong ammonia smell. Urea, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium chloride are all white granular crystals. Superphosphate is a grayish powder with an acidic taste, while triple superphosphate appears as uniform gray particles without any odor. Calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer is a gray powder with no smell, and potassium sulfate is a white crystalline powder. Diammonium phosphate is typically yellow-gray or iron-gray with uneven particles and tends to release an ammonia-like odor in humid conditions.
Additionally, if you hold a small amount of certain fertilizers like ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, or ammonium chloride in your hand, they may leave a residue similar to ash, alkali, or lime. These signs can help identify whether a product is genuine or not.
By paying attention to these key factors—packaging, price, type, and appearance—you can better protect yourself from fake fertilizers and ensure that your crops receive the proper nutrients they need.
Old Products
ZHONGSHAN G.H.L. TRADING CO., LTD. , https://www.ghltrade.com