Product landscape

The right product starts with the right specification.

A comprehensive guide to the fertilizer categories Rubix is open to representing and promoting. Product examples support commercial discussions and informed nutrient decisions; they are not a stock list.

A category is not a product approval or offer.

All sourcing, promotion and transactions are subject to applicable laws, product registrations and approvals, import permissions, quality standards and commercial requirements. The parties' roles must be confirmed for each engagement. No listing confirms current supply, availability, brand appointment or an approved product registration.

Category 01

Nitrogen fertilizers

Nitrogen (N) sources for crop growth and protein formation.

Nitrogen supports leaf and stem growth, green colour, vegetative development, protein formation and overall plant growth. It is relevant to wheat, rice, maize, cotton, sugarcane, vegetables, fodder and many fruit crops, within a balanced nutrient plan.

Forms to verify

Product-specific solid or formulated grades

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Products & distinctions

Urea: A nitrogen fertilizer; assess the specific product analysis and the field's nitrogen requirement.
CAN (calcium ammonium nitrate): A nitrogen source distinct from calcium nitrate; confirm its nutrient analysis and formulation.
Ammonium sulphate: Supplies nitrogen and sulfur, so both nutrients belong in the nutrient budget.
Calcium nitrate: Supplies nitrogen and calcium; application suitability depends on the product grade and label.

Before selecting a product

Select source, timing and quantity from soil/plant analysis, crop stage and local advice, not the crop name alone.
Nitrogen alone is not balanced nutrition; excessive application can increase costs and nutrient losses.

Category 02

Phosphatic fertilizers

Phosphorus (P) sources for roots, establishment and reproductive development.

Phosphorus contributes to root development, early establishment, flowering, seed formation, energy transfer and crop maturity. It is particularly important during establishment, with need determined by soil testing.

Forms to verify

Product-specific grades; verify physical form and solubility

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Products & distinctions

DAP (diammonium phosphate): A nitrogen-and-phosphorus fertilizer; its contribution is not phosphorus alone.
MAP (monoammonium phosphate): A different nitrogen-and-phosphorus formulation from DAP; compare the guaranteed analysis and intended application.
SSP (single superphosphate): A phosphatic fertilizer with a different analysis from TSP; compare the complete label, including secondary nutrients.
TSP (triple superphosphate): A concentrated phosphatic fertilizer; do not substitute equal product weights for SSP without recalculating nutrients.

Before selecting a product

DAP, MAP, SSP and TSP are not interchangeable product specifications or application rates.
Use soil-test requirements and product instructions to determine placement and nutrient contribution.

Category 03

Potassic fertilizers

Potassium (K) sources for water regulation, crop strength and quality.

Potassium supports water regulation, plant strength, stress tolerance, fruit development, sugar formation and overall crop performance and quality.

Forms to verify

Product-specific solid grades; soluble use requires a suitable grade

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Products & distinctions

MOP (muriate of potash): A potassium chloride source; chloride sensitivity matters when selecting a crop nutrient programme.
SOP (sulphate of potash / potassium sulphate): Supplies potassium and sulfur; it may be preferred for chloride-sensitive crops when agronomically appropriate.

Before selecting a product

Choose MOP or SOP according to crop, soil, salinity, irrigation water and agronomic requirements.
SOP is not a universal recommendation; compare analysis, application suitability and commercial specifications.

Category 04

Compound & NPK fertilizers

Multi-nutrient formulations in a range of grades and physical forms.

Compound fertilizers combine two or more major nutrients; a full NPK formulation contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Choose the nutrient balance for the crop and soil rather than treating one grade as suitable everywhere.

Forms to verify

Granular
Crystalline
Powder
Water-soluble
Liquid

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Products & distinctions

15-15-15, 16-16-16 and 19-19-19: Examples of grades with equal declared N-P-K analysis numbers, not identical nutrient concentrations or blanket recommendations.
20-20-20: Another example of equal declared analysis numbers; physical form and application method still require confirmation.
13-13-21 and 12-12-17: Examples with a higher declared potassium number relative to nitrogen and phosphorus.
Other crop-specific formulations: Assess the full guaranteed analysis and evidence of suitability for the intended crop and growth stage.

Before selecting a product

Grade numbers describe guaranteed analysis, not a dose. Conventionally labels express N, phosphate as P2O5 and potash as K2O; verify the product's stated basis.
An NPK grade alone does not establish solubility, compatibility or suitability for foliar feeding or fertigation.

Category 05

Secondary nutrients

Sulfur (S), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are essential nutrients, not micronutrients.

Sulfur supports protein formation and enzyme activity. Calcium supports cell walls, plant structure and fruit quality. Magnesium is central to chlorophyll and photosynthesis.

Forms to verify

Mineral sources
Product-specific formulated grades

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Products & distinctions

Gypsum: A source of calcium and sulfur; soil amendment suitability and nutrient use require field-specific assessment.
Magnesium sulphate: A magnesium-and-sulfur source, including suitable grades for soluble nutrient programmes.
Calcium nitrate: A calcium-and-nitrogen source; include both nutrients when planning applications.
Ammonium sulphate: A sulfur-and-nitrogen source, also listed under nitrogen fertilizers.
Other formulated secondary-nutrient products: Evaluate the declared S, Ca and Mg content and the intended application method.

Before selecting a product

Confirm a deficiency or soil/crop requirement before selecting an amendment or nutrient source.
Secondary nutrients remain essential even though their classification differs from primary nutrients and micronutrients.

Category 06

Sulfur & sulfur-based fertilizers

Elemental sulfur and sulfur-containing nutrient formulations.

Sulfur is a secondary nutrient involved in protein formation and enzyme activity. Sulfur sources differ in their nutrient content and behaviour in soil.

Forms to verify

Elemental sulfur products
Sulfur-containing formulated products

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Products & distinctions

Elemental sulfur: A distinct sulfur source, not the same specification as a sulphate fertilizer.
Sulfur-containing formulations: Includes sulfur-bearing fertilizers such as ammonium sulphate, potassium sulphate, magnesium sulphate and gypsum.

Before selecting a product

Assess sulfur requirement, soil pH and the actual product form with a qualified agronomist.
Do not assume elemental sulfur and sulphate sources have identical availability or application instructions.

Category 07

Micronutrient fertilizers

Small nutrient quantities with important roles in plant development.

Micronutrient deficiencies can significantly affect crop performance. Identification through soil/plant analysis or reliable agronomic diagnosis should guide use.

Forms to verify

Individual nutrient formulations
Product-specific combinations

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Products & distinctions

Zinc formulations: Zinc contributes to enzyme activity and plant growth.
Boron formulations: Boron supports flowering, reproductive growth and cell development.
Iron formulations: Iron supports chlorophyll formation and plant metabolism.
Manganese formulations: Manganese contributes to photosynthesis and enzyme activity.
Copper formulations: Copper supports plant metabolism and reproductive development.
Molybdenum formulations: Molybdenum supports nitrogen metabolism.

Before selecting a product

Small requirements do not justify routine application without diagnosis; excess nutrients can cause imbalance or damage.
Verify concentration, chemical form, compatibility and the manufacturer's application instructions.

Category 08

Water-soluble fertilizers

Suitable grades for fertigation, drip irrigation, greenhouses and foliar programmes.

Water-soluble products are used in nurseries, orchards, vegetables, greenhouses, drip irrigation, fertigation and foliar feeding when their label permits the intended method.

Forms to verify

Water-soluble crystalline or powder products
Other label-specified soluble grades

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Products & distinctions

Water-soluble NPK: Multi-nutrient formulations; verify both the declared grade and dissolution/application instructions.
Potassium nitrate: A nitrogen-and-potassium source used in suitable soluble nutrient programmes.
Calcium nitrate: A nitrogen-and-calcium source; check mixing and compatibility instructions.
Potassium sulphate: A potassium-and-sulfur source; use a grade suitable for the proposed system.
Magnesium sulphate: A magnesium-and-sulfur source; confirm concentration and grade.
Zinc, boron and iron formulations: Examples of micronutrient products requiring product-specific concentration and compatibility checks.
Specialty nutrient formulations: Assess each product's intended crop, system and method rather than relying on the category name.

Before selecting a product

Follow the manufacturer's recommended concentration, application method and compatibility instructions.
Water solubility does not mean every product can be mixed together or applied to foliage; consider irrigation-water quality and the equipment used.

Category 09

Liquid fertilizers

Liquid nutrient formulations with product-specific concentrations and uses.

Liquid describes the supplied physical form, not a guarantee of composition, compatibility or suitability. Products may serve fertigation or foliar programmes only where the manufacturer's instructions permit.

Forms to verify

Liquid

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Products & distinctions

Liquid NPK formulations: Confirm the full nutrient analysis, concentration basis and intended application method.
Liquid specialty and nutrient formulations: Evaluate the actual nutrients, product claims and application instructions for the proposed crop and system.

Before selecting a product

A liquid product and a soluble solid are not automatically interchangeable by volume or weight.
Follow label dilution, compatibility, handling and storage instructions; no general concentration is recommended here.

Category 10

Specialty fertilizers & formulations

High-efficiency, controlled-release and crop- or application-specific products.

Specialty products should be assessed on their actual formulation, agronomic value and suitability for the crop, growth stage and production system.

Forms to verify

Product-specific solid, soluble or liquid formulations

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Products & distinctions

High-efficiency fertilizers: Assess the specific technology, supporting information and conditions for the stated performance.
Controlled-release fertilizers: Confirm release characteristics, intended crop and application instructions.
Foliar formulations: Products intended for leaf application at their labelled concentration and stage.
Fertigation formulations: Products intended for delivery through a suitable irrigation system.
Crop-specific nutrient formulations: Select against soil/plant analysis, crop requirements and local agronomic recommendations.

Before selecting a product

A specialty or high-efficiency label is not a guarantee of yield, savings or suitability in every field.
Check product approvals, specifications, evidence, compatibility and handling instructions before promotion or use.

Category 11

Organic sources & soil amendments

Organic nutrient sources, properly processed materials and related soil-management products.

Properly managed organic materials can contribute nutrients and organic matter and may improve soil physical properties. Nutrient contribution depends on the actual material and its condition.

Forms to verify

Organic materials
Compost-based products
Product-specific formulations

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Products & distinctions

Farmyard manure and poultry manure: Organic nutrient sources requiring appropriate processing and management.
Compost, compost-based fertilizers and vermicompost: Processed organic materials with variable nutrient content and quality.
Green manure: An organic-matter and nutrient-management practice, rather than necessarily a packaged fertilizer.
Press mud: An organic amendment whose suitability and quality should be assessed before use.
Neem cake and mustard cake: Organic materials that may contribute nutrients when appropriately managed.
Other properly processed organic materials: Assess origin, processing, nutrient analysis and field suitability.
Humic substances, seaweed products and amino acids: Related organic/specialty products; verify whether each is classified as a fertilizer, amendment or another input under applicable rules.

Before selecting a product

Organic origin does not establish a complete or consistent nutrient analysis or certified organic status.
Humic, seaweed and amino-acid products are not automatically microbial biofertilizers or substitutes for a balanced nutrient programme.

Category 12

Biofertilizers

Beneficial microbial products that may assist nutrient availability and plant nutrient processes.

Biofertilizers contain beneficial microorganisms. Their effectiveness depends on the organism, crop, soil conditions, product quality, storage and correct application.

Forms to verify

Product-specific microbial formulations

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Products & distinctions

Rhizobium: A microbial product category; confirm the organism and suitability for the intended crop.
Azotobacter: A beneficial microbial category requiring product-quality and application checks.
Azospirillum: A microbial category whose performance is conditional on crop, soil and product factors.
Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms: Products intended to assist phosphorus availability under suitable conditions.
Mycorrhizal products: Microbial products intended to support plant nutrient processes where compatible with the crop and conditions.
Other registered microbial formulations: Consider only the actual approved formulation and its permitted claims in the relevant jurisdiction.

Before selecting a product

Verify applicable registration, product identity, quality, storage conditions and application instructions.
This category listing confirms neither the registration of a specific product nor a guaranteed response or replacement for other nutrient sources.

Compare more than a category name

Four checks before promotion, sourcing or use

01Identity & analysis: Confirm the product name, manufacturer, brand, origin, grade, guaranteed analysis and declared nutrient basis. A category or generic grade is not a complete specification.
02Form & intended use: Confirm granular, crystalline, powder, soluble or liquid form; the permitted soil, broadcasting, band-placement, fertigation or foliar application method; and compatibility instructions.
03Crop & field suitability: Consider crop and variety, soil type and test results, previous crop, expected yield, growth stage, deficiencies, irrigation method, water quality, salinity, pH, chloride sensitivity and weather/environmental conditions.
04Quality & legal requirements: Check the actual product's quality information, applicable registration, approvals, import permissions and label requirements. Promotion is subject to regulatory and commercial review.

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