What is MGA?
MGA, or Merchant Grade Acid, is a high-quality, phosphoric acid-based fertilizer formulated for agriculture. These fertilizers are typically used to supply phosphorus to crops, which is essential for various stages of plant growth, particularly root development and flowering. MGA fertilizers are often characterized by their high solubility and purity, making them efficient for plant nutrient uptake. MGA fertilizers primarily contain phosphoric acid, which is highly soluble and readily available, and made to high manufacturing standards, ensuring the nutrient content is consistent and free from contaminants or impurities. In addition to being used as a plant nutrient, MGA can also be used as an acidifying agent.
Its use as a Plant Nutrient
As a plant nutrient, MGA can be applied directly to the soil or mixed with irrigation water to improve phosphorus availability and is sometimes used as a foliar spray for quicker uptake by plants. This fertilizer is well known for its purity, solubility, and effectiveness in promoting healthy plant growth. Below are some benefits of using MGA as a plant nutrient.
Enhanced Phosphorus Availability: Due to their high solubility, plants can quickly absorb the phosphorus, helping to correct deficiencies in most crops, under most soil conditions. Phosphorus is also essential for root growth. MGA fertilizers promote the development of strong, healthy root systems, enhancing the overall stability and nutrient absorption capacity of plants.
Versatility and Application: MGA fertilizers can be used for various crops, particularly those grown under drip irrigation systems, including vegetables, fruits, and other specific crops. They can also be applied directly to the soil, mixed with irrigation water, or used as a foliar spray, providing flexibility in meeting the needs of different farming practices.
Its Use as an Acidifying Agent
In addition to its use as a valuable P source, MGA can also combo as an acidifying agent. Managing alkaline and hard irrigation waters is challenging due to their high bicarbonate, calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) content, which can form insoluble compounds and cause blockages in drip irrigation systems. When water contains significant amounts of these minerals and has a pH greater than 7, it can clog drippers. To prevent the formation of insoluble Ca and Mg compounds, the pH of the irrigation water should be maintained on the acidic side. Therefore, farmers often add MGA to irrigation water to lower the pH through the drip irrigation system.
The use of an acidifying agent can also benefit nutrient uptake by lowering the pH of alkaline and hard irrigation waters. Many nutrients are more readily available to plants in slightly acidic conditions. By adjusting soil pH, MGA fertilizers improve the overall nutrient availability and uptake efficiency.
Simplot 0-54-0 MGA
Simplot’s MGA product originates from our Rock Springs, WY facility. Our manufacturing process provides a high-quality phosphorus source for plants to aid with deficiencies and help manage alkaline and hard irrigation waters. This versatile fertilizer can be applied in preplant banding or as:
- Starter Fertilizer for germinating seeds
- Pre-plant plow-down
- In-season applications
- Anti-crusting agent for newly planted fields
- Injected into soil or irrigation
- Sprayed directly on soil
