In this work, we determined the molecular and morphological structures of complex granulated organic and organo-mineral fertilizers (OGFs and OMFs) obtained from poultry manure and mineral additives, such as diammonium phosphate (DAP) and potassium chloride (KCl). XRD data indicated complex compositions of the mineral additives DAP and KCl, while OGF and OMF exhibited amorphous backgrounds with small peaks due to the common Earth crust minerals (Si, Mg, Zn, Ca). Addition of DAP generated several new chemical compounds, while KCl did not react. Thermogravimetric analysis indirectly showed mineral−mineral interactions at high temperatures, as can be inferred from their 478 °C peak shift. Spatially resolved SEM−EDS analysis showed a particularly interesting colocalization of potassium, sulfur, and phosphorus within the OMF, suggesting a reactive salt interaction between DAP and minerals inherently present in OGF. FTIR analysis, on the other hand, did not show significant involvement of organic moieties with the interactions of mineral additives, suggesting organic compounds act mostly as inert support for DAP and KCl. Collectively, these data suggest a complex nature of the OGF and OMF at the molecular and crystalline levels, which improves our understanding of these complex systems with direct relevance to sustainable nutrient management.
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