How Long Does Fertilizer Last in Ark? Ultimate Survival Guide

So, you’re knee-deep in dinosaur poop and wondering: how long does fertilizer last ark? It’s a crucial question for any aspiring ARK survivor. Running out of fertilizer means a halt to crop growth, which can quickly lead to starvation. Plus, it’s essential for taming creatures, and nothing’s worse than a wasted taming attempt.

We’ll delve into the nitty-gritty of fertilizer, covering its different types, how to make it, and most importantly, how long each type lasts in various containers and conditions. We’ll also touch on some handy tips and tricks to maximize your fertilizer’s lifespan and make your ARK life a whole lot easier. Get ready to become a fertilizer aficionado!

Understanding Fertilizer in Ark: A Primer

Fertilizer is fundamental for sustaining your base, especially if you’re into farming. Without it, your crops won’t grow, and you’ll struggle to gather resources and feed your dinos. Let’s break down the basics.

What Is Fertilizer Used for?

Fertilizer serves several critical functions in ARK:

• Growing Crops: It’s the primary ingredient for growing crops in your farm plots.
• Taming Creatures: Fertilizer is used in combination with other resources to create Narcotics and Stimulants, which are crucial for taming wild creatures.
• Fueling Structures: Fertilizer can be used as fuel in structures like the Industrial Forge and the Chemistry Bench.

Types of Fertilizer in Ark

There are several types of fertilizer in ARK, each with its own characteristics and lifespan. The quality and longevity of fertilizer often depend on its origin and how it’s stored.

• Feces (Small, Medium, Large, and Massive): This is the most basic form, produced by your dinos. The size of the feces determines its fuel value and how long it lasts.
• Fertilizer: This is crafted from feces in a Compost Bin. It’s more efficient than raw feces.
• Organic Polymer: While not strictly fertilizer, it can be used as a fuel source in some structures. It’s often found as a byproduct of certain creatures or when harvesting specific resources.

How to Get Fertilizer

Obtaining fertilizer is relatively straightforward:

• Dino Production: The most common method. Feed your dinos, and they’ll eventually produce feces. The size of the dino determines the size of the feces.
• Compost Bin: Combine feces with thatch in a Compost Bin to create fertilizer.
• Harvesting: Some creatures, like the Dung Beetle, can collect feces and convert it into fertilizer.

People Also Ask: Common Questions About Fertilizer

Let’s address some frequently asked questions regarding fertilizer in ARK:

• How do you make fertilizer in ARK? Place feces and thatch into a Compost Bin.
• What is the best fertilizer in ARK? Fertilizer made in the Compost Bin is generally the most efficient.
• How do you get large feces in ARK? Feed larger dinosaurs, like Brontosaurus or Triceratops.

Lifespan of Fertilizer: A Detailed Breakdown

The lifespan of fertilizer varies depending on the type and how it’s stored. Understanding these nuances is key to optimizing your resource management.

Lifespan of Different Feces Sizes

The size of the feces significantly impacts its lifespan. Here’s a general overview, though actual times may vary slightly based on server settings and other factors: (See Also: how is nitrogen fertilizer made)

• Small Feces: Relatively short lifespan, typically only a few minutes when exposed to the elements.
• Medium Feces: Lasts a bit longer than small feces, perhaps 15-30 minutes.
• Large Feces: Has a longer lifespan, potentially lasting an hour or more.
• Massive Feces: Offers the longest lifespan, potentially lasting several hours.

Lifespan of Fertilizer in a Compost Bin

Fertilizer created in a Compost Bin has a significantly longer lifespan compared to raw feces. The exact duration can vary, but it’s generally several in-game days, allowing for a more extended period of use.

Lifespan of Fertilizer in Different Containers

Where you store your fertilizer makes a massive difference. Let’s look at how different containers affect its longevity.

• Inventory: Fertilizer in your inventory will spoil faster than when stored in a container.
• Compost Bin: Fertilizer inside the Compost Bin will last longer, as the environment is more controlled.
• Preserving Bin/Refrigerator: Storing fertilizer in a Preserving Bin or Refrigerator can dramatically extend its lifespan, slowing down the spoilage process.
• Storage Box: Fertilizer in a Storage Box lasts longer than in your inventory, but not as long as in a Preserving Bin.

Factors Affecting Fertilizer Lifespan

Several factors can influence how long your fertilizer lasts:

• Temperature: Higher temperatures accelerate spoilage.
• Humidity: High humidity can also speed up the process.
• Container Type: As mentioned, the container significantly impacts lifespan.
• Server Settings: Server settings can alter the spoilage rates.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Fertilizer Lifespan

Here are some practical strategies to make your fertilizer last longer and optimize your ARK experience.

Building a Proper Farming Setup

A well-designed farming setup is crucial for efficient fertilizer use:

• Compost Bin Placement: Place your Compost Bin near your farm plots for easy access.
• Automated Dino Pens: Build pens for your dinos near the Compost Bin to streamline feces collection.
• Irrigation: Ensure your farm plots are properly irrigated to maximize crop growth.

Optimizing Fertilizer Storage

Storage is key to preservation:

• Refrigerator Use: Store fertilizer in a Refrigerator to significantly extend its lifespan.
• Preserving Bin for Backup: Use the Preserving Bin for additional storage, especially if you don’t have access to a Refrigerator.
• Strategic Placement: Place storage containers in a cool, shaded area.

Efficient Fertilizer Usage

Use your fertilizer wisely:

• Crop Selection: Choose crops that yield a high return on investment.
• Fertilizer Application: Don’t over-fertilize. Follow the instructions on the crop plot.
• Manage Dino Production: Balance the number of dinos producing feces with your fertilizer needs.

Advanced Techniques

For the seasoned survivor, consider these advanced strategies: (See Also: how does the use of fertilizer affect the nitrogen cycle)

• Dung Beetle: Utilize Dung Beetles to automatically convert feces into fertilizer.
• Tek Structures: Take advantage of Tek structures like the Tek Crop Plot for advanced farming capabilities.
• Breeding: Breed dinos for optimal feces production.

Troubleshooting Common Fertilizer Issues

Even with the best planning, problems can arise. Here’s how to address them.

Fertilizer Spoiling Too Quickly

If your fertilizer is spoiling too fast:

• Check Storage: Ensure you’re storing it in a Refrigerator or Preserving Bin.
• Reduce Temperature: Keep your storage area cool.
• Review Server Settings: Confirm that spoilage rates aren’t excessively high.

Insufficient Fertilizer Production

If you’re not producing enough fertilizer:

• Increase Dino Population: Add more dinos that produce feces.
• Optimize Dino Diet: Feed your dinos efficiently to maximize feces output.
• Improve Feces Collection: Automate feces collection with a Dung Beetle or strategically placed pens.

Farm Plots Not Growing

If your crops aren’t growing:

• Check Fertilizer: Ensure you have fertilizer in the crop plots.
• Watering: Make sure your plots are properly irrigated.
• Sunlight: Position your plots to receive adequate sunlight.

People Also Ask (expanded Answers)

Let’s revisit some of the “People Also Ask” questions with more detailed answers.

How Do You Make Fertilizer in Ark? (detailed)

To make fertilizer in ARK, you’ll need a Compost Bin. Place feces (any size) and thatch into the Compost Bin. The bin will gradually convert the feces and thatch into fertilizer. The more feces and thatch you add, the more fertilizer you’ll produce. Keep an eye on the bin’s progress, as it needs to be maintained.

What Is the Best Fertilizer in Ark? (detailed)

The best fertilizer in ARK is generally the one made in the Compost Bin. It’s more efficient than raw feces and lasts longer. While massive feces have a longer individual lifespan, the fertilizer produced in the Compost Bin provides a more consistent and usable resource for your farming needs. Consider using the Dung Beetle to create fertilizer if you are offline often.

How Do You Get Large Feces in Ark? (detailed)

You obtain large feces by feeding larger dinosaurs. Dinosaurs like the Brontosaurus, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and others will produce large feces. The size of the feces is directly related to the size of the dino. Smaller dinos produce smaller feces, which spoil much faster. The larger the dino, the larger the feces, and the longer it will last. This means you need to prioritize taming larger herbivores if you want to farm efficiently. (See Also: how much 10-10-10 fertilizer per acre)

Where Do You Put Fertilizer in Ark?

Fertilizer is primarily used in two places: inside the Compost Bin to create more fertilizer, and in your farm plots to grow crops. You can also use fertilizer as fuel in structures like the Industrial Forge and Chemistry Bench.

Can You Put Fertilizer in a Fridge in Ark?

Yes, you absolutely can! Placing fertilizer in a Refrigerator drastically extends its lifespan, slowing down the spoilage process significantly. This is a crucial step in managing your fertilizer resources effectively.

How Do I Stop Fertilizer From Spoiling in Ark?

To prevent fertilizer from spoiling, store it in a Refrigerator or Preserving Bin. These containers slow down the spoilage process. Also, ensure your storage area is cool and shaded to further extend its lifespan.

Can You Use Fertilizer as Fuel in Ark?

Yes, you can use fertilizer as fuel in certain structures, such as the Industrial Forge and the Chemistry Bench. While it’s not the most efficient fuel source, it can be a viable option in a pinch, especially when you have an excess of fertilizer.

How Much Fertilizer Does a Crop Plot Use in Ark?

A crop plot uses a small amount of fertilizer over time. The exact amount depends on the crop and the growth rate. Generally, you’ll want to add fertilizer regularly to maintain optimal crop growth. The plot’s UI will indicate how much fertilizer is needed. The larger the plot the more fertilizer it will consume.

How Do I Make Fertilizer Last Longer in Ark?

To make fertilizer last longer, store it in a Refrigerator, Preserving Bin, or a cool, shaded area. You can also utilize Dung Beetles to convert feces into fertilizer, which has a longer lifespan. Manage your dino population to produce the right amount of feces to avoid waste.

Final Verdict

Understanding how long fertilizer lasts in ARK is vital for survival and farming success. By knowing the different types, storage methods, and factors affecting its lifespan, you can optimize your resource management. Remember, proper storage, strategic dino management, and efficient use are key to thriving in the ARK. Now go forth, conquer the ARK, and may your crops always flourish!

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