Posted on Saturday, 4/3
THE WORLD OF FERTILIZERS DECODED
As we all know, our plants need nutrients to prosper and remain healthy.
The question is, what nutrients for what plants? So, we rush down to our local retailers that sell fertilizers and find a large selection of 10-10-10, 0-0-60, and 20-05-10, to name a few. There are some fertilizers on the market that do not conform to the NPK standard coding. Special fertilizer mixtures exist for specific plant species, vegetables, trees, flowers, lawns, etc.
What is NPK? What fertilizer should I use?
First, let's look at the labeling of fertilizers which varies by country in terms of analysis methodology and nutrient labeling, coupled with minimum nutrient requirements.
Macronutrient fertilizers
Macronutrient fertilizers are labeled with an NPK analysis.
N stands for Nitrogen.
P stands for Phosphorous.
K stands for Potassium.
The number found on the fertilizer bag represents the percentage of the chemical elements contained within.
Nitrogen in higher concentrations is applied in the early growth stage. High levels of Nitrogen result in a healthy green plant. There is a flip side. Of the three significant chemicals, burning your plants can cause the most damage. Besides burning a plant, Nitrogen can also reduce or delay the emergence and number of flowers and fruit. Additionally, it can cause a plant to wilt.
Phosphorous content should increase as the season advances towards the stage of flowering and fruit. Flowers produce big and bright blooms with a higher concentration of phosphorous. Phosphorous promotes root growth and fruit set and development. It does not burn your plant like Nitrogen, and since it is less water soluble, using too much will not do significant harm to your plant.
Potassium is the chemical to promote fruit growth. After the fruit set, one should switch to a high potassium fertilizer or supplement your regular feedings with extra Potassium. As with phosphorous, Potassium does not burn your plants. However, an application in combination with other ingredients (sun, water, and rich composted soil) can cause adverse effects on your plant.
The Importance of a Proper NPK Balance for your Garden's Health
In addition to the infamous NPK, there is a variety of chemicals essential to plant growth. Some of these chemicals may already be in your soil, and some not. It depends on your soil type, whether these elements are readily soluble and whether they may have depleted through years of growth.
Consider these elements a vitamin pill for your plant. Just as one takes daily vitamins, the same should be for plants. If you buy a brand-name fertilizer, fertilization these minerals and nutrients are included. A prevalent fertilization method is liquid fertilizers. Properly mixed, liquid fertilizer is sprayed on leaves (foliar feeding), poured directly to root systems, and for drip or other underground irrigation systems included in the water supply. Since it is water soluble, it goes directly into the plant root system for a quick pick-me-up.
Source of Information on Fertilizer
https://www.tnnursery.net
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