N-P-K Fertilization

Plant food is divided into two groups, these groups are based on the relative amount of nutrients that are needed by the plants. These two groups are labeled as major (or macro) elements and minor (or micro) elements. Plants need more of these major group elements than micro group elements. The major elements are what make up NPK, those three being, nitrogen – N phosphorus – P potassium – K. Here are the benefits of each elements;

Nitrogen gives a dark green color to plants, helps plants to produce soft tender growth, encourages vegetative growth above the ground and helps regulate the plants use of major elements. If plant is deficient in Nitrogen vegetation and leaves can become yellow, Root and top growth is stuned, and plant maturity is delayed.

Phosphorus encourages plant cell division, as well as flower and seed formation and development, it hastens plant maturity and encourages root growth. A lack of Phosphorus can produce a purple color on the undersurface of the leaves, reduced flower and seed production, as well as an increase in plant diseases

Potassium increases plant resistance to disease, encourages root growth and can improve drought resistance, regulates water uptake and transpiration, needed for chlorophyll and photosynthesis, and is essential for tuber development. Potassium is very important for root crops: carrots, peanuts, potatoes, radishes, and turnips.

When purchasing NPK fertilizer be aware that it is always labeled in this order: NPK 16 – 4 – 8 (pounds) + 28% of this fertiliser bag is macro nutrients, 16% nitrogen, 4% phosphorus, and 8% potassium. The rest of the bag is filler and possibly some micro nutrients(always check label for details).