Three primary chemicals are used in fertilizers for home and garden applications. Each chemical is used for a specific purpose at varying levels, depending on the type of plants being fertilized and the composition of the soil.
Types
The two main types of fertilizers used for the lawn and garden are in the form of liquid or solid granular. The liquid fertilizers are mixed with water and require the use of a portable tank sprayer or garden hose applicator. The solid granular fertilizers may be spread with a mechanical drop or broadcast spreader, or by hand. Solid fertilizers should not be applied by hand.
Identification
The three primary chemicals (or elements) in fertilizers used for lawn and garden applications are nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). The three elements are called out with a series of three numbers that represent the respective composition percent of each element. The order, by element, is always N-P-K. For example, a fertilizer designated as 30-5-5 would contain 30 percent nitrogen, 5 percent phosphorous and 5 percent potassium, by weight. The balance of the fertilizer is generally inert materials.
Function
All three elements have a specific function that is unique to them in fertilizers. Nitrogen is used to promote plant growth by providing the nutrients they need to execute photosynthesis, which is what allows the generation of chlorophyll. This makes plants turn green. Phosphorous is used in fertilizer to promote root development. For this reason it is generally the highest percentage of the three chemicals present in lawn starter fertilizers. Potassium is used in fertilizer to increase drought resistance. It does this by allowing plants to retain water.
Sources
The most common source of nitrogen in fertilizers comes from anhydrous ammonia. Additional sources of nitrogen are available from urea and ammonium nitrate. A common source of phosphorous in fertilizers comes from rock phosphate, which is transformed into phosphorous acid. Potassium in fertilizers comes from potash, which could include numerous sources of the element.
Fun Fact
It has become common to combine fertilizer with other lawn care products for control of various pests, fungi, moss and weeds. This is designed to make lawn care more convenient for the consumer of lawn chemicals by reducing the time required for application. Additionally, most fertilizer producers provide several different blends that target different growing seasons.
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