Fertilizer helps to promotes healthy growth and vigor of your lawn and plants. Fertilizer can be applied in several ways. You will commonly find it pelletized that you can spread by hand, or a fertilizer spreader. You can also find fertilizer in liquid form that you can attach to the end of your hose or water soluble fertilizer which is a powder that mixes with water.
When looking at fertilizer you might wonder, "what are these three numbers on the bag and what do they mean?" These are called macronutrients that all plants need for optimal performance. In short, those numbers quickly tell you the percentage of nutrients the fertilizer contains. The three main types of macronutrients found in fertilizers are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. For example, fertilizer with a label “28-10-8” will contain 28% Nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 8% Potassium. Nitrogen is responsible for promoting growth, phosphorus helps with root development, and potassium helps the plants withstand stress and disease better.
Nitrogen Fertilizer
Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient for plant growth, and is one of the most important tools in agriculture. Nitrogen fertilizer can also correct a nitrogen deficiency in the soil. Nitrogen will not only help create a lush green lawn but also drive huge plant growth and green foliage.
Applying nitrogen fertilizer is one of the most common agronomic practices to improve crop yield. The timing, rate, and method of nitrogen fertilizer application can significantly impact yield, quality, and nitrogen use efficiency.
Phosphorus Fertilizer
Phosphorus is an essential element for plant growth and development. It is a major component of plant cell membranes and is involved in many biochemical processes, such as energy transfer and metabolism. While all plants need phosphorus, it is essential for crops grown for their seeds, fruits, and flowers. Phosphorus is added to the soil to increase seed and fruit yield.
When choosing a phosphorus fertilizer, it is important to consider the needs of the specific plants being grown. For example, plants that are heavy feeders, such as corn, may require a higher rate of phosphorus fertilizer than less demanding crops. It is important to consider the timing of phosphorus fertilizer application in relation to the stage of plant growth. For most plants, the best time to apply phosphorus fertilizer is during the early stages of development, prior to flowering.
Potassium Fertilizer
Potassium Fertilizer is involved in many vital processes, such as photosynthesis, water uptake, and nutrient transport. A lack of potassium can lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and poor fruit and flower production.
Potassium fertilizers are available in both granular and liquid forms. They can be applied to the soil before planting, or they can be foliar-applied, which means they are sprayed onto the plant's leaves. The type of fertilizer you use will depend on your specific needs.
Take Away
Lawn fertilizer is a necessary part of maintaining a healthy and lush lawn. However, it is important to understand the different types of fertilizer and how they work to choose the best one for your lawn and plants.
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