Fertilizers for plants and grass are necessary because they contain chemicals to help improve growth and plant productiveness (blooms, output, etc.). These chemicals also help enhance the quality of the soil, which may not have proper nutrients or was depleted over time. Manufacturers formulate fertilizers in liquid or granule form and market them for application during specific seasons and for certain plants and grass types. But is there really a difference in fertilizers based on these aspects? Or are all fertilizers the same, only marketed differently?
The answer is yes, there is a difference in fertilizers. But, with nearly hundreds of fertilizers to choose from, how do you know which fertilizers are best? To understand the differences, you must know what’s in the fertilizers you buy.
Commercial fertilizers for plants and grass require labels that list the ingredients. All fertilizers contain nutrients and micronutrients to help plants thrive. However, there are three essential nutrients in all plant and grass fertilizers that you should be familiar with. Those primary elements are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Each chemical plays a vital part in providing nutrients to your plants and grass. Let’s break down the significance of each below.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is the most important element of the three because it helps ensure healthy plants. Adequate nitrogen assists in the formation of protein, which is necessary for developing the healthy tissue of most living things. In plants and grass, nitrogen assists with rapid growth and provides a vibrant green color. Nitrogen also helps with leaf development in plants.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus helps plants use and store energy, develop normally, and promotes root growth. In new lawns, phosphorus helps support root development. So, the amount of phosphorus in starter grass fertilizers should be higher.
Potassium
Potassium is also known as potash. When used for plants and grass, potassium helps with disease resistance and prevents wilting or damage in cold or dry weather conditions. Potassium also helps plants produce more plants and helps strengthen the plant’s root system. In the grass, potassium helps improve the overall health of your lawn.
Since there are national standards in place, fertilizer labels are used to identify the amount of each chemical in the product. Labels always list the primary substances in the same order, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). The amount of each chemical is listed as a percentage of weight. For example, a 10-10-10 fertilizer has 10 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorus, and 10 percent potassium.
In a later post, we will expand more on how to choose the appropriate fertilizers based on your project. As an informed consumer, you will always want to check the label. Doing so will allow you to ensure the fertilizer you need has the proper amount of each substance so that your plants and grass are adequately fed.
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