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Fertilizer
Elements
Packaged fertilizers
are required by law to have the percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphorus
(P), and potassium (K) printed on the bag. You will see 10-10-10
or 25-15-30, etc. The numbers represent the percentage of each nutrient
in the product, first number is for nitrogen, the second for phosphorus
and, the third for potassium.
Many chemical fertilizers
will also contain trace elements and minor nutrients (minerals such
as calcium, iron, magnesium, etc.), all of which are necessary in
very small amounts for good plant growth. The label will list the
percentages of these microelements as well.
For a bag of fertilizer
with an NPK of 10-10-10, the customer knows that 30% of the bag
is actual fertilizer, 70% will be fillers or a "carrier."
It makes good economic sense to buy the product with the highest
total percentage but remember you must know your plants' needs first.
If the percentage is higher read the instructions carefully since
you may need to apply LESS than the manufacturer recommends!
Since most container
plants are placed in potting mixes with little or no nutrients in
them, the gardener must provide the necessary fertilizers for good
plant growth.
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