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ALL FERTILIZERS AREN’T EQUALLY CREATED
By homejack | April 26, 2008
GET THE RIGHT TYPE AND KIND FOR YOUR USE
With the rain falling and the sun shining, and spring on the way, the plants and grass are beginning to grow. Anxious people would like to speed up the process. Plant food known as fertilizer can speed this growth, so let’s go get some.
The question becomes “which kind, brand and formula should I use?”
So many brands with dozens of formulas exist. Making a choice can not only be daunting, but even detrimental to the plants or grass.
Most farmers know the condition of the soil and the need of the crop to be planted. By applying the proper fertilizer element, the best yield can be attained. However, most homeowners don’t have a clue to the elements of fertilizer or the role each play in the growth process.
So, what to do?
The first step is to test the soil to find the condition or PH balance. This can be accomplished through the County Extension Service, some garden shops, or even “do it yourself” kits from garden shops.
The next step is to find the needs of the plant or grass. This information can be found from the same sources above or searched on the internet.
With this information, compare the existing condition of the soil with the needs of the plants or grass. Now you know what you need in the fertilizer to make the soil right to properly feed the plants.
Every bag of fertilizer will have the “major elements” listed along with some minor elements. While the listing of minor elements is not required, many manufacturers will list part of them.
The major elements of fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash. The formula purchased should be based on the soil condition and what you want to produce. The proper proportion of each element is essential.
The first number is nitrogen, which produces the green color and foliage growth. If the lawn is well established, this is your desire.
The second number is phosphorus, which promotes root formation and larger blooms on blooming plants. Phosphorus increases production greatly on fruit bearing and seed producing plants.
New lawns, trees, shrubs or transplants can benefit from phosphorus through a heavier root system. They get a better start, which could even mean survival.
The third number is potash, which produces stalk and stem growth. It also adds stamina and helps plants overcome stress. Healthy plants are also more resistant to diseases.
The minor (“trace” elements) that may, or may not be listed on the package are also very important in the growth and health of plants and grass.
These minor elements can be found in “specialty” fertilizers. They are things like iron, zinc, copper, sulfur, magnesium and boron.
The other factor of concern is how the fertilizer is processed. Most dump the ingredients into a big hopper and mix, or blend the chemicals before bagging. While the bag holds what is on the label, every handful you get may not. So each plant or every spot in the yard may not get all the nutrients.
The other process produces homogenized fertilizer. Each and every particle will contain every ingredient listed on the package. Thus, each handful will properly feed the plant.
So, after doing the research on the soil condition, and the needs of the plants and grass, the final step is shopping.
Just because a package is labeled “plant food” doesn’t mean it’s the one that should be used. The best will usually cost more, but the results will be better. Now you know the rest of the story.
Topics: Lawn/Garden |