NPK fertilizer refers to the three primary macronutrients that plants need in large quantities: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). The letters NPK are followed by numbers on fertilizer labels, representing the percentage by weight of each nutrient in the product, which indicates its N-P-K ratio.
What Each Nutrient Does
- Nitrogen (N): Promotes lush, green leaf and stem growth.
- Phosphorus (P): Essential for root development, as well as the formation of flowers, seeds, and fruit.
- Potassium (K): Supports overall plant health, strong stem development, and the plant's ability to transport water and nutrients throughout its system.
How NPK is Used
Ratio Matters:
The specific NPK ratio on a fertilizer package tells you the proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium it contains.
Plant Needs:
Different plants and different growth stages require different nutrient ratios. For example, a fertilizer higher in nitrogen is good for promoting leafy growth, while one higher in phosphorus is better for root development and flowering.
Soil Tests:
A soil test can help determine which of these essential nutrients are missing in your garden, guiding you to the right NPK fertilizer to choose
