How Fertilizers Help Your Plants
On the YouTube channel Agricultural Academy, the video “How Do Fertilizers Work“ explains how to choose the best fertilizer for your garden or farm. They explain what the numbers on the bag mean and the nutrients in the bag. The nutrients in fertilizers help with overall growth, root development, and flowering plants.
The major ingredients in all fertilizers are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A straight fertilizer will have only one ingredient but most sold are mixed with several nutrients to add to the soil. The three numbers on the fertilizer bag list nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and the ratios of these nutrients. Mixed fertilizers are usually dry formulas sold with these three macronutrients and sometimes contain others.
Nitrogen influences overall plant growth and leaf development and is what makes a plant’s leaves and stems green. Plants with yellow leaves show a lack of this nutrient. Phosphorus helps plants develop strong root systems and is essential for growing grass on your lawn. You should evaluate your soil’s PH before choosing a fertilizer. Potassium is a nutrient that helps flowering plants bloom and is often used with flowers and fruit trees. Before buying fertilizers talk with someone at the garden center to determine the best one for your garden.
