Different Elements in Fertilizers

Understanding NPK fertilizers is an essential part for deciding whether fertilizers are necessary or not for agriculture. A basic guide to understand what NPK fertilizers comprise of and the levels of its elements appropriate for crop production is crucial for people. In many cases, essential gardening practices like composting and aerating are better for gardens. However, using NPK harmless fertilizers can result in healthier plants.

Organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers reflect the nutrient content through numbers on packages. Such numbers are meant for representing 3 different compounds: Phosphorous, Potash and Nitrogen, which can also be described as P, K and N which when alternated mean NPK. The 3 numbers found of the labels of fertilizers correspond to the amount of such materials found in fertilizers. Along with other properties, Potassium or K is very important for the plants’ overall health and Nitrogen or N aids the strong growth of plant foliage, whereas Phosphorous plays a vital role in development and growth of flowers and roots. People should know that adding high amounts of nitrogen rich fertilizers may result in weaker plants which are prone to attacks by pests and diseases. Also, showy, fast growth is not really a good thing for plants.

Different Elements in Fertilizers Serve Different Purposes

The Potassium sulfate fertilizer is another compound fertilizer that is very significant in agriculture. It can be used for growing all types of crops as it has low salt index and no chloride. Potassium sulfate also known as SOP is a great source of both K and S in soluble forms. Moreover, it tends to blend with almost all the trace elements and products. Due to the low salt index and absence of chloride, SOP is ideal for use in areas where the soil is sodic or saline and where the irrigation water has high levels of Cl.

Where transplants and seeds are placed in such a way that they are directly exposed to fertilizers, potassium sulfate may not damage the plants. K is known for its stimulating effects towards strong growth of stems and it makes plants resistant to some diseases, whilst helping other plants in terms of thickened outer cell walls. When there is enough K, the moisture loss will be reduced, thus resulting in drought resistance in plants. In addition to these benefits, K plays an important role in enhancing the flavor, storing quality as well as color of several types of fruits as well as vegetables. SOP is obtained either by mining and processing or by reacting sulfuric acid with MOP. Though, SOP is a little expensive, it can be used in agriculture to a great extent. Potassium sulfate fertilizer can be stored in bags, but people should not store it in silos.