Learn About Different Types of Fertilizers

Your lawn and garden require a variety of nutrients for optimal growth and health. Soil contains essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), but it may not always have enough of these elements. Consequently, many homeowners turn to commercial fertilizers to supplement their soil's nutrient profile. Various types of fertilizers exist, each impacting your plants and the surrounding environment in distinct ways.

Understanding NPK Values

Fertilizers supply three primary nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This trio of nutrients is so vital for plant health that all fertilizers display their NPK values prominently on the packaging. The NPK value indicates the percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) present in the fertilizer. For instance, if a fertilizer has an NPK value of 16-16-16, it signifies 16% nitrogen, 16% phosphorus, and 16% potassium, with the remaining percentage comprising fillers. This particular ratio (1:1:1) demonstrates an equal balance of the three critical nutrients. Conversely, an NPK value of 24-8-16 reveals 24% nitrogen, 8% phosphorus, and 16% potassium, creating an NPK ratio of 3:1:2. To select the best fertilizer, utilize a soil nutrition test kit to assess existing nutrient levels and determine the most suitable NPK ratio for your soil.

Types of Fertilizers

Once you determine the appropriate NPK ratio for your soil, you will typically find it among one of the two primary categories of fertilizers available: organic and synthetic fertilizers.

Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers consist of materials derived from plants, animals, or minerals, either sold in their natural form or processed into granular formats. These eco-friendly options generally supply naturally occurring nutrients, which means their nutrient concentration is lower compared to synthetic fertilizers. Consequently, many home gardeners opt for organic fertilizers to prevent nutrient buildup in the soil that may harm plants or lead to water pollution through runoff.

Synthetic Fertilizers

Synthetic fertilizers, on the other hand, are created from chemically treated compounds, such as ammonium nitrate or urea. These fertilizers deliver a significant concentration of key nutrients but do not introduce beneficial microorganisms into the soil. As a result, the structure of the soil and its water retention capacity remain unchanged. Although synthetic fertilizers are usually more economical and can enhance plant growth more rapidly than their organic counterparts, they offer a short-lived nutrient supply—lasting only two to eight weeks depending on the specific product. In contrast, organic fertilizers can sustain nutrient availability as long as microorganisms take to decompose them. While synthetic fertilizers need frequent applications, oversaturation can lead to plant burn, runoff pollution, and even harm to beneficial soil microorganisms. Our business also has an excellent selection of NPK Compound Fertilizer With Trace Elements available, so feel free to reach out for more information.