Your Guide to Different Types of Fertiliser
Fertiliser and feeds are used in order to help plants, vegetables & grass grow to their full potential. They provide key nutrients to all plants including the main drivers for growth: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and potassium with sometimes added trace elements to help the plant grow. Fertilisers typically come in two different forms; spreadable granules and sprayable liquids. Liquids can offer more advantages for quick absorption, while granules offer higher quantities of nutrients. If you are want to fertilise your land but are not sure what is best suited to the area, a simple soil analysis can be undertaken to give you a personal treatment plan to correct specific deficiencies and prevent overdosing.
What do the three numbers on fertilisers refer to?
Understanding the three main nutrients in fertilisers is the best place to start in understanding what type of product you need. N: P: K are the three main nutrients found in fertilisers and will be shown as 3 different numbers, such as 20-10-10 - these will vary from product to product. The higher the number of that nutrient is in the product – but more does not always mean better! Nitrogen (N) is the first number shown in the ratio. Nitrogen is responsible for the growth of the plant/ turf, high quantity of Nitrogen will encourage green, leafy growth typically found in spring and early summer fertilisers. Phosphorus (P) is the second number found in the ratio which will help promote root development which is particularly needed for young plants, grass, fruit and crops. The last number found in the ratio is Potassium (K). This will help plants fight off diseases and is important in water or temperature regulation.
Sulphur, Magnesium, Calcium, and Iron are commonly found as secondary nutrients in fertilisers. Sulphur is found in fertilisers containing high nitrogen to help the speed of growth. Magnesium will help give leaves a darker green colour and help drive photosynthesis. Calcium is essential to help with roots and shoots and it is used in the structure of cell walls to give plants rigidity.
The difference between organic and inorganic fertilisers
Organic and inorganic are the main two product choices when it comes to buying your granular or liquid fertiliser. Inorganic fertilisers are manufactured to the exact doses required, making it ideal for multiple types of plant needs and providing faster results. They can also be made to release nutrients immediately or as a slow-release drip feeding food more slowly over a longer period. Organic fertilisers release nutrients as and when they break down, making an improvement to the soil and help hold water and nutrients better. Made from plants or animal sources they contain the right nutrients for plants but not in very large concentrations so are generally applied more often. Examples of organic fertilisers include fish, blood, bone and seaweed.
Compound fertilisers vs blended fertilisers
Fertilisers are bagged in different methods which may have an impact on cost.
There can be a choice between compound or blended fertilisers when picking your product. Compound fertilisers contain all of the different nutrients mixed and molded into one, so the nutrients are distributed evenly in each granule. Blended fertilisers usually contain a mix of different nutrients but in individual prills – a bit like a bag of M&M’s! They need to be properly mixed immediately before application or else uneven distribution will occur.
Overall there are many different types of fertilisers available and it is important that you evaluate your needs and requirements to ensure you get what’s right for your situation.
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