PRIMARY NUTRIENTS N-P-K

N-P-K represents the chemical symbols for the three major nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potassium) that make up a fertilizer. These nutrients are vital for plant growth. N-P-K levels will vary depending on what type of lawn or plant the fertilizer is to be used for. The numbers (analysis) appearing on the bag indicate the percentages of each type of nutrient present:

For Example:

21% NITROGEN

7% PHOSPHATE

7% POTASSIUM

THE NEED FOR N-P-K

Nutrients normally present in the soil cannot provide the levels needed for optimum growth of lawns and plants. Only by fertilizing can lawns and plants obtain the nutrients they need to develop and thrive. Each nutrient in a fertilizer provides a unique benefit to the plant.

Nitrogen (N): The primary nutrient for growth, greening and development. Without it, plants can become stunted. Nitrogen aids in developing green leaves, and is important for photosynthesis to occur- a primary factor in healthy plant growth. Nitrogen is part of every plant and animal cell, so decaying plant remains continually add nitrogen to the soil.

Phosphate (P): Needed by growing tips — both root and shoot, this nutrient is usually found in a higher concentration in starter fertilizers, and fertilizers that promote flower and fruit production. It is most readily available in soils with a neutral pH.

Potassium (K): Essential for formulation of starch and sugar, and for movement of nutrients within the plant. Potassium helps improve the overall hardiness of the plant, making it more tolerant to a variety of climatic conditions while improving the plant’s resistance to disease.

SECONDARY NUTRIENTS

These nutrients are also required by plants in fairly substantial amounts. Adequate amounts are present in some geographic locations and lacking in others.

Calcium (Ca): Improves general plant vigor and promotes early root hair promotion. A calcium deficiency can cause blossom end rot in tomatoes, peppers and eggplant.

Sulphur (S): Helps maintain dark green colour while encouraging more vigorous plant growth.

Magnesium (Mg): Helps regulate uptake of other plant foods and aids in seed formation.

MICRONUTRIENTS

Iron, Boron, Copper, Manganese, Molybdenum and Zinc are micronutrients that are often present in the soil. Most of these micronutrients exist in sufficient quantities to meet plant needs. Iron, however, is the most commonly found nutrient deficiency. So-Green lawn fertilizers contain organic, non-staining, long lasting iron to give lawns a beautiful dark green colour.

Iron (Fe): Aids in the production of chlorophyll, which affects the depth of green in a lawn. As a result, an iron deficiency can lead to yellowing of the plant.

Boron (B): Improves bud growth and increases quality and quantity of yield.

Copper (Cu): Acts as an oxidizer in plant processes and affects intercellular metabolism.

Manganese (Mn): Increases the availability of other nutrients and accelerates germination.

Zinc (Zn): Is associated with the activity of growth hormones in the plant.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NITROGEN

Controlled release nitrogen can be naturally-occurring substances such as bone meal, which takes time to break down in the soil. Others, such as So-Green Advanced Slow Release Technology is engineered to delay nutrient release over the course of time. Granules of urea are encapsulated in elemental sulphur to delay release for up to 120 days. Water from the soil enters through microscopic cracks in the sulphur capsule and dissolves minute amounts of urea. The nutrient solution returns through the capsule wall to the soil.

ADVANTAGES OF ADVANCED SLOW RELEASE NITROGEN

The use of controlled advanced slow release Nitrogen ensures consistent, even growth of the lawn with very low risk of burning. Nutrients remain available when the plant needs them, over a longer period of time. Controlled released nitrogen, as that found in So-Green, releases nutrients consistently over 6-8 weeks (in some cases 12 weeks) due to a specialized manufacturing process which prevents the nitrogen from dissolving too quickly. Excessive or rapid release of nutrients is avoided, eliminating the concerns of plant burning, or leaching or runoff into ground water that can occur with ordinary lawn fertilizers.

With conventional nitrogen sources, heavy rainfall or watering can dissolve fertilizer granules quickly, causing an oversupply of nitrogen, (single growth).