NTK fertilizer is always reccomended to our smallholder farmers, ever wondered what is so special about this complex fertilizer? It is a mixture of the three primary nutrients required for healthy plant growth, higher yields and less vulnerable to diseases
Now let us break down each nutrient and see how it can benefit us and how what we have in our yards can actually replace the chemical fertilizers we use that besides being expensive are hazardous to our environment.
The three nutriets are referred to as the primary macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
Soils often lack these nutrients, either naturally, or as a result of over cultivation or other environmental factors. In cases where soils are lacking, nutrients must be put back into the soil in order to create the ideal environment for optimal plant growth.
NITROGEN (N)THE ROLE OF NITROGEN IN PLANTS
Nitrogen is a key component in many of the processes needed to carry out growth. In particular, nitrogen is vital to chlorophyll, which allows plants to carry out photosynthesis (the process by which they take in sunlight to produce sugars from carbon dioxide and water). Nitrogen is also a significant component in amino acids, the basis of proteins. Nitrogen also aids in the compounds that allow for storage and use of energy
While nitrogen can be taken in and converted into a usable nutrient from the atmosphere, and may be naturally present in soils, it is almost always desirable to supplement nitrogen to ensure plants have the optimum amount available to them. The following materials can be included in NPK blends as a source of nitrogen:
PHOSPHORUS (P)THE ROLE OF PHOSPHORUS IN PLANTS
Phosphorus also plays a role in an array of functions necessary for healthy plant growth, contributing to structural strength, crop quality, seed production, and more. Phosphorus also encourages the growth of roots, promotes blooming, and is essential in DNA.
POTTASIUM (K)THE ROLE OF POTTASIUM IN PLANTS
Pottasium is associated with the quality of your produce, we talking about size, colour or even taste.
The primary inorganic source of potassium for use in NPK fertilizers is potash
Common Organic Sources of N in NPK Blends
Manure
Compost
Blood Meal
Feather Meal
Common Organic Sources of P in NPK Blends
Manure
Compost
Biosolids
Blood Meal
Bone Meal
Common Organic Sources of K in NPK Blends
Manure
Compost
Wood Ash
Here's a little task to keep your mind active and to broaden your knowledge.
Find deficiencies of the following:
Nitrogen
Yellowing of leaves
Poor plant growth
Flowering is reduced
Phosphorus
Usually display no obvious symptoms other than stunting during early growth
Potassium
Include brown scorching and curling of leaf tips
Yellowing between leaf veins
Purple spots may appear on the leaf underside
Poor plant growth, root,seed and fruit are reduced
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