Agronomy

The big three of plant nutrition are usually referred to by the letters N for nitrogen, P for Phosphorus and K for Potassium. They are the primary macronutrients required by all living plants for healthy growth. And because plants are not all the same they use these nutrients in differing amounts. Thus when you are talking with your agronomist or looking around the garden store you see fertilizers with differing levels of NPK associated with them. They are for differing types of plants. And don’t be fooled, just because a certain product has a higher NPK number does not mean it’s better than one with a lower number. What is really important is their diluted state when applied for use by the plants.

None of these nutrients can be used by plants in their natural state. They must be diluted in water so the plant can draw the nutrients up through the root system. That’s why soil with good water characteristics is required.

N = Nitrogen, the first of the NPK triad, is essential for vegetative growth of plants above ground. Nitrogen provides for healthy growth and rich, dark green foliage.

P = Phosphorus, the second element, is required for strong roots, increased resistance to disease and for flower and fruit development.

K = Potassium, the 3rd nutrient element, provides for the plants protection in dry weather by reducing water loss. Potassium also provides for disease resistance.