Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

How Do Different Fertilizers Affect Plant Growth?

...
preparing soil for garden image by Cherry-Merry from Fotolia.com

Fertilizers on the market today vary in a few ways. They are classified as organic or inorganic based on the common ingredients used in the fertilizers. They are also classified by the percentages of macronutrients present in the fertilizer. These variations in fertilizer affect plants in different ways. Careful planning and selection of the proper fertilizer for what you grow can boost the health of your plants.

Fertilizers

Common fertilizers are available as organic or inorganic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers contain materials that are naturally occurring in most plant environments and minimize chemical elements. Inorganic fertilizers are produced primarily with peat, seaweed and guano and contain only the primary nutrients needed for proper growth: potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus. A common problem with inorganic fertilizers is over-fertilization, which occurs when necessary chemicals are released too quickly in the soil and overwhelm the plant.

  • Fertilizers on the market today vary in a few ways.
  • Inorganic fertilizers are produced primarily with peat, seaweed and guano and contain only the primary nutrients needed for proper growth: potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is one of the three most important nutrients required by plants for healthy development. Nitrogen is an essential element in chlorophyll development, amino acids and protein production. High-nitrogen fertilizers spur lush foliage growth. Many fertilizers have nitrogen as the main component. These brands are valued by farmers for their ability to produce high-yielding crops.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is the second primary nutrient necessary for plant functions. Phosphorus is essential in plant energy and is an important component of DNA in plant cells. Fertilizers with a high phosphorus percentage are used to promote flowering and seed growth and are often used by farmers to fertilize fruit and vegetable crops.

  • Nitrogen is one of the three most important nutrients required by plants for healthy development.

Potassium

The third and final macronutrient necessary for all plants is potassium. Potassium is important for plant nutrition and the formation of proteins. Most functions within the plant rely on potassium's presence. Potassium thickens stems and leaves. It enables a plant to grow faster, resist disease and pests and resist drought.

Application

Plants need a combination of both macronutrients and micronutrients to obtain complete and proper development. Properly fertilized crops experience enhanced plant growth and less discoloration. Over-fertilization can cause several problems, such as salt stress and stressed roots. It is important to follow all manufacturer's guidelines when applying fertilizer to your plants.

  • The third and final macronutrient necessary for all plants is potassium.
  • Potassium is important for plant nutrition and the formation of proteins.

Related Articles

What Is the Effect of Fertilizer on Plant Growth?
What Is the Effect of Fertilizer on Plant Growth?
Chemical Properties of Fertilizers
Chemical Properties of Fertilizers
Active Ingredients in Miracle Grow
Active Ingredients in Miracle Grow
Three Components of Fertilizers
Three Components of Fertilizers
What Nutrients Do Flowers Need to Survive?
What Nutrients Do Flowers Need to Survive?
What Minerals Does a Plant Need to Grow?
What Minerals Does a Plant Need to Grow?
Can Gatorade Make Plants Grow Faster?
Can Gatorade Make Plants Grow Faster?
Difference Between Plant Food & Fertilizer
Difference Between Plant Food & Fertilizer
The Effects of Miracle Gro on Plants
The Effects of Miracle Gro on Plants
The Effects of Phosphate on Plants & Water
The Effects of Phosphate on Plants & Water
Ingredients in Miracle Grow Plant Food
Ingredients in Miracle Grow Plant Food
Potassium Nitrate Effects on Plants
Potassium Nitrate Effects on Plants
Nutrients Needed for Hydroponics
Nutrients Needed for Hydroponics
Too Much Magnesium for Plants
Too Much Magnesium for Plants
Why Does Over-Fertilization Kill Plants?
Why Does Over-Fertilization Kill Plants?
Herbicides for Use on Switchgrass
Herbicides for Use on Switchgrass
Garden Guides
×