Tag: Fertilizer

Over 95% of a plant's dry weight is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which are obtained from air and water. For the remaining 5%, plants must absorb a variety of mineral nutrients from the soil to support healthy growth and development.

Sedimentary rocks hold approximately 95% of Earth's total phosphorus, making them the planet's largest reservoir. This geological abundance is the ultimate origin for understanding which of the following is the main source of phosphorus in different ecosystems and applications.

Every living organism, including bananas, contains a small amount of nitrogen as a component of proteins and amino acids. However, the common belief that bananas or their peels are a rich source of nitrogen for plants is a widespread gardening myth.

Over 95% of a plant's dry weight is composed of just three elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. This structural foundation, however, is supported by a complex array of other elements, and understanding what is the main nutrition in plants is key to promoting healthy growth.

Phosphate is a vital compound found in nearly all living things, playing a fundamental role in genetics and metabolism. A phosphate group is defined by its core chemical structure: one central phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms. This unique arrangement is essential for its function across a vast range of biological and industrial applications.

Potassium is the seventh most abundant element in the Earth's crust, but pure potassium sulfate ($K_2SO_4$) is rare and typically found mixed with other minerals. The natural sources of potassium sulfate are primarily found in massive underground evaporite deposits and concentrated salt lake brines.

Healthy plants can contain a significantly higher concentration of nitrogen than many other nutrients, sometimes making up 3 to 4 percent of their above-ground tissue. In nutrients, this essential element is a fundamental building block for life, playing a critical role in all stages of a plant's development.

Did you know that commercially available urea contains approximately 46% nitrogen by weight, making it the most concentrated solid nitrogen fertilizer on the market? This chemical compound provides essential nutrients found in urea through a biological process that fuels plant development and lush vegetative growth.

While most people are familiar with the primary plant macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K), there are 17 total essential nutrients for plant growth. Among these are the secondary micronutrients—a classification that actually refers to the secondary macronutrients. These are calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.

Inefficient nutrient application can lead to significant nutrient losses, which harm both crop potential and the environment. Effective nutrient management is a dynamic and science-driven process that integrates soil and crop data with sustainable practices to ensure optimal nutrient availability for crops while promoting long-term soil health.