Fertilizer Numbers: How To Read The Numbers On Fertilizer Bags
As a farmer,do you know the numbers on fertilizer bags? How do you often select your fertilizer for plants— whether it’s for annuals, vegetable, gardens, perennials or lawns – the first question to answer is, “What analysis do I need?” The analysis is actually the three large numbers you see on every fertilizer label – put there by law – such as 10-20-10 or 10-10-10 or 18-46-0. These numbers represent the percentage (by weight) of the three major nutrients required for healthy plant growth, always in the same order: nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K). Each of these nutrients affects plant growth differently, and the formulation you select should depend on your specific gardening needs.This label, known as the fertilizer grade, is a national standard. 
Keep clearly in mind why you are fertilizing. Each fertilizer has a definite purpose.
Fertilizer grades are made by mixing two or more nutrient sources together to form a blend, that is why they are called “mixed fertilizers.” Blends contain particles of more than one color. Manufacturers produce different grades for the many types of plants.
Calculating Nutrient Content
To calculate the pounds of nitrogen in a 50-lb bag of 10-10-10 fertilizer, multiply 50 by 0.10. Do the same for calculating the amounts of phosphate and potash. A 50-lb bag of 10-10-10 contains a total of 15 lbs of nutrients: 5 lbs nitrogen, 5 lbs phosphate and 5 lbs potash. The remaining weight is filler, usually sand or granular limestone.
Another example: 50-lb. bag of 8-0-24 fertilizer
- To calculate the pounds of nitrogen: Multiply 50 by .08, which equals 4.
- To calculate the pounds of phosphate: There is no phosphate in this bag of fertilizer.
- To calculate the pounds of potash: Multiply 50 by .24, which equals 12.
A 50 pound bag of 8-0-24 fertilizer contains a total of 16 lbs of nutrients: 4 lbs nitrogen, 0 lbs phosphate, and 12 lbs potash. This would leave us with 34 lbs of filler.
Selecting a fertilizer machine production line:
The best way to select a fertilizer grade is to have your soil tested.And the best way to select a fertilizer machine is to see the quality of fertilizer,our bulk blending fertilizer machine generally provides you the best quality.
The characteristics of NPK granulated fertiliser equipment plant:
- Environmentally safe
- Long service life
- Intelligent system in batching and blending
- Low labor intensity with less operation staff
- Microcomputer-controlled, continuous mass batching, blending and packaging.
If you have questions regarding which grade of fertilizer to use or how much fertilizer to use or which kind of fertilizer blend plant to buy, contact your local agricultural advisor or Email to : martin@beidouace.com.
This article is contributed by Beidou Overseas Business Department.
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