Nutrient Requirements of Plants Plants can grow in soil or soilless mediums But, nutrients must be readily available There are 16 essential plant nutrients Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are the most important Macronutrients: Nutrients which are needed in large quantities for good plant growth Micronutrients: Essential for plant growth but in smaller quantities

Primary Macronutrients Nitrogen (N) – Largest quantities, most noticeable and quickest effect on plants Leaf growth and dark green leaves Phosphorus (P) – Required in less amount than N and K Strong root systems, brighter and more beautiful flowers, and rapid growth Potassium (K) – Third primary macronutrient Produces and matures the seed, improves fruit keeping quality, and decreases the water requirement

Secondary Macronutrients Needed in smaller quantities than primary macronutrients but larger quantities than micronutrients Calcium (Ca) – Promotes root formation Sulfur (S) – Promotes root growth Magnesium (Mg) – Affects the intake of plant nutrients

Micronutrients Essential for plant growth but needed in very small quantities If they are not available plants cannot absorb and use the other available nutrients to complete their biological functions Available as a granular fertilizer and in FRITTED FORM which means elements are released slowly into the soil or potting medium Iron (Fe) Boron (B) Manganese (Mn) Molybdenum (Mo) Zinc (Zn) Chloride (Cl) Copper (Cu)

Commercial Fertilizers Fertilizer is a soil supplement which is used to provide essential nutrients to plants Organic Fertilizer: Naturally occurring fertilizer Inorganic Fertilizer: Manufactured with chemicals Traditionally there are three fertilizer forms: Dry – Usually granular form Liquid – Soluble fertilizer Controlled Release – Release over an extended period of time Water-soluble is mixed with water and dissolved before being applied

Application Methods Water hose and water breakers Small droplets for general watering Smaller droplets for watering seedlings Tiny droplets for misting A wand attachment is used for hard to reach areas Hose end sprayers Fertilizer is mixed with water in a container attached to the hose

Application Methods Fertilizer Injectors: Add water soluble fertilizers to the main water line Or, incorporate or mix fertilizer into potting mix Timed-release fertilizers incorporated into seedling and potting mix provide nutrients for 3-4 months Trees, shrubs, and large vegetable plants: Bury fertilizer pills, capsules, or spikes in the ground Top dressing requires solid or spray fertilizers to be hand worked into large pots, around individual plant base, or into garden soil

Fertilizer Storage and Handling Keep fertilizer dry at ALL times!! Store away from concrete floors Keep bags sealed to keep out moisture Keep in a locked room away from children High nitrogen-content fertilizers can explode so do not explore them for long periods of time

The Fertilizer Bag The brand name and/or the chemical compound will be listed on the label Fertilizer type: pelleted, prill, granular Guaranteed analysis: The known amount of nutrients within the product Name and address of manufacturer

Guaranteed Analysis of Fertilizers Complete fertilizers proved nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in varying quantities Example: 10 – 20 – 10 Incomplete fertilizers contain percentages of one or two of the three primary macronutrients Example: Urea (46 – 0 – 0) The remaining ingredients are not contributing to nutritional value Invert ingredients