Fertilizer is a material used to supply nutrients to plants and soil. Fertilizers can contain major nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as well as secondary and micronutrients.

The three primary nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Fertilizer labels commonly display these nutrients in N-P-K order.

NPK refers to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The three numbers on a fertilizer label indicate the percentage by weight of these nutrients or their labeled nutrient forms.

There is no single fertilizer that is best for every crop, soil or growing situation. The appropriate fertilizer depends on soil nutrient levels, crop requirements, growing conditions and the recommended application rate.

Farmers and growers can search for agricultural fertilizer suppliers, farm supply stores and fertilizer dealers near their location. Compare the product analysis, intended use, application instructions and suitability for your crop before purchasing.

Nitrogen fertilizer supplies nitrogen, an essential nutrient involved in plant growth and the formation of proteins and chlorophyll.

Nitrogen is especially important for vegetative growth. The amount needed depends on the crop, soil and growing conditions.

Nitrogen fertilizers include products such as urea, ammonium-based fertilizers and nitrogen-containing blended fertilizers.

Phosphorus fertilizer supplies phosphorus, an important nutrient associated with plant development, roots, flowering and reproduction.

Phosphorus applications should be based on crop requirements and soil test information. Adding phosphorus when the soil already contains sufficient levels may be unnecessary.

Potassium fertilizer supplies potassium, an essential plant nutrient involved in numerous plant processes and overall plant performance.

Potash is a common agricultural term associated with potassium fertilizers. Fertilizer labels commonly represent potassium as K2O.

Organic fertilizer is derived from naturally occurring materials and can include products made from plant, animal or other organic sources.

Natural fertilizer generally refers to nutrient materials obtained from naturally occurring sources rather than manufactured synthetic nutrient products.

Manure can provide nutrients and organic matter to soil. Its nutrient content can vary, so testing and appropriate application practices are important.

Liquid fertilizer is supplied in liquid form and can be applied using appropriate equipment according to the product label and crop needs.

Granular fertilizer is a dry fertilizer supplied as particles or granules. It is available in many different nutrient analyses and formulations.

Neither form is universally better. The appropriate choice depends on the crop, nutrient requirement, application method, timing, equipment and product formulation.

Slow-release fertilizer is formulated to make nutrients available over a longer period rather than releasing them all at once.

Slow-release formulations can help provide nutrients over time and may be useful for maintenance programs where a longer nutrient release period is appropriate.

Agricultural fertilizer refers to nutrient products used in farming and crop production. Products can include nitrogen fertilizers, phosphorus fertilizers, potassium fertilizers and blended NPK fertilizers.

Farm fertilizer is a general term for fertilizers used to supply nutrients to agricultural soils and crops.

The best fertilizer depends on the crop and soil. Soil testing, expected crop requirements and nutrient recommendations can help determine the appropriate fertilizer analysis and application rate.

Not necessarily. Different crops can have different nutrient requirements, and soil nutrient levels can vary between fields.

Garden fertilizer is fertilizer intended for plants grown in gardens, including vegetables, flowers, herbs and other cultivated plants.

Vegetable fertilizer refers to fertilizer products used to provide nutrients for vegetable crops. The correct nutrient balance depends on the vegetable, soil and growing conditions.

Lawn fertilizer is formulated for turf and grass management. Always follow the product label and use a fertilizer appropriate for the specific lawn and soil conditions.

Soil testing can help determine existing nutrient levels and guide fertilizer decisions. It can reduce the risk of applying nutrients that are not needed.

Application rates should be based on the fertilizer label, soil test recommendations, crop requirements and the specific growing situation. Avoid applying more fertilizer than recommended.

Yes. Excess fertilizer can damage plants and contribute to nutrient losses. Following label directions and appropriate nutrient recommendations is important.

Fertilizer timing depends on the crop, nutrient, soil, weather, growth stage and fertilizer formulation. Follow crop-specific recommendations rather than using one schedule for every situation.

Look for local agricultural suppliers, farm supply stores, garden centers and fertilizer dealers. When comparing products, check the nutrient analysis, intended crop use, application instructions and package size.

Bulk fertilizer may be available depending on the supplier and product. Farmers purchasing larger quantities should compare nutrient analysis, storage requirements, transportation and total cost.

Check the fertilizer analysis, nutrient percentages, intended use, application instructions, package size, storage requirements and whether the product matches the crop or soil recommendation.

Start with the three-number N-P-K analysis. The numbers represent nitrogen, phosphate and potash in that order. Additional nutrients, application instructions and other product information may also be listed on the label.

A 10-10-10 fertilizer is a balanced fertilizer analysis indicating 10 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphate and 10 percent potash by weight according to the conventional fertilizer labeling system.

The three numbers indicate the fertilizer analysis in N-P-K order: nitrogen, phosphate and potash. The appropriate analysis depends on the nutrient needs of the crop and soil.

Store fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions in a secure, dry and appropriate location. Keep products in their original labeled containers where possible.

Yes. Fertilizer products should be stored securely and handled according to their labels. Keep products away from children, pets and livestock.

Correct application helps provide plants with the nutrients they need while reducing unnecessary fertilizer use and the risk of nutrient losses.

Pure Greenland Farm provides information about farm fertilizer, agricultural fertilizer, NPK fertilizer, organic fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, granular fertilizer, slow-release fertilizer, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, as well as fertilizer selection and application.

The information is useful for farmers, growers, gardeners, homesteaders, crop producers and anyone researching fertilizer products for agricultural or gardening applications.

Fertilizer products can be formulated for different crops, soils and growing systems. Always match the fertilizer product and application rate to the specific crop and nutrient requirements.