NPK

NPK in fertilizer refers to the percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), the three primary macronutrients plants need for growth. These numbers on a fertilizer label, like 10-10-10, indicate the proportion of each nutrient by weight.

For example, a 10-10-10 fertilizer contains 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium.

• Nitrogen (N): Promotes leaf growth and gives plants their green color.
• Phosphorus (P): Essential for root development, flowering, and fruiting.
• Potassium (K): Helps plants resist diseases, improves overall plant health, and aids in water uptake.

Understanding NPK ratios helps gardeners choose the right fertilizer for their plants' specific needs. For instance, a lawn might benefit from a high-nitrogen fertilizer, while a flowering plant might need more phosphorus.