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Reading the label on that Fertilizer product
First, always store the products you buy in the original container when ever possible. The label has safety and instructions for it's use, often not found anywhere else. If for some reason the packaging gets damaged, save as much of the original label as possible and label any new container clearly on the outside so everyone can see what it is at a glance.
Fertilizer labels are standardized now. Organic fertilizer is no different that way, except, organic fertilizers are usually made from many different natural ingredients and many manufacturers like to show the actual ingredients on the label for marketing and comparative information between brands and types.
Even though organic fertilizers do more than add nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium to the soil (represented by the letters N-P-K), they are still required to report this information on the label, first and foremost. The actual numbers on organic fertilizer are often much smaller than for conventional fertilizer but, because they are made from a diverse group of ingredients, they do much more for the soil than conventional fertilizers do, so, don't be dissuaded by the smaller numbers.
Let's look at the label from North Country Organics Pro-Gro as an example.
Click the blue high lighted text for Pro-Gro to open up a copy of the label to look at while you read this. You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it. Adobe tends to take over the whole screen when you open it so, you might have to minimize the window to get back here and read this after you download the label.
You first notice the company logo. To the right is the organic certification listing from "The Organic Materials Research Institute". Then, the three basic numbers we talked about. In this case 5-3-4.
What does N-P-K stand for?
N = Nitrogen
Nitrogen is the first major element responsible for the vegetative growth of plants above ground. With a good supply, plants grow sturdily and mature rapidly, with rich, dark green foliage.
The nitrogen is usually available in at least two forms:
Water Soluble nitrogen and Water Insoluble Nitrogen. The names pretty much speak for themselves. - - Water soluble nitrogen dissolves very quickly and is available to the plant right away. however, most plants can only use a little nitrogen at a time and flooding an area with water soluble nitrogen trying to get a quick fix mostly just cause a lot of nitrogen run off and pollution of waterways and the water table.
- Water insoluble nitrogen is nitrogen that will attach itself to the soil and take longer to be absorbed by the plants.
A balance between these two forms of nitrogen is designed into the fertilizer. Using smaller amounts of soluble nitrogen and larger amounts of insoluble nitrogen usually creates stronger plants. As a metaphor, you might see the insoluble nitrogen as the equivalent of making the roots lift weights and exercise. In the long run, if the roots have to do some work to get what they need, the plant will be stronger than if you laid a sugar bowl of soluble nitrogen at their feet to absorb. They'll use up the soluble stuff very quickly, look good for a short time and quickly fade and turn yellow. This happens a lot with conventional fertilizer programs and it causes something like and addiction cycle for the plants, and the person trying maintain a healthy yard or estate.
P = Phosphorus
The second major element in plant nutrition, phosphorus is essential for healthy growth, strong roots, fruit and flower development, and greater resistance to disease. Phosphorous is derived from different forms of rock phosphate and other natural ingredients.
K = Potassium (Potash) The third major plant nutrient in the list is potassium oxide. It is essential for the development of strong plants. It helps plants to resist diseases, protects them from the cold and protects during dry weather by preventing excessive water loss and helps build strong stems. Ever see a healthy looking green lawn that grows fast and lays down making it hard to cut and causing matting and mold growth. Additional potash might be in order. This can be provided my a multi-ingredient fertilizer or adding Jersey Greensand.
The actual numbers, in this case 5-3-4 are referring to the pounds of each ingredient per 100 pounds of the product. So, with Pro-Gro, you have 2.5 pounds of nitrogen per each 50 pound bag. 1.5 pounds of Phosphate per 50 lbs bag and 2 lbs of Potash per 50 pound bag.
If you had a soil test that said you needed 100 lbs of nitrogen per acre, you would need 100/2.5 or 40 bags of Pro-Gro per acre.
The general coverage recommended for most home applications says you get 2,500 square feet of coverage per bag. This a general recommendation. For large areas where money cloud be a determining factor your course of action, a soil test is recommended.
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