Soil tester: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, (NPK) and Temperature

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, (NPK) and Temperature. Simple and accurate measurement.

What is NPK fertiliser?

If you are looking for a good fertiliser for plants, you cannot avoid the letters ‘NPK’. Here we explain everything about the meaning of NPK. Its importance, how it works and the differences between these fertilisers.

Difference between organic and artificial fertilisers

There are big differences between an organic fertiliser and a fertiliser. Organic fertilisers have a less direct effect than artificial fertilisers. Organic fertilisers release the substances into the soil more gradually and therefore have a longer effect. Also, an organic fertiliser will replenish the soil with all kinds of trace elements and important nutrients. Organic fertiliser is made of organic material and always contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK) and often micro-organisms and enzymes. Artificial fertilisers also always contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK).

What is the meaning of NPK?

The meaning of NPK is nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). These 3 nutrients are a necessary basis for the care of all plants, both indoors and outdoors. Besides oxygen, water and carbon, a plant needs NPK to live, grow and flower. In short, indispensable for a plant’s well-being. However, the function of these 3 elements is different.

Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen promotes plant growth and is the most important element. After all, without nitrogen there is no growth. Nitrogen also triggers photosynthesis. If a plant is deficient in nitrogen, its leaves will turn yellow and it will also lose a lot of leaves.

Phosphorus (P)

Phosphorus contributes to the overall development of plants and, in particular, ensures proper development of the root system. Plants with a well-developed root system can absorb nutrients faster and better. A phosphorus deficiency results in reduced growth.

Potassium (K)

Potassium is important for the water balance of plants. The cell walls of plants are reinforced by potassium, which allows better transport of water and carbohydrates. Potassium thus increases plant resistance. Plants are more resistant to disease, heat, fungi and basically anything that causes stress. A potassium deficiency will show as discoloured edges of the leaves, eventually the leaves will die.

Why is NPK fertiliser important?

Plants and lawn cannot do without nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). A good NPK fertiliser will provide plants with good nutrients and keep them well nourished, making them more resistant to all external stress factors. So the result of a good NPK fertiliser will definitely be reflected. What to expect? A green, radiant lawn, a flourishing border and a vegetable garden with lots of, healthy vegetables and fruits. So you will literally reap the benefits!

Too little or too much NPK fertiliser in the lawn

Be careful, because there are risks with the amounts of NPK fertiliser you offer your plants. A shortage of fertiliser with NPK will show, but an excess of fertiliser with NPK will also be harmful. The plants and your lawn will indicate where they are deficient or abundant. So pay close attention to what is happening in your garden, it will tell you itself what it needs.

Nitrogen deficiency or excess

As you have just read, nitrogen equals growth. If you add too much nitrogen to the soil, you might have to deal with sprawl. You will then see everything start to proliferate. A shortage of nitrogen means the opposite. The plants remain much too small and are very susceptible to fungi and diseases. You will also see that the leaves turn yellow.

Phosphorus deficiency or excess

Too much phosphorus will disrupt water balance. Also, phosphorus will start to accumulate in the soil and eventually leach out. However, should you be deficient in phosphorus, this will be seen by a blue-purple glow over the plants. The roots will not develop as well and can absorb less nutrients.

A shortage or abundance of potassium

An abundance of potassium results in reduced uptake of calcium, magnesium and boron, and will promote abundant uptake of iron and manganese. Thus, there is no longer a balance. A deficiency will cause barren grass and discoloured spots on leaves.

Composition NPK fertilisers

So the composition of NPK fertilisers is very important. What do your plants need and what don’t they need? That is something you can only determine if you have looked closely at your plants or use an NPK meter. In addition, you have to take the seasons into account. In spring, you need a different NPK fertiliser than in autumn. The difference of these fertilisers is in the composition of NPK.

Buy NPK fertiliser

Buying NPK fertilisers is easy, safe and fast in a garden centre or online. There, they also have the knowledge to advise you the right fertiliser(s).