Fertilizers

Fertilizer grades refer to the guaranteed percentages of plant nutrients. The ratio refers to the proportion of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P₂O₅) and potash (K₂O) in the fertilizer. For example, the grade is 5-10-5, and the ratio is 1-2-1. High analysis fertilizers are those with grades such as 20-20-20, 35-0-0, or 0-46-0, and are more economical to use on the basis of price per pound of nutrient.

Liquid starter fertilizers are materials that are completely water soluble and are high in phosphorus content such as 16-32-16, 10-52-17, or 9-45-15. These materials are used at the time of transplanting. Dry starter fertilizer can be banded at the time of seeding. The band is normally placed 2" below and 2" to the side of the seed. When using either dry or liquid starter fertilizer, follow label directions because an excess of starter could burn seeds and young seedlings. Starter fertilizer promotes early and rapid growth that leads to greater yields with certain crops such as tomato, pepper, and melon. See individual crops for rates.

Table 6, Plant Nutrient Content of Various Fertilizer Sources lists many fertilizers commonly used for vegetable cropping systems. Similar information for fertilizers and amendments commonly used in certified organic cropping systems are provided in the section entitled Guidelines for Organic Fertility Management (Table 10).

¹ Best for fertilizer blends.