NPK fertilizers: what is it, their types and instructions, application rules

NPK fertilizers are combined nutrients that are made from nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Also, macro- and microelements may be present in the composition. They are allowed to be applied to different types of soil to saturate them with nutrients. At the same time, it is important to choose the right effective composition and follow the rules for its use.

What is NPK fertilizer

The abbreviation "NPK" stands for 2 concepts at once. These include combined mineral fertilizers, which include the following:

nitrogen - N;
phosphorus - P;
potassium - K.

Also, the abbreviation denotes the ratio of substances in the fertilizer. It is these components that are considered key for the development of plants. In addition, they are inextricably linked with each other. Therefore, it is much more difficult to make such elements separately. In addition, this leads to high costs.

In accordance with international treaties, manufacturers mark 3 numbers on the package, which are separated by dashes or colons. They indicate the percentage of each of the elements in the preparation.

So, the well-known fertilizer nitrophoska has the following mark - NPK 16:16:16. This means that the preparation contains 16% of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus. At the same time, the remaining 52% is accounted for by binding s alts. They don't harm crops, but they don't do much good either.

Types of fertilizers

There are many effective fertilizers that include nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Each of the drugs differs in the ratio of the components that make up the composition. To select an effective substance, it is necessary to take into account not only the content of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen, but also the tasks of applying the composition.

Three-component

The most effective drugs that include 3 components each include the following:

Azofoska - can be used for all varieties of crops. The drug can be used before planting and during the growing season.
Ammofoska - suitable for almost all types of soil. At the same time, the composition is considered most useful when used on clay, sandy or peat-bog soil. At the same time, the composition is forbidden to be used in the fall, since it causes the rapid growth of greenery.
Nitrophoska - suitable for all types of soil. However, it is best to use the composition on acidic and neutral soils.
Diammofoska - can be used for all types of soil. The composition is used in the spring, before planting. It can also be used during the growing season.

Two-component

Effective remedies that include only 2 active ingredients include the following:

Ammophos - the composition includes nitrogen and phosphorus. It can be used in spring and autumn. The composition is easily mixed with water. It does not contain nitrates or chlorine. Therefore, the substance can be safely used to feed cucumbers.
Simple and double superphosphate - nitrogen and phosphorus are present in these substances. They are great for fertilizing plants that are grown in open ground and in greenhouse conditions. Preparations are used for all types of soil and for all crops.
Potassium nitrate - also called potassium nitrate. The composition of the substance contains nitrogen and potassium. Most often, the drug is used indoors for fertilizing vegetables at the stage of fruit ripening. It can be applied in dry and liquid form.

NPK requirements for different crops

Estimating the exact needs of plants for nutrients is quite difficult. They are determined by the type of soil, age, variety of crops. Climatic conditions also influence the dosage of fertilizers. In this case, it is permissible to use the following standards:

Lawn - needs a systematic application of nitrogen. In spring and early summer, nitroammophoska is required. For 1 square meter, 20-40 grams of the substance is used. In late summer and autumn, it is worth using products based on phosphorus and potassium. For 1 square meter, you can use 25-30 grams of potassium sulfate and 40-60 grams of superphosphate.
Fruit trees and shrubs - fertilize for the first time in early May. At this stage, it is required to apply 35-45 grams of azofoska or diammofoska per 1 plant. The following dressings are used with an interval of 10 days until mid-summer.Subsequently, it is worth using formulations with a low nitrogen content.
Vegetables, berries and herbs need to be fertilized all summer long. For the first time, you need to make azophoska or nitroammophoska. 25 grams of the substance is used per 1 square meter. Until mid-summer, the drug is applied at intervals of 10 days. Subsequently, it is worth switching to substances with a low nitrogen content - diammophoska or nitrophoska.
Flowers - need more nitrogen. For the first time, ornamental crops are fed in May. At the same time, 40 grams of nitroammophoska should be used per 1 square meter. Until the end of July, the drug is applied with an interval of 2 weeks. Subsequently, with the same frequency, it is worth making diammophoska - 25-30 grams per 1 square meter.

Terms of Use

It is required to fertilize evenly before planting, using special sprayers. Substances are used in pure form or working solutions are prepared.

Fields need to be processed early in the morning or in the evening. The use of drugs at temperatures below 0 degrees requires increased control. Freezing can lead to the formation of crystals. As a result, the sprayer system may become blocked.

For foliar top dressing, it is permissible to use only working solutions. Fertilizers in their pure form can cause burns, as they are characterized by increased concentrations.

Solving the problem of lack or excess of fertilizers

To avoid a lack of fertilizer, you should follow the following rules:

Adhere to the manufacturer's recommended dosage and solution preparation procedure.
Monitor the pH level of the nutrient solution.
Avoid stress factors such as temperature fluctuations, over-pruning, watering too cold.

To eliminate the problem of excess nutrients, you need to water the soil well with clean water. Then the plants need another 2 days to be watered with clean water. After that, you can gradually add fertilizer, starting with half the dosage.

There are quite a few effective NPK fertilizers out there. Each of them helps to solve certain problems. For the composition to help, you need to choose the right proportions.