Whether you run a farm or are growing a garden, your plants will require nutrients to stay strong and healthy. In some cases, you might provide these essentials with organic fertilizers from leaves and compost. However, there are times when you may need a more specific formula—known as inorganic fertilizer—to nourish your soil and plants. To help you determine what you need, here are a few common types of products and when to use them.

5 Inorganic Fertilizers & Their Uses

1. Multinutrient

These fertilizers contain mixtures of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The balance of these nutrients is identified by three digits. For example, a 10-10-10 formula will have 10% of each element.

These products will also contain several macronutrients to further support overall plant health, including calcium and magnesium. You would use this option if you need to boost the nutritional balance of the soil in several respects.

2. Nitrogen

Nitrogen products are available in a variety of formulations, such as urea and calcium nitrate. They increase nutrient levels in the soil to support plants that require a lot of nitrogen, including corn, leafy greens, and Brussels sprouts.

You might also need more nitrogen if your plants aren’t growing as fast as they should or are producing yellow leaves. Since the pH-increasing qualities of nitrogen can burn plants, it’s important to apply the right amount at the right stages of plant development.

3. Phosphorous

Rock phosphate is a fertilizer that can last several years and improve soil acidity. If you’re looking for a direct form to support plant health, consider superphosphate or ammonium phosphate.

Plants may need more phosphorous if they have brown or yellow leaf tips, or produce low amounts of fruit.

4. Potassium

This nutrient supports protein synthesis. Your crops may need it if they have curling, brown, purple-spotted, or yellow-spotted leaves.

In most cases, a potassium chloride formula will provide the nutrients you need. However, if your plants are sensitive to chloride, you should use potassium sulfate.

5. Slow-Release  

Slow-release options come in a variety of formulations to suit different plant nutrition needs.

Unlike other solutions, these products contain coated molecules that will break down slowly in the soil. They are designed to provide stable nourishment over long periods while reducing the risk of burning the plants.

 

Finding the right fertilizer never has to be complicated when you have the support of Farmer’s Cooperative in Live Oak, FL. Providing agricultural products to Madison and Suwanee Counties for more than 70 years, this supplier is recognized for their affordable and precise solutions. They also make custom fertilizers formulated for your needs. To learn more about their products, visit them online. For custom orders, reach a friendly associate at (386) 362-1459.