With the world's population growing rapidly, we need to find more efficient ways to grow food. By 2050, there will be an estimated 9 billion people in the world, so farmers will need all the help they can get to boost their output. This is where fertiliser can help.
What Is Fertiliser?
A healthy plant requires a total of seventeen elements in order to grow. Thirteen of these are absorbed through the soil, while the other three come directly from water or the air. Over the centuries, farmers have struggled to replace the nutrients in the soil after a harvest. Fertiliser performs this task, focusing on the three most important chemicals for plant growth: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Often abbreviated to NPK, these three elements are the fundamental building blocks of plant nutrition. Without nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil, growing plants would be impossible. Let’s take a closer look at what they do.
Nitrogen
The importance of nitrogen in soil cannot be overstated. Plants absorb greater quantities of nitrogen than any other element. It plays an essential role in the healthy development of plants, and it ensures that they are fit for human consumption. Nitrogen allows plants to create protein, the essential component of all life. It is used for leaf growing and leaf colouring. Weak or discoloured leaves are a sure sign of low nitrogen levels in soil.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus allows plants to store and harness energy. It is vital for the formation of roots, flowers, seeds and fruit. This makes it especially important in the growing of food crops.
Potassium
Potassium plays a crucial role in keeping plants strong and healthy. It strengthens stems and helps plants to resist disease. Potassium is especially important if you are growing plants commercially as it speeds up growth rates and increases yields.
How To Measure NPK Levels
Testing nitrogen levels in soil, as well as phosphorus and potassium levels, allows you to better plan your fertilisation strategy. You can compare your soil’s NPK levels with the ideal levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil to see what nutrients you are missing. You might be wondering how to measure nitrogen levels in soil and how to measure phosphorus levels in soil. That’s where we can help.
Our easy-to-use soil test kits will provide a detailed picture of your soil’s chemical composition, allowing you to make informed fertiliser decisions that achieve maximum growth.
Please get in touch today to find out more.
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