What is "NPK" fertilizer?

Locally, some shops simply provide fertilizers labeled as "NPK", without a complete formulation or detailed labeling. This is comparable to someone inquiring about your favorite dish and you responding with "food". This type of information isn't just unhelpful, it's also potentially risky. Similarly, you wouldn't take an unidentified tablet for a headache without knowing its contents and the recommended dosage – the same principle applies to caring for your plants.

So what is an NPK fertilizer?

NPK is the atomic element symbol for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).

These comprise the three primary "Macro-elements" required for plant growth. All chemical fertilizers have formulations, this is the particular blend or ratio of elements in relation to each other. Commonly available formulations are 12-12-17 or 20-20-20 +Trace elements, but these are most definitely not the only products available, and why you should never buy unlabeled products.

Each of these nutrients is a function in the plant's metabolism and "diet".

• Nitrogen (N) - as well as Magnesium, is an essential element in chlorophyll as well as the host of amino acids and proteins that the plant requires. Chlorophyll molecule = C₅₅H₇₂O₅N₄Mg

• Phosphorus (P) - is a key element in DNA, RNA (required for cellular replication), and ATP which is the "energy molecule" that is the result of photosynthesis

• Potassium (K) - is found throughout the plant and plays several essential roles including drought/ stress regulation, water absorption, cellular respiration as well as flower and fruit formation

Knowing the formulation of the product is key to understanding what effects the fertilizer will have on the plant.

To use a common example, 20-20-20 (NPK) + TE is what is considered a "balanced" fertilizer, with all the elements in equal concentrations. It also has the benefit of containing Trace elements (TE), which are micro-elements that are also required for healthy plant growth

• 12-12-17 (NPK) has a higher proportion of Potassium and could be used equally effectively on fruiting plants or even lawns (to increase drought resistance).

• Note that using basic formulations such as 20-20-20 (NPK) continually should be avoided, the effect is the same as feeding a person only rice as their only meal for several months, they will quickly develop malnutrition, which is the same as "plant nutrient deficiencies.

Granular NPK fertilizers are specifically designed for external landscapes in open areas and must not be utilized on indoor or potted plants. In open terrains, the granular fertilizer's impact is somewhat dispersed and moderated due to the extensive soil volume. Conversely, for indoor or potted plants, the soil volume is limited or enclosed. This confines the effects of the fertilizer, intensifying its impact, and making it easy to injure (or burn) the plant's root system, potentially leading to the plant's death.

It is illegal in the UAE to decant/ repackage and sell unmarked or unlabeled fertilizers.

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