Farming Fertilizer Key Terms

Understand farming fertilizer key terms to make the best choices for your bottom line

By Denise Brown

Farming fertilizers are expensive. And with today’s emphasis on green farming practices it’s even more important that you not waste any nutrients through over-fertilizing. Most agricultural fertilizers contain some combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in addition to trace amounts of other elements that aid plant growth. With a good knowledge of farming fertilizer key terms, you can find ways to save money that can grow your crops quickly and efficiently and increase your yields.

Nitrogen

The first of the key elements in farming fertilizer, nitrogen (N) is critical for growing grains such as corn and soybeans. Some plants - legumes - can store and use nitrogen more readily than others. Because nitrogen quickly leaches out of the soil, it's important that you apply it appropriately to your field so you get the most value from its application.
Try: Read the white paper on nitrogen from Cornell University.

Phosphate or phosphorus

Phosphate (P) commonly comes in rock form that manufacturers of fertilizer crush into dust. Because this process can be costly, manufacturers use other processes to make a less expensive product. One method is to wash water over the phosphorus and then use the sludge as fertilizer either in its wet form or as a dried product.
Try: See the information about phosphorus from the University of Minnesota.

Potash

Potash (K) is the third ingredient in most fertilizers. Potash causes vigorous root growth and slows down crop diseases.
Try: The Potash and Phosphate Institute offers an explanation of the uses of potash.

Fertilizer ratio

This is the amount of nitrogen, phosphate and potash in a fertilizer mixture. Typically, the ratio looks like this: 10-10-10. Nitrogen is always the first ingredient, phosphate the second and potash the third. If a fertilizer mixture has more phosphate and no potash it may look like this: 10-20-0.
Try: Old House Web discusses the importance of getting the right ratio of fertilizer components for your soil.

Soil test

Save money by performing a test of your soil. This can determine the exact ratio of fertilizers you need to produce your crops. Your local extension office is a good source of information about soil-testing procedures in your area.
Try: The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers advice on how to take a soil test.

Spreader calibration

After you get the right combination of nutrients in your fertilizer, it's important that you spread the fertilizer evenly. Calibrate your spreader to give you the precise coverage you want. If possible, use a GPS system to ensure accurate coverage as well.
Try: Find out how to calibrate a farm fertilizer spreader at Rittenhouse.