Fertilizers and Pesticides Key Terms

Key components of fertilizers and pesticides

By Denise Brown

Fertilizers and pesticides key terms can be confusing. But once you understand the basics, you'll see that the terms are really pretty simple. Whether you spread fertilizers and pesticides on a small lawn or a large farm field, the concepts are the same. Many of the key terms for fertilizers are applicable for pesticide applications as well. As you look at fertilizers and pesticides key terms, a basic understanding of chemistry can help you understand the processes that go into mixing and applying fertilizers and pesticides.

Fertilizer ratio

Fertilizer ratio is the proportion of nitrogen, phosphate and potash in a fertilizer mix. As you look at fertilizer products, you see ratios like this: 10-10-10. This mix would have equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphate and potash. A 0-10-5 mix would have no nitrogen, 10 parts phosphate and 5 parts potash. You can have the fertilizer ratio customized to your specifications.
Try: PlantCare.com has an explanation of fertilizer ratio.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen (N) is the first ingredient listed on fertilizer packaging. It can give plants the energy they need to germinate quickly. Because nitrogen can leach out of the soil and into groundwater, it's best to use the minimum needed for your plantings.
Try: Colorado State University has a white paper that discusses organic nitrogen as a source of fertilizer.

Phosphorus, or phosphate

Phosphorus (P) is the second ingredient in common fertilizer mixtures. In its most common form, phosphorus comes from the remains of ancient sea life compressed into rocks.
Try: The Fertilizer Institute shows examples of what phosphorus looks like in its natural state.

Potash, or potassium

You can get natural potash (K) today from wood ashes. Commercial potash comes from mines deep beneath the earth's surface. The potash comes from the salt-water deposits from ancient oceans.
Try: The R.C. Harris website, Improve-Your-Garden-Soil.com has a discussion of potash fertilizers.

Soil test

A soil test can tell you what balance of nitrogen, phosphorus or potash you need. An inexpensive soil test can save you money by allowing you to buy just the fertilizer mix you need.
Try: Lowe’s offers information on how to do a soil test.

Broadcast

A broadcast application works for both fertilizers and pesticides. This is a uniform application of the product using an applicator or spreader.
Try: Pennsylvania State University has a list of terms used in the pesticide industry. Many of these same terms apply to fertilizer applications. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has information on how to effectively calibrate dry broadcast fertilizer applicators.