The numbers on a fertilizer bag, such as 46-0-0, 10-20-20 or 14-7-21, represent the percentages of primary nutrients in the fertilizer.
These are always listed in the order N-P-K:
- N = Nitrogen: Promotes leafy and vegetative growth.
- P = Phosphorus: Encourages root development and flower/fruit production.
- K = Potassium: Improves overall plant health, disease resistance, and water regulation.
For example, in a 10-20-20 fertilizer:
- 10% Nitrogen
- 20% Phosphorus
- 20% Potassium
The remaining 50% is filler material or other nutrients.
| Formulation | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 21-0-0 | Ammonium sulfate; ideal for nitrogen-deficient soils. | High Nitrogen Formulations (for leafy growth) |
| 46-0-0 | Urea; used to boost vegetative growth. | |
| 30-0-0 | Urea formaldehyde; slow-release nitrogen source. | |
| 33-0-0 | Ammonium nitrate; fast-acting nitrogen fertilizer. | |
| 34-0-0 | Calcium ammonium nitrate; suitable for various soils. | |
| 28-0-0 | Urea ammonium nitrate solution; liquid fertilizer. | |
| 25-0-0 | Calcium nitrate; provides nitrogen and calcium. | |
| 18-0-0 | Ammonium sulfate nitrate; combines ammonium sulfate and nitrate. | |
| 10-10-10 | All-purpose fertilizer for various plants and garden types. | Balanced Formulations (general use) |
| 14-14-14 | Used in general gardening and container plants. | |
| 16-16-16 | Commonly used for turf, garden beds, and shrubs. | |
| 19-19-19 | High-performance balanced fertilizer for general agricultural use. | |
| 10-20-10 | Good for root crops and flower development. | High Phosphorus Formulations (for roots and flowers) |
| 15-30-15 | Often used in flowering plants like roses and ornamental flowers. | |
| 12-24-12 | Commonly used in transplanting to enhance root development. | |
| 11-52-0 | Monoammonium phosphate (MAP); high phosphorus content with some nitrogen. | |
| 18-46-0 | Diammonium phosphate (DAP); high in phosphorus with additional nitrogen. | |
| 0-46-0 | Triple superphosphate; concentrated phosphorus for soils lacking phosphorus. | |
| 5-10-20 | Enhances fruiting and flowering in crops like tomatoes or peppers. | High Potassium Formulations (for plant health and fruiting) |
| 8-12-24 | Used in fruit-bearing plants for better quality and yield. | |
| 3-4-30 | Used in crops needing intensive potassium supplementation late in growth. | |
| 0-0-50 | Sulfate of potash; provides potassium and sulfur. | |
| 14-7-21 | High potassium for fruit and flower-heavy crops. | Specialty Formulations |
| 20-5-30 | Specific for crops needing a potassium boost during the growth phase. | |
| 0-0-60 | Potash; entirely potassium, for soils lacking potassium. | |
| 16-20-0 | Used for cereal grains or grass pastures. | |
| 0-52-34 | Monopotassium phosphate; high phosphorus and potassium content. |
Daniel is an experienced farmer and agricultural technician specializing in soil management, irrigation systems, crops management, and the safe and effective use of herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals. 