Fertilizer Labels and Calculations We will learnn n

Fertilizer Labels and Calculations

We will learnn n How to read labels How to calculate amounts of fertilizer needed for an area

Fertilizer labels n Some information is required by law to be on the fertilizer bags: n n Net Weight Brand grade of fertilizer Guaranteed analysis of each nutrient in fertilizer Name and address of manufacturer

Other valuable information n Some manufacturers add the following on the bag as well: n n n n % of water insoluble nitrogen Potential acidity Salt index Source of carrier % of minor elements Calculation rates How to calibrate spreaders

How much fertilizer? n We have a grass lawn that needs to be fertilized and Jake has found a bag of 16 -88 in our garage. If we need to put 1 pound of nitrogen per 1, 000 sq ft of our 16, 725 sq ft lawn, how much fertilizer do we need to apply?

How do we figure this problem out? n Total Fertilizer Needed =

How much Phosphorus has been applied? n n Assume we are applying it at the recommended N amount P= Recommend N rate X % of P in % of N in fertilizer Can figure K amount the same way!

How much to feed plants n Vegetables n n n 2 ¾ cups to 4 ½ cups ½ early in season Repeat 4 -6 wks later Bulbs n Amount per plant n n 1 tbsp – 2 ½ tbsp When leaves emerge Roses n For a 60 ft row n n n Per plant n n 4 ½ tbsp – ½ cup 1/3 at new growth After every bloom Deciduous tree/shrub n 100 ft 2 under leaf canopy n n n 4 ½ tbsp – ½ cup 1/3 when new growth Repeat twice at 6 week intervals

More plants… n Lawns n Per 1, 000 sq ft n n n Per 10 sq ft of canopy n n n 3 tbsp – 1/3 cup Feed half at bud swell Repeat after deadheading Flowering Perennials n 1 pound/ 1, 000 sq ft Feed 3 times per year Evergreen tree/shrub and rhododendrons n n Per plant n n n ¾ cup – 2 cups Half at new growth, then in 6 wks Flowering Annuals n Per 100 sq ft n n 1 ½ cups – 2 2/3 cups At planting, then in 6 wks