- Many fertilizers contain three essential compounds: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. All fertilizers have three numbers on the bag; the first number represents nitrogen, the second is phosphorus and the third is potassium. The numbers on the side of a bag indicate the percentage by weight of each element in the fertilizer. To calculate the weight of each element, multiply the total weight of the bag by the percentage of the element. A 50-pound bag of 10-10-10 fertilizer contains 5 pounds each of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Secondary elements and filler make up the remainder of the bag.
- Plants are susceptible to disease and may be harmed in cold or harsh weather. Potassium increases the plant's resistance to disease and improves winter hardiness. There are several types of potassium fertilizers. Common ones include potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium magnesium sulfate potassium hydroxide and potassium nitrate. Some may refer to the fertilizers as "something" of potash. For example, potassium sulfate is also known as sulfate of potash.
- Not all potassium fertilizers are created equal. Certain compounds work better for certain crops. For example, according to Michigan State University, farmers in Michigan use potassium chloride -- or muriate of potash -- as the major source of potassium, although some crops, such as tobacco and potatoes, benefit more from a fertilizer without chloride, such as potassium sulfate.
- Choosing the right fertilizer is an important step towards producing a strong and healthy harvest. While potassium chloride is one of the most common sources of potassium in fertilizers, in high concentrations, the fertilizer can cause salt damage to plants, according to Penn State University. Readers with specific questions regarding fertilizers should consult with an expert before applying the compound to their crops.
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