Lawn Fertilising

foxmowingwa

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Just like us plants need food to stay healthy. Food for plants comes in the form of fertilisers.

Fertilisers are a range of chemical or mineral products that release nutrients necessary for plant growth. There are two main types of fertilisers – chemical (inorganic) or mineral (organic) fertilisers.

Chemical fertilisers are added to the soil as liquids or solids and are specifically designed and formulated for a specific purpose such as to increase plant fertility and promote growth. Mineral or organic fertilisers are natural and are derived from plants and animals such as manure and seaweed and can be used as general soil improvers.

Fertilisers are necessary as they add nutrients to the soil whereby combatting any deficiencies that there may be in the natural soil such as inadequate levels of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous which can affect the plants health and growth.

Every plant requires different nutrients at different stages throughout its growth cycle. There are a diverse range of fertilisers all with differing quantities of minerals that provide either instant or slow release times dependant upon what each plant requires. For best results when using fertilisers always read the label and apply only as directed.
Plants are reliant upon nutrients for survival and growth.

There are at least 17 elements that are essential nutrients for plant health. The main type is called Macronutrients and they include potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and sulphur. Macronutrients provide the bulk energy for the plant to function and grow. Nitrogen is a vital plant nutrient, mostly derived from the soil and required in large amounts for use in cellular growth and development. If there is a deficiency in Nitrogen the plant will grow slowly and will tend to have a purple appearance on the stems and underside of leaves.

Smaller amounts of nutrients such as iron, copper, zinc, chlorine and manganese are all required in differing amounts. These nutrients come under the title of Micronutrients and they are used for plant metabolism and photosynthesis.

Plant nutrients play a major factor in plant health. If the soil is lacking in any type of nutrient plants can suffer from stunted growth, deformity, discolorations and abnormal or shortened life cycles.

Every type of plant requires different levels of nutrients in order to obtain optimum growth and performance. So if you notice your plant looking the worse for wear, ensure that it is getting enough nutrients by boosting the soil with manure or compost or apply a fertiliser.
 
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