Fertilizer: Any material used to supply one or more of the essential plant nutrient elements.

Fertilizer ratio: The relative proportion of N, P, and K. The ration of 16-4-8 is 4:1:2 or 4 parts nitrogen to 1 part phosphorus to 2 parts potassium.

Balanced fertilizer: A fertilizer containing equal parts of each major element, i. e. 10-10-10.

Complete fertilizer: A fertilizer containing contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Examples of commonly used fertilizers are 10-10-10, 16-4-8, and 12-4-8.

Incomplete fertilizer: A fertilizer missing one or two of the major elements, i. e. 0-20-0.

Fertilizer analysis: The minimum amount of each element in a fertilizer as stated on the label.

Weed and feed fertilizers: A combination of fertilizer and herbicide. They are often used on lawns to prevent certain weeds from germinating, or to kill existing broadleaf weeds.

Chelate: Chemical compounds that help hold metal ions (such as iron) in solution so the plant can adsorb them more readily.

High analysis: A fertilizers containing 30 percent or more active nutrients, i. e. ammonium nitrate 33-0-0. The cost per bag is usually more but the cost per pound of nutrient is less (therefore the cost for fertilizing a given area is less).

Consumer Horticulture | Quick Reference

© Erv Evans, Consumer Horticulturalist
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