Soil Fertility Facts

 

pH         Plants need the correct pH (acidity/alkalinity) level which controls how

well plants utilize the nutrients available in the soil. All plants have a pH

preference, so it is important to know the pH level of the soil. Most plants

do well in neutral pH (7).

Plant Macronutrients

 

 

Nitrogen  (N)         Nitrogen is synonymous with plant nutrition. It is directly

responsible for producing leaf growth

and green leaves deficiency causes yellow leaves and stunted

growth. Too much nitrogen causes over abundant foliage

with delayed flowering; the plant becomes subject

to disease and its fruit quality is poor.

Phosphorous (P)       Growing plants need phosphorous. It is the major

constituent of plant genetics and seed development.

A deficiency causes stunted growth and seed sterility.

Phosphorous aids plant maturity,

increases the seed yield, increases fruit development,

increases vitamin content and aids the plant resistance

to disease and winterkill (frostbite in plants).

Potassium (K)       Potassium strengthens the plant. It helps form carbohydrates

and promotes protein production. It will improve the color and

flavor of fruit. It further aids early growth and stem strength

and cold hardiness. Plants deficient in potassium are usually

stunted  and have poorly developed root systems. Leaves are

spotted, curled and appear dried out at the edges. Fruit yields

for potassium deficiency are low.