The three numbers in the analysis tell the percentage of the three essential plant foods: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Additional numbers indicate the addition of secondary or minor plant food elements: Magnesium (Mg), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Boron (B), and Sulfur (S).

Nitrogen will increase growth of leaves and stems, stimulates rapid early growth, and greening up the plant. A deficiency in nitrogen will cause yellow leaves and stunted growth.

Phosphorus promotes root formation and growth. Particularly helpful to root crops such as pota- toes, carrots, and beets. A deficiency in phosphorus will cause lower leaves to turn red, purple or an unusual deep green.

Potassium increases plant vigor and resistance to disease. It stimulates production of strong, stiff stalks, promotes the pro-duction of sugar, starch and oils, and increases plumpness of fruits and vegetables. A deficiency will result in yellow leaves at the tips and edges, weak stalks, and poor “setting” of fruit.

General Application Guidelines