Kinds of Fertilizers

By Judith Evans, eHow Contributor

Use liquid fertilizer for containergrown plants, rather than large gardens

Fertilizers supply nutrients essential for plant growth. Plants require large amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), known as macronutrients. Fertilizer labels list these nutrients in an N-P-K ratio, such as 5-10-5. A complete fertilizer contains all three elements, while an incomplete fertilizer lacks one or two elements. Plants need trace elements, such as calcium and iron, in smaller quantities. Different plants have different fertilizer needs; for example, grass requires a high-nitrogen fertilizer, while flowers benefit from a high-phosphorus fertilizer. You can choose from a variety of fertilizers to suit your gardening needs.

Organic

Organic fertilizer consists of plant and animal materials, such as manure, bone meal, seaweed and compost. This type of fertilizer provides nutrients and improves soil structure, drainage and water retention. It provides a hospitable environment for beneficial soil organisms, such as bacteria and earthworms. According to the Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension, the main disadvantage to organic fertilizer is its low nutrient levels. Organic fertilizer may contain inadequate amounts of one or all three of the essential nutrients, and tends to release nutrients slowly.

Chemical
Chemical fertilizers, such as urea, are manufactured from synthetic substances. These fertilizers are relatively inexpensive and release their nutrients quickly. The package label will list the fertilizer's nitrogen, phosphate and potassium ratio. To provide trace nutrients and improve soil structure, you will need to work manure, compost, or other organic matter into the soil.

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