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News Feature for Newsletters, Newspapers and Magazines |
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United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
P.O. Box 2890
Washington, DC 20013
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What to Feed a Hungry Plant
In elementary school, you probably learned that plants make their own food.
So why do you need to feed them?
While it is true that plants make their own food, they still need the raw
ingredients. Sometimes, gardeners need to provide several of the nutrients
required by many plants that may not be available in adequate quantities for
healthy plant growth.
If your plants are growing in fertile garden soil, they probably have most of
the nutrients in adequate amounts. If any elements are in short supply, they
most likely are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), or potassium (K). These are the
three elements in ordinary garden fertilizers and are required in relatively
large quantities by plants. Nitrogen promotes good growth of stems and leaves or
vegetative growth, while phosphorus promotes flowering. Potassium is important
in a lot of reactions within the plant. It is important that these elements be
in balance with each other for healthy plant development. Too much of any
element can be harmful.
Under certain conditions, you may need to add other nutrients for normal
plant development. Certain plants have higher requirements for some
micronutrients such as iron or zinc. Certain soils, such as those that are very
sandy, may be deficient in some of the micronutrients.
If you suspect a problem, consider having a soil test done. A soil test
provides information on the amounts of P, K, pH (the acidity of the soil), and
organic matter in your soil. Some testing services also indicate the amounts of
other nutrients such as magnesium (Mg); however, since most micronutrient
problems are not widespread, the standard tests usually do not include these.
The local office of the Cooperative Extension Service has information on how to
take a soil sample and where to send it. Home test kits, available from garden
centers, will give you a general idea of the amount of nutrients in your soil.
Follow the directions carefully. Nitrogen is more difficult to test for. If
plants appear yellowish or stunted, they may need additional nitrogen.
The soil test results should indicate any possible problems. Based on the
results, you will know if additional P or K is needed. The pH affects the
availability of many of the nutrients. Adjusting the pH, by either adding lime
to make the soil less acidic or adding aluminum sulfate to make it more acidic,
may be all it takes to correct some nutrient problems. For example, iron
deficiency in plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries often can
be corrected by lowering the pH.
Good soil preparation goes a long way in preventing nutrient problems. A
well-drained soil, high in organic matter, allows for the development of a good
root system able to take up adequate amounts of water and nutrients. Compost is
an excellent source of plant nutrients and contributes to the development of a
well-aerated, well-drained soil. Soils with high organic matter sustain large
populations of worms which improve the nutrient status of your soil.
For more information on nutrient management, composting, and other Backyard
Conservation practices, contact your local conservation district or the Natural
Resources Conservation Service. Or call 1-888-LANDCARE (toll free) for a free
colorful Backyard Conservation booklet and tip sheets.
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- Backyard Conservation is a cooperative project of
- Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Wildlife Habitat Council
- National Association of Conservation Districts
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