Fertilizer is often used in agriculture to help plants grow. It can also be used in gardens and nurseries to help flowers and trees. You may think of it as plant food. You can get it in liquid or granular form or even as compost that has the fertilizer mixed in. No matter what form you go with, you want to go with a good brand that is properly manufactured.

Because most fertilizers include phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium, you want to be sure they are mixed together in proper amounts. Most manufacturers will use an industrial ribbon mixer to properly blend these components together. Here are some reasons why fertilizer can be helpful to your plants.

1. Plants Need Nutrients

Many kinds of plants are able to pull their nutrients from the soil. However, in an area where plants have been grown for a number of years, the soil no longer has all of the nutrients available. People add nutrients to the soil either prior to planting or after the plants begin to mature. The added nutrients are absorbed by the plants and help them to flourish.

• Nitrogen Helps With Fruit Production

Although there are three main nutrients in most types of fertilizer, nitrogen is the one that helps the plant grow stems more quickly. It also encourages the production of fruit and flowers and can make a difference in the overall quality of the vegetation.

• Potassium Builds Protein

More and more people are eating foods made with plant protein. If there is not enough potassium in the soil, the plant struggles to produce enough protein. In addition, potassium can help the plant fight disease. Healthy plants often produce better flowers or fruits.

• Phosphorus Aids in Photosynthesis

The third main nutrient most fertilizers is very important. It aids the plants in the production of chlorophyll, which is what works with sunshine in the process of photosynthesis. Plants are better able to develop root systems that are strong and phosphorus contributes to the overall health of fruits and flowers.

• Fertilizer Can Help the Soil

Some fertilizer blends include specific additives such as zinc or iron to help enrich the soil. Others are designed for specific plants with an individually designed balance of nutrients that are most helpful to that plant.

Whether you are growing flowers or food, your plants can benefit from the use of fertilizer. Be sure to read the label and get the kind that your plants need.