NPK Fertilisers Flashcards

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What does NPK stand for in NPK fertilisers?

NPK stands for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

They replace missing mineral ions so plants grow better and give higher crop yields.

Plants use nitrogen to make proteins and chlorophyll, so they grow strong leaves and stems.

Plants need phosphorus for healthy roots and for energy transfer in their cells.

Potassium helps enzymes to work and helps plants control water, so flowers and fruits grow well.

Plants take in these nutrients as dissolved ions, so fertilisers use soluble ionic compounds instead of pure elements.

Ammonium nitrate is a common nitrogen compound in NPK fertilisers.

Potassium chloride or potassium sulfate are common potassium compounds in NPK fertilisers.

They must dissolve in water so plant roots can absorb the nutrient ions from the soil.

They show the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the fertiliser.

Plants may grow slowly, have pale or unhealthy leaves, and give low crop yields.

Extra fertiliser can wash into rivers and lakes, causing algae to grow and harming fish and other wildlife.