Nutrients are the foundation for healthy plant growth and high yields. The right supply not only ensures strong, resilient plants, but also maximizes flower and harvest quality. In this article, we provide an overview of the most important nutrients for plants and explain how you can use various fertilizers in a targeted manner to fully exploit the potential of your plants.
1. the most important nutrients for plants
Plants require a range of macro- and micronutrients, each of which plays a specific role in the growth process. The main nutrients – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (often referred to as N-P-K) – are the basic building blocks of plant metabolism and have a direct impact on growth and crop quality.
Nitrogen (N)
Nitrogen is the main component for vegetative growth, as it promotes leaf formation and supports photosynthesis. Plants that do not receive enough nitrogen often show a pale or yellow coloration of the leaves and grow more slowly.
Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus is essential for root development and flower formation. It strengthens the plant in the early growth phase and supports the development of healthy, strong flowers in the flowering phase.
Potassium (K)
Potassium is crucial for the general resilience of plants. It regulates the water balance and strengthens the cells, which makes the plant more robust against environmental stress and diseases.
In addition to these main nutrients, plants also need a range of micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium and iron, which should be present in smaller quantities but are just as important for plant growth.
2. micronutrients and their role
Micronutrients often play a supporting role, but this should not be underestimated. They act on a cellular level and are responsible for numerous processes in metabolism and photosynthesis.
- Calcium: Important for the cell structure and cell walls. It strengthens the roots and leaves and ensures a stable plant.
- Magnesium: As a central component of chlorophyll, magnesium is essential for photosynthesis. A deficiency often manifests itself in the form of yellow spots on the leaves.
- Iron: Iron is necessary for enzyme production and photosynthesis. An iron deficiency leads to yellowing of the younger leaves.
Tip: Make sure that your plants always receive the right amount of micro and macronutrients, as deficiencies can quickly lead to growth disorders and yield losses.
3. selection of the right fertilizer
The choice of fertilizer depends on the growth phase and the individual needs of the plants. There are different types of fertilizer, each tailored to specific growth phases and available either as a liquid, powder or slow-release fertilizer.
Liquid fertilizer
This type of fertilizer is easy to dose and is particularly suitable for the vegetative and flowering phase. Liquid fertilizer offers the advantage that the nutrients are absorbed quickly and deficiencies can be compensated for in the short term.
Recommendation: Liquid fertilizers are ideal for beginners as they are easy to use and allow flexible dosing.
Solid and slow-release fertilizers
These fertilizers release the nutrients over a longer period of time and reduce the amount of care required. They are ideal for plants that require constant nutrients without frequent additions.
Recommendation: slow-release fertilizers are well suited for growers who do not want to fertilize daily and are a good option for more stable growth phases.
Organic vs. mineral fertilizers
Organic fertilizers come from natural sources and provide a gentle supply of nutrients. Mineral fertilizers contain directly available nutrients and are mainly used when the plant needs to grow quickly.
Tip: Organic fertilizers are particularly suitable for long-term soil improvement, while mineral fertilizers offer a quick solution for acute deficiency symptoms.
4. application and dosing of fertilizers
The right dosage is the key to providing plants with the best possible nutrition and avoiding over-fertilization. Too much fertilizer can lead to nutrient burn, while too little fertilizer impairs growth.
Observe the growth phase
In the vegetative phase, the plants need more nitrogen to support leaf growth. In the flowering phase, the phosphorus and potassium content should be increased, as these nutrients are crucial for flower formation.
Dosing instructions from the manufacturer
Follow the instructions on the fertilizer. Too much nutrient will do more harm to the plants than good. If you are inexperienced with fertilizer, start with a lower dose and increase it if necessary.
Fertilize every second watering
Many growers do not fertilize at every watering, but alternate. This method prevents too many nutrients from accumulating in the substrate and overtaxing the plants.
Tip: Use pH control agents to ensure that the water and soil have the optimum pH value for nutrient uptake – ideally between 6 and 6.5.
5. recognize and correct common nutrient deficiencies
Some typical deficiency symptoms can be detected early and remedied with the right fertilizer. It is important to know the signs precisely so that you can react quickly.
- Nitrogen deficiency: The leaves turn pale and yellow, which is particularly noticeable on the lower, older leaves. A nitrogen-rich fertilizer quickly remedies this deficiency.
- Phosphorus deficiency: Dark, purple discoloration of the leaves and weak root development are typical signs. A fertilizer with a high phosphorus content can help here.
- Potassium and magnesium deficiency: Yellow spots and leaf curling are signs of potassium or magnesium deficiency. A special potassium or magnesium fertilizer can remedy the deficiency and restore the health of the plants.
Note: Nutrient deficiencies can be solved not only by fertilization, but also by adjusting the pH value in the water or soil. A pH value that is too low or too high hinders nutrient uptake and can lead to deficiencies, even if there is enough fertilizer.
Conclusion
The right nutrients are essential to exploit the full growth potential of your plants and achieve maximum yields. Targeted fertilization in each growth phase and choosing the right fertilizer can provide your plants with optimal nutrition and prevent nutrient deficiencies. Follow the dosing instructions and observe your plants closely to identify their needs. With these tips, nothing will stand in the way of a successful harvest.
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