these three numbers indicate the relative amounts of N,P and K in the fertiliser
11. What is the purpose of each of the N:P:K?
N (nitrogen): promotes leaf growth and forms proteins and chlorophyll
P (phosphorus): contributes to root, flower and fruit development
K (potassium): contributes to stem and root growth and the synthesis of proteins
A farmer must choose the fertilizer carefully to promote the plant characteristic he wants.
To ensure good fruit he should choose 1:8:2 instead of 8:1:3.
12.What is meant by the term eutrophication?
excess fertilizer flows into rivers
this promotes algae growth (algae bloom)
when this extra algae decomposes, this process consumes oxygen from the water
other organisms then also die as a result of oxygen deprivation