10. What is meant by the N:P:K Fertilizers Ratio?

• this is the ratio of N:P:K in smallest numbers
• 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