Why Is Nitrogen Important For My Garden Soil?
Nitrogen is a key element found in soil, but is mostly comprised in our atmosphere ( air is 78% nitrogen). Although nitrogen is abundant, plants can not use it until it is processed in the soil, or added by fertilizers. Nitrogen is commonly referred to by its elemental abbreviation (N), in fertilizers. Fertilizers are denoted for their Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), or simply N-P-K, content – usually as a percentage of how much of each nutrient the fertilizer contains. All fertilizers will have the N-P-K analysis labeled on the bottle. If you look at the picture below, you will notice the numbers 2-1-1 on the label. This means this fertilizer contains 2% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphorus, and 1% Potassium. Nitrogen is always the first number, and usually (but not always) the highest. Nitrogen is responsible for the leafy green foliage in plants as well as protein and chlorophyll development. Chlorophyll is what gives the foliage its green color and is vital for photosynthesis.
