Robertesq1

One of my current strategies is to fertilize native species rather than try to start them from seedlings. Mature plants have growth above the Browse level and are fruiting or reproducing. My question is I currently purchase the most concentrated fertilizer 19-19-19 to bring afield. I'm no farmer and don't really know about the nitrogen phosphate potash ratios. Anyone understand and want to share... What is the best fertilizer and ratio to use for wild plants???

Soilman

It really depends on what you are trying to grow, and your soil. Grasses would do better with a fertilizer higher in N like urea (46-0-0). There is a good chance your soil has plenty of Phosphorus if you have been fertilizing with 19-19-19 for years. Potassium also may or may not be sufficient for your plot's soil. If it is sandy, It would be good to add Potassium as 0-0-60. Sandy soil may also perform better with micronutrients, especially Sulfur, Calcium, and Magnesium. A soil test from a local lab or University would be a good way to determine if you are over or under fertilizing on any of the key nutrients. The ratio of N:P:K in a plant is no where near 1:1:1, and can vary a lot by plant type.

habitat

For trees and shrubs we plant,we use 10-10-10 or at least something close.Check out qdma.com I bet there are some guys close to you that have used something

Robertesq1

Isn't the ration the thing to look at??? 19-19-19 is the same as 10-10-10 but richer??? so u can use less.

Soilman

The advantage of 19-19-19 is you are getting all fertilizer. If you buy 10-10-10, you are paying for a lot of filler (usually a low soluable calcium sulfate). That is a long winded way of saying yes, you can use half as much 19-19-19 as 10-10-10.

If you have a fertile soil, you may only need to apply N fertilizer. A good rule of thumb is 1 ouce of N per year of the tree. A 2 year old tree would need 2 ounces of N, which would be 4 ounces of urea (46-0-0).

Robertesq1

Thanks, another great site