Phosphorus gives plants a strong starting point in developing a root filter system in the soil.
Phosphorus is one of the main fertilizer elements (often seen as the letter P), the second number of three in the analysis on fertilizers. So in a 5-3-4 fertilizer analysis, the 3 represents the amount of phosphorus. The higher the number, the more phosphorus. University of Vermont. If you have a lawn, you should be aware of how much phosphorus you are applying in fertilizers. Often we apply too much, potentially resulting in pollution to waterways and watersheds. Phosphorus can be found in most types of lawn fertilizer, where its percentage is indicated through the three-number fertilizer analysis imprinted on the bag. For example, if the fertilizer analysis is 12-2-14, the fertilizer contains 2% phosphorus. The other numbers indicate nitrogen and potassium, respectively. It should be noted that some municipalities ban the use of phosphorus on lawns. In fertilizer, phosphorus comes in the form of phosphate, which dissolves over time to strengthen the root system and encourage longer plant growth. Some of the functions of phosphorus are to: 1  Stimulate growth. 2  Phosphorus gives plants a strong starting point in developing a root filter system in the soil. For example, if the fertilizer analysis is 12-2-14, the fertilizer contains 2% phosphorus. The other numbers indicate nitrogen and potassium, respectively. It should be noted that some municipalities ban the use of phosphorus on lawns. Phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen are the three main nutrients needed for healthy lawns. Nitrogen promotes vigorous growth and the green color of healthy grass. Potassium helps the grass fight disease and stay healthy. Phosphorus is important for root health and early plant development. Like potassium, phosphorus also helps the grass fight disease. Too much phosphorus in the soil can create other problems. Phosphorus clings to soil particles and moves slowly through the soil. Grass and other plants need phosphorus, but in general they do not need much. Phosphorus is used primarily to encourage strong grass root growth and establishment. You will commonly see an increase in phosphorus during times of new planting and renewing old lawns. Potassium is used to enhance your lawn's resistance to disease, drought, wear, and cold weather. However, three primary elements-nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium-need to be added to your lawn in the form of fertilizer. Most fertilizers sold in stores today are considered complete fertilizers because they contain all three elements. While your regime of water, fertilizer and regular mowing has greened up the grass, you might wonder what else you can do to improve the health of your landscape. You know that nitrogen encourages foliage growth, and phosphorus supports healthy root and stem growth, but may wonder what potassium does for the grass. Without potassium, your grass would be stunted and yellowed. Potassium is a macronutrient, along with nitrogen and phosphorus. It facilitates the internal processes of the plant's cells, including photosynthesis, respiration, absorption of water and increasing protein production. 1 Optimize energy. 2  Phosphorus is active in transferring energy in plants. 3  It is used to fuel the reaction between cells as energy is being transferred. 4  It is also a vital component of ATP, the fuel used to energize plants, which is formed during photosynthesis. For example, if the fertilizer analysis is 12-2-14, the fertilizer contains 2% phosphorus. The other numbers indicate nitrogen and potassium, respectively. It should be noted that some municipalities ban the use of phosphorus on lawns. By:Roxanne Nichols. Phosphorus is a key nutrient in the soil that can also be found in lawn fertilizers. Along with potassium and nitrogen, phosphorus is considered one of the big three elements needed for healthy soil and plants. For example, if the fertilizer analysis is 12-2-14, the fertilizer contains 2% phosphorus. The other numbers indicate nitrogen and potassium, respectively. It should be noted that some municipalities ban the use of phosphorus on lawns.
http://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/phos.html http://www.lawncare.net/phosphorus-for-lawns/ http://www.lawncare.net/phosphorus-for-lawns/ http://homeguides.sfgate.com/phosphates-make-grass-grow-faster-efficiently-37265.html http://www.allaboutlawns.com/lawn-maintenance-care/fertilizing/what-is-fertilizer-and-why-do-i-need-it.php http://homeguides.sfgate.com/potassium-grass-85462.html http://www.lawncare.net/phosphorus-for-lawns/ http://www.lawncare.net/phosphorus-for-lawns/
what does phosphate do for grass