N.P.K.
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What is N.P.K.?
N.P.K. or NPK are the chemical symbols for Nitrogen, Phosphorus
and Potassium and are the main chemicals needed by most plants. In practice these
chemical elements are taken up by the plant as compounds containing the elements.
Commercial fertilisers are sold with the percentage of each shown.
Growmore for example, is classed as a balanced fertiliser and the NPK is
given as 7:7:7 meaning it contains 7% of each element..
More specific mixtures are available for different plants.
Chempak produce a set of plant specific needs.
Nitrogen
This the 7th element to be found in the periodic table. It has the chemical symbol
N and is normally in the form of a clear odourless gas.
Nitrogen makes up 78% of the Earths atmosphere.
In relation to plants this is the element that encourages leafy growth.
Phosphorus
This the 15th element to be found in the periodic table, with the chemical symbol
P. It is a non metallic element. Not present in a natural form. Although can be
extracted and stored in oil.
Plants require Phosphorus to produce a healthy
root system
Potassium
This is the 19th element in the periodic table with the chemical symbol K.
The Latin name is Kalium and is a silvery white metal although
oxidises easily. See more on Potassium
Potash is responsible for making plants hardy
and for setting fruit.
Growmore
Growmore contains a ratio of 7-7-7 see more.
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fertiliser
listed on this website
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Web Resources
Google definition of a NPK.
Book Resources
The chemical elements are part of the information that can be remembered by using
the techniques learnt in
Master Your Memory by Tony Buzan ISBN0563487003
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