Fertilizers contain three primary nutrients
- Nitrogen (N)
- Phosphorus (P)
- Potassium (K)
Labels show the ratios of N-P-K (in order) included in the bag of fertilizer. Since phosphorus is the most important nutrient for root development, it is the highest number in a bag of a starter fertilizer. Once the roots are established, nitrogen becomes the most important nutrient for the growth of the aboveground parts. When to applyApply a starter fertilizer before turf establishment and incorporate it to a depth of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 8 cm). If you had your soil professionally tested, the lab will provide guidance on what to apply. How much to applyIt is recommended that no more than 1 pound of N and at least 1 pound of P per 1000 sq. ft. be applied to the root zone at the time of planting. |
Types of starter fertilizers and application rates |
Fertilizer
(N-P-K) |
Application rate
(lb. per 1000 sq. ft.) |
5-10-5 |
20 |
16-20-0 |
6 |
10-20-10 |
10 |
5-20-10 |
20 |
The three numbers on a fertilizer label indicate the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (in that order) in the formulation. For example in the table above, applying 20 pounds of a 5-10-5 fertilizer would contain 1 pound of nitrogen, 2 pounds of phosphorus, and 1 pound of potassium. |