Fertilizers enhance the growth of plants. That goal is accomplished in two ways, the traditional one being additives that provide nutrients. The second mode by which fertilizers act is to enhance the effectiveness of the soil by modifying its water retention and aeration.
When it comes to selecting fertilizer for root growth, there are several options. Some plants need an extra boost to establish roots and some need a more solidified structure for root growth. Consider these options when choosing a fertilizer for root growth:
- Go Natural: Having a natural source of potassium or phosphorous is good for root growth. They release nutrients gradually which helps encourage root development for a period of time, usually a few weeks. Things like kelp and wood ashes are good sources for potassium and bone meal is high in phosphorous. Overall, using a natural fertilizer for root growth will have long term benefits. Conservative estimates report 30 to 50 percent of crop yields are attributed to natural or synthetic fertilizer.
To absorb phosphorous, most plants require a soil pH of 6.5 to 6.8. - Stimulate: Root growth stimulators such as Vitamin B1 and plant hormones can also be good ingredients in fertilizer. IBA and Vitamin B1 combined together stimulates root development and encourages growth by 30 percent in most species of plants and 50 percent in hardwood plants and trees.
IBA has been in use for more than 70 years, but has almost exclusively been used with root cuttings and associated with applications to enhance root generation. IBA increases the rate of growth in young plants while simultaneously reducing the mortality rate in seedlings by up to 60 percent.
Plant hormones, also called auxins, are goof for lateral root development, or horizontal rooting that secures plants to soil, but they can also harm seedlings that don’t need as much lateral root development. They can also act as a root enhancer for established plants and trees. - Go Commercial: Agricultural and chemical minerals are very important in industrial use of fertilizer, which is valued at $200 billion. Commercial fertilizer for root growth has a N-P-K ratio, which indicates the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. A good fertilizer for root growth has more potassium and phosphorous than nitrogen. For example, a 3-20-20 fertilizer contains three percent nitrogen and 20 percent each of potassium and phosphorus. A low nitrogen fertilizer will help promote fruiting, rooting, flowering and increases growth.
If you’re wondering what type of fertilizer might work best for your needs, Gardners Supply Company can teach you the fertilizer basics and give break down which nutrients plants need to survive whether you’re looking to maintain trees or plants.