NPK fertilizers contain the three most important nutrients for plants: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Together, they promote healthy growth, strong roots, abundant flowering and increased plant resilience.
Nitrogen is the fuel for a plant's growth. Without sufficient nitrogen, a plant grows more slowly and its leaves may turn yellow. With an adequate supply of nitrogen, the plant develops strong growth and a deep green colour.
Phosphorus is essential for root development. It also promotes flowering and fruit formation.
Potassium supports the overall health of plants. It promotes strong growth, improves water uptake and use, and contributes to higher yields and better product quality. Sufficient potassium also helps plants withstand stress conditions such as drought and cold.
Magnesium supports healthy plant growth. It promotes chlorophyll formation, gives plants a deep green colour and helps them make optimal use of nutrients and sunlight.
Sulphur is an essential nutrient for plants. It supports protein formation and healthy plant growth. Due to significantly reduced air pollution, plants receive much less sulphur from the atmosphere than in the past. As a result, an adequate sulphur supply has become increasingly important for optimal growth and nutrient uptake.
Sodium is an essential mineral for animals. It supports various bodily functions, including fluid balance, nerve impulses and muscle function. In addition, sodium contributes to the palatability of forage crops, encouraging better feed intake by animals.
Calcium contributes to a strong cell structure and plays a key role in the structural development of the plant.
Calcium also plays an important role in the soil. It helps improve soil structure, making water, air and nutrients more readily available to plants. Liming helps increase soil pH and promotes soil life, allowing plants to absorb nutrients more efficiently.
For acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons and heathers, liming is generally not recommended or should be limited, as these plants thrive in acidic soil.
Soil life refers to all living organisms in the soil, such as bacteria, fungi, earthworms and other small soil organisms. These natural helpers break down organic matter and convert it into nutrients that plants can absorb.
Active and healthy soil life contributes to fertile soil, improved soil structure and more efficient uptake of water and nutrients. As a result, plants grow stronger, stay healthier and are more resilient to drought and other forms of stress.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. Using water, carbon dioxide (CO₂) and chlorophyll, plants produce the nutrients needed for their growth, while simultaneously releasing oxygen into the environment.
Humification is the natural process by which organic matter, such as plant residues, compost, and organic fertilisers, is converted into humus.
Humus is the stable end product of the decomposition of organic matter in the soil. It is formed when plant residues, compost, and other organic materials are broken down by soil organisms into a dark, nutrient-rich substance.
Humus is essential for healthy and fertile soil. It improves soil structure, increases the soil's ability to retain water, and helps make nutrients available to plants. In addition, humus stimulates soil life and supports strong, sustainable plant growth.
Microorganisms are microscopic living organisms that occur naturally in the soil, such as bacteria, fungi and yeasts. Although they are invisible to the naked eye, they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy and fertile soil.
A mineral fertiliser contains nutrients that are directly available to plants. This allows plants to quickly absorb and use these nutrients for their growth, flowering and development.
Mineralisation is the natural process by which organic matter, such as compost, plant residues, and organic fertilisers, is broken down by soil organisms into nutrients that plants can directly absorb.
The neutralising value indicates how effectively a liming product can increase soil pH. The higher the neutralising value, the more effective the product is at correcting acidic soils and creating more favourable conditions for plant growth.
A suitable pH improves nutrient availability to plants and supports active soil life. The neutralising value therefore helps to compare different liming products and provides an indication of their effectiveness in the soil.
An organic fertiliser is a fertiliser based on natural raw materials of plant or animal origin. Unlike mineral fertilisers, the nutrients are not immediately available to plants. They first need to be converted by microorganisms in the soil into nutrients that plants can absorb.
Organic fertilisers contribute to the formation of humus, improve soil structure and increase the soil’s water-holding capacity. This creates healthy and fertile soil in which plants can grow sustainably.
Organic matter consists of plant and animal residues in various stages of decomposition. Examples include compost, leaves, roots, manure, and other natural materials that become incorporated into the soil.
Soil acidity, also known as pH, indicates whether a soil is acidic, neutral, or alkaline. The pH level has a major influence on nutrient availability and the activity of soil life.
A soil with the right pH allows plants to absorb nutrients more efficiently and develop optimally. If the soil is too acidic or too alkaline, certain nutrients may become less available, even when present in sufficient quantities. Maintaining the correct pH is therefore essential for healthy soil and strong plant growth.
Protects nutrients against leaching and volatilisation.
Improves nutrient uptake.
Slows down nitrogen conversion, keeping nutrients available for longer and reducing leaching.
Promotes enzymatic activity in the soil, resulting in improved nitrogen and phosphate uptake.