BASIC GUIDE TO AGRICULTURE INTRODUCTION Most fertilizers carry an NPK. Some fertilizers do not carry an NPK. E.g.

: Urea, TSP, SOA, MOP

N P

NITROGEN (Leaves) PHOSPHORUS (Roots) POTASSIUM (Flowering& Bearing)

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT FERTILIZER? The NPK of tells you the major purpose (s) of a fertilizer. The highest number in the NPK will tell you which fertilizer is best suited for your plant. E.g. For young plants use a fertilizer where the phosphorus content is the highest figure in the NPK formula. (E.g. 12-24-12, 10-52-10) There are two types of fertilizers available: Water soluble and granular Water soluble fertilizers- these fertilizers are disolved in water and then applied to the plant. This mixture allows for the nutrients to be immediately absorbed through the leaves of the plant. (E.g. 30-1010, 5-5-45) Granular fertilizers- this type of fertilizer is applied around the root of the plant. They are a slow release, working over a period of two weeks. The nutrients are absorbes from the root of the plant, and travel upwards to the leaves. (13-13-21, 15-5-20+ TE)

There are fertilizers that do not have a compound NPK ratio. These fertilizers are straight nutrients. These include Urea, Potash and TSP.

UREA POTASH TSP

46-0-0 This is good for promoting healthy, green foliage.

0-0-60 This is for flowering and bearing. It helps to strengthen flower buds and increase the yield of crops. 0-46-0 This pushes roots in young plants. if you have stong roots, you will have a healthy plant.

There are fertilizers that can be used throughout the lifespan of your plant regardless of variety or stage. These are known as all purpose fertilizers (E.g. Miracle Gro, Phostrogen, Blaukorn:12-12-17+2) Nutrex:20-20-20 is a balanced fertilizer. It can also be used as an all purpose fertilizer. Some fertilizers carry trace elements (TE). These are additional nutrients that most NPK formulas do not carry. (E.g. Magnesium) trace elements are essential to the overall well being of your plant.

In agriculture we turn to chemicals for the control of pests and diseases. Chemicals can fall into two categoies: Contact and systemic.

CONTACT
SYSTEMIC

Immediate results Re-entry: 5-7 days

Residual effects Re-entry: 10-14 days

ALWAYS DISPOSE OF INFECTED FRUITS FROM YOUR GARDEN. NON-REMOVAL CAN CAUSE FURTHER INFECTION TO THE REST OF YOUR PLANTS. You must ALWAYS practice the proper protective methods of application when using fertilizers and chemicals. These protective measures include but are not limited to: Chemical gloves Respirators Long sleeve clothing Boots Safety glasses/ Goggles PLEASE WASH HANDS IMMEDIATELY AFTER USING CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS