Fertilizer Calculations for Horticultural Enterprises Dustin Blakey County Extension Agent Agriculture

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N P205 K20 Nitrogen Phosphate Potash Numbers indicate % of product by weight that is the nutrient. % = X * 0.01 Amount of X applied = Amount of fertilizer applied * % of X Example: A 50 lbs sack of 6-6-18 fertilizer applied means actually you are putting out 3 lbs N (50 lbs * 0.06 =3 lbs), as well as 3 lbs P2O5, and 9 lbs K2O. Amount of fertilizer to apply = Amount of fertilizer desired % of X Example: You want to apply 3 lbs of N using 6-6-18. 3 lbs 0.06 = 50 lbs of 6-6-18. P & K are always listed in oxide form (P205 & K20) for esoteric reasons. Granular fertilizer recommendations from U of A use the oxide form. Recommendations from other sources are sometimes given in terms of elemental form, for fertigation. Here are the conversions: To convert P2O5 P : P2O5 2.3 To convert K20 K : K20 1.12 To convert P P2O5 : P * 2.3 To convert K K2O : K * 1.12

Considerations when Calculating & Converting Fertilizers o Always begin any fertilizer calculations or conversion with the most limiting nutrient. This is the one you can use the least of. o Due to nutrient regulations phosphorous applications cannot legally exceed the protected rate; therefore P2O5 must always be the limiting element in calculations o Greenhouse crop recommendations are usually given in PPM (parts per million) fertilizer solution of elemental forms o When making a substitution, try to use a product with the same ratio as the recommended fertilizer o Be aware that different commercial fertilizers have can affect the soil reaction (pH) differently o If you use organic fertilizers, calculate their inputs first, as they are usually high enough in P that their use will be the limiting factor

How to Substitute Fertilizers in Nutrient Surplus Areas Although U of A soil lab results will recommend a specific fertilizer, some products are not always available or you may have another on hand. Here is how to convert between the two: Method 1: Recommended fertilizer and your product have the same ratio of nutrients (1:1:1, 2:1:3, 1:0:2, etc.) Example: 13-13-13 and 20-20-20 both have the ratio 1:1:1. Amount needed of different fertilizer = X * A B
Where: X = amount of recommended fertilizer A= Any non-zero number from recommended fertilizer B = The same number from the different fertilizer

Method 2: Recommended fertilizer and your product are different ratios: 13-13-13 vs. 66-18 (1:1:1 vs. 1:1:3). Use the worksheets below to find conversion. Worksheet 1: Substitute fertilizer
A. B. C. D. E. F. G. Amount of recommended fertilizer: ____________ lbs P2O5 in product recommended: ____________ P2O5 in substitute product: ____________ If B is 0 and C is not 0: STOP! You cannot use B legally. If B and C are both 0, go to step H. Divide B by C: BC = ____________ Multiply A by F: A*F= ____________ This is the amount needed of the substitute fertilizer.

Worksheet 2: Excess/deficiency of N & K To make up deficiencies in N & K, you will need a second product. Worksheet assumes ammonium nitrate (34-0-0) and potash (0-0-60) are used to make up any deficiencies. This step is optional, but ensures a comparable blend to the recommendation.
Begin Here

Nitrogen (N)
H. I. J. K. L. M. N. O.

Potash (K2O)

P. Q. R.

Amt in product recommended 100: N1100=____________ K1100=____________ Amt in substitute product 100 N2100=____________ K2100=____________ If G is blank, skip to P Multiply A by H A*H= ____________ A*H= ____________ Multiply G by I. G*I= ____________ G*I= ____________ This is how much you have already added of that nutrient. Subtract L from K. K-L= ____________ K-L= ____________ If M less than or equal to 0, STOP! You have applied enough already. Multiply M by 3 M*3= ____________ M*53 ____________ This is how much 34-0-0 (Ammonium Nitrate) or 0-0-60 (K2O) to add to blend. STOP! Divide H by I HI = ____________ HI = ____________ Multiply P by A P*A= ____________ P*A= ____________ Enter the amount of N on line Q into G

Note: not all lines will be filled in.