Nutrient ions and soil work similar to magnets - positives repel and negatives attract. Learn how negatively charged clay and organic matter interact with positively charged nutrient ions such as hydrogen, calcium, magnesium and potassium to provide nutrients to plants.

Find detailed instructions on how to read a fertilizer label for ideal application and optimal results. Typical fertilizer label Information includes fertilizer analysis or grade, guaranteed analysis, nitrogen sources, fertilizer ratio, available phosphoric acid and soluble potash, and other plant food elements and their source.

Turfgrass areas that require treatment are generally much smaller than those treated in agriculture. So measurements, calculations, and directions must be followed as closely as possible when applying fertilizer to avoid overuse of the nutrients. Here we explain how to calculate area measurements and determine fertilizer applications for different size plots when directions are given only for large acreages.