Phosphorus is included in most plant life foods and fertilizers because it help oneself germinate plant roots and improve rosiness production and sizing . Plant foods with high-pitched phosphorus content can help when dirt has plenty of the other major nutrient but lack phosphorus , or when a plant life has especially high morning star penury .
Function
Plants ask high amounts of phosphorus because it is essential to work up their transmitted material and helps plants store and exaltation nutrients quickly . When nutrition transport happens rapidly , the plant is free to grow rich blooms , push roots further into the ground quicker , and develop quickly overall . This is one of the reason that high - atomic number 15 plant foods and fertilizers are often labeled " bloom - boosters . "
Types
On a flora solid food or fertilizer label , there are three numbers furcate by dash . Phosphorus is the middle number . Therefore , if the middle number is higher than the other two numbers , then it is a high - morning star plant food . High - phosphorus works foods come in liquid state or granular conformation . The form does not involve how well the plant food is absorbed , so long as it is applied correctly . gritty fertilizer and os repast are well mixed into the planting medium before planting , while fluent plant food should be apply after the plant is install . Guano and rock orthophosphate are other organic phosphorus sources , but guano sometimes has a higher nitrogen content .
Benefits
one-year flowers and annual fruit , seed , and root crops benefit most from high morning star plant foods , since they have only a year to absorb , rapture and use nutrients before the last of their life . Perennial flowering plants and crops that are valued for their blooms or fruits benefit from an software program of high - phosphorus plant foods , but take tending when re - apply . Phosphorus does not percolate through the soil the way that nitrogen does , so test the soil before reapplying .
Warning
Repeat applications of P , whether organic or chemical , can harm your plants . Too much daystar in the soil locks up atomic number 30 and iron , which constitute need to live . It can take several years for phosphorus to stabilise in the soil so that it no longer inhibits zinc and iron . Excess Lucifer on the open of grunge can also wash down into nearby clear weewee , where it further the growth of weeds and algae . try out your grease every two to three years to verify you are not overfertilizing your garden .
Alternatives
Using balanced plant life food or switch to well - rotted manures and compost provides plants not only their phosphorus needs , but also nitrogen , phosphorus , trace nutrient , secure soil structure and gamy beneficial bug action . To help your plants modernise healthy roots and bountiful flush , set them in ample , well - enfeeble grease in a gay location . Rotate crop and annual flowerbeds with plant that do not command as much P so you will not need to utilize gamey phosphorus plant foods as often .
