Plants require a variety of nutrients to grow. Sunlight, air, and water provide some of the essentials like carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Many other macronutrients, however, come from the soil. Fertilizing once or twice a year as part of your lawn care schedule will ensure your soil receives any nutrients it’s lacking to help it remain green and lush. Learn more about what these nutrients do in the following guide.

How Do Fertilizer Nutrients Factor Into Lawn Care?

1. Nitrogen

Plants absorb more nitrogen than any other element. Unfortunately, it’s not abundant in most soils, and if lawns can’t get enough, they can’t create enough proteins, which are the building blocks of tissue. Plants need protein to continue to grow, reproduce, and perform basic metabolic processes. Many times, nitrogen deficiency is a direct cause of plant death. 

2. Phosphorous

Plants need phosphorous to capture the sun’s energy and convert it into useful plant compounds. This mineral is also a vital component in DNA and RNA structures.

If a plant has a phosphorous deficiency, it won’t be able to complete its production cycle normally, which could affect root and seed development and make the plant more susceptible to disease. 

3. Potassium

After nitrogen, potassium is the most important plant nutrient. It plays a role in proper development and several biochemical reactions and will affect the plant’s final shape, size, color, and taste.

Potassium is essential for opening and closing the plant’s stomata to regulate carbon dioxide uptake. It also ensures other vital nutrients along with water are transported from the roots to the stems and leaves. 

Keep your grass and plants healthy and vibrant with the help of Ohana Nui Landscape. For over 15 years, these landscape contractors have provided skilled lawn care services to Ewa Beach, HI, and the surrounding Oahu communities. Their Landscape Industry Certified Technicians handle everything from general yard maintenance to turf installation. Call them today at (808) 218-3612 to receive a quote, and visit their website to learn more about their services.