Introduction to 8-24-24 NPK Fertilizer: When and How To Use It

Fertilizers play a significant role in promoting plant growth and development. While organic fertilizers provide the plants with the required nutrients and improve the soil by increasing the amount of organic matter, improving drainage and water retention, granulated NPK fertilizers also play an important role in growing strong and healthy plants and increasing the yield.

8-24-24 NPK fertilizer is a specific formulation that contains 8% nitrogen, 24% phosphorus, and 24% potassium. This type of fertilizer is ideal for certain types of plants at certain growth stages, and when used correctly, it can promote healthy plant growth, especially flowering and bearing fruits, and in the end, improve the harvest.

Published: March 7, 2023.

8-24-24 NPK Fertilizer Formulation

As its label suggests, 8-24-24 NPK fertilizer contains:

• 8% nitrogen,
• 24% phosphorus,
• 24% potassium.

Nitrogen usually comes from ammonia or urea, phosphorus usually comes from phosphate (P₂0₅), and potassium from potash (K₂O).

Other microelements, including iron, manganese, sulfur, copper, zinc, etc., can also be present.

NPK fertilizers are soluble in water and are available to plants quickly after application. However, if possible, always use NPK fertilizers with a gradual release of nutrients - such fertilizers feed the plants over a longer period of time with more constant amounts of nutrients, with almost no danger of causing root burns.

When to use 8-24-24 NPK Fertilizer

The ideal time to use 8-24-24 NPK fertilizer depends on the type of plant you are growing. This type of fertilizer is ideal for plants that are in the flowering or fruiting stage.

For example, if you are growing tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, or strawberries, you can apply fertilizer when the plants start to flower or just before that.

The high phosphorus content in the fertilizer promotes root growth, flower formation, and fruit development, while the high potassium content helps improve the fruits' quality and flavor.

Another group of plants that benefit from 8-24-24 NPK fertilizer are trees. When planting trees, you can apply fertilizer to the soil around the roots.

This will help the tree to establish a strong root system and promote healthy growth. Additionally, legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils also benefit from this fertilizer, as they can fix nitrogen from the air and do not require as much nitrogen from the soil.

How To Use 8-24-24 NPK Fertilizer

Before using 8-24-24 NPK fertilizer, it is important to test the soil pH to ensure it is within the optimal range for the plants you are growing. If the pH is too low or too high, it can affect the availability of nutrients in the soil.

Also, a soil test is needed to determine the amounts of the most important nutrients available to plants. Personally, if the plants are growing huge but weak and prone to pests and diseases, there is too much nitrogen in the soil.

If the root system is small and weak, the soil is too hard (clay soil, for example), too dry, or the phosphorus (and some potassium) is missing.

If the plants can't flower properly and the fruits are small, bad looking, potassium (and some phosphorus) is missing.

Once you have confirmed the pH level and the amounts of nutrients, You can apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plants.

When applying 8-24-24 NPK fertilizer, it is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully.

Over-fertilization can lead to root burns, the leaves may turn yellow or brown, and the plants may even die. To avoid this, it is recommended to apply the fertilizer in small amounts and spread it evenly around the plants. You can also water the plants after applying the fertilizer to help the fertilizer dissolve into the soil.

What Plants Prefer Low Nitrogen Fertilizers

While some plants require high levels of nitrogen to grow, others prefer low-nitrogen fertilizers.

Plants such as legumes, succulents, cacti, and herbs prefer low-nitrogen fertilizers as they do not require as much nitrogen to grow. Using high-nitrogen fertilizers on these plants can lead to excessive leaf growth, making them weak and vulnerable to pests and diseases.

Also, plants like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, strawberries, and similar require soil rich in organic matter, microelements and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but the requirements change during the growing season.

Additionally, high-nitrogen fertilizers can lead to excess leafy growth in crops such as lettuce and spinach, which can reduce the quality of the crop.

Few Final Words

Winter/early spring soil preparation is very important - one adds aged manure, pellets of dried manure, worm castings, organic compost, and other organic material, add some balanced NPK fertilizer (for example, 10-10-10 or 15-15-15), and mix it with soil thoroughly - run a rototiller once or twice over the garden patch, mix everything and remove roots, weeds, and other debris. In such soil, most berries, veggies, and flowers will grow strong and healthy.

However, in certain situations, 8-24-24 NPK fertilizer is a valuable tool for gardeners and farmers looking to promote healthy plant growth and development.

By understanding when and how to use this fertilizer, You can improve the quality of the soil (amount of required nutrients) and increase the yield of your crops.

Always follow the instructions on the label carefully and test the soil before applying the fertilizer. With the right application, 8-24-24 NPK fertilizer can help you grow healthy, thriving plants bearing numerous fruits.